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Hunting
The Basics, Starting Out
Noob question on BDC reticles
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<blockquote data-quote="entoptics" data-source="post: 1692693" data-attributes="member: 104268"><p>Turret/reticle combinations are always a compromise.</p><p></p><p>There are many scopes with ranging reticles that don't have exposed turrets, but you are correct about the dangers of a turret getting moved while toting your rifle around.</p><p></p><p>Also, to clarify terminology, BDC usually indicates "Ballistic Drop Compensation". These are usually tailored for some generic drop profile in yards/meters (e.g "Hold here at 300, here at 400, etc"). These are distinct from "Measuring" or "graduated" reticles, which ignore ballistic information, and simply have angular measurements (MOA or Mils) etched in the reticle (e.g. "The distance between hashes is always 1 MOA"). I personally am not a fan of BDC types, as they are usually a "one size fits none" compromise in my opinion. MOA/MIL reticles are universal and more versatile.</p><p></p><p>The reason for exposed turrets on any scope is the speed for adjustment. IMO, shooting at longer ranges requires adjustments that are more precise than a BDC, or even graduated reticles, can provide.</p><p></p><p>For example, in 264, 7mm, and 300 mags (flat shooters by all accounts), the difference in drop from 480 to 500 yds is about 4 inches. Doesn't sound like much, but that's half your vital zone on a deer. Guessing between BDC holdovers, or portions of graduations in a measuring reticle is not precise enough for my taste. Throwing three clicks on the turret is. The problem only gets worse the further out you go.</p><p></p><p>Anyway, as mentioned, everything is a compromise. For many shooters, the dangers of bumped turrets are outweighed by the ability to make rapid, on the spot, adjustments to ensure the most precise shot placement. On the other hand, holdovers are fine at relatively close distances, so it all depends on what your goal is.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="entoptics, post: 1692693, member: 104268"] Turret/reticle combinations are always a compromise. There are many scopes with ranging reticles that don't have exposed turrets, but you are correct about the dangers of a turret getting moved while toting your rifle around. Also, to clarify terminology, BDC usually indicates "Ballistic Drop Compensation". These are usually tailored for some generic drop profile in yards/meters (e.g "Hold here at 300, here at 400, etc"). These are distinct from "Measuring" or "graduated" reticles, which ignore ballistic information, and simply have angular measurements (MOA or Mils) etched in the reticle (e.g. "The distance between hashes is always 1 MOA"). I personally am not a fan of BDC types, as they are usually a "one size fits none" compromise in my opinion. MOA/MIL reticles are universal and more versatile. The reason for exposed turrets on any scope is the speed for adjustment. IMO, shooting at longer ranges requires adjustments that are more precise than a BDC, or even graduated reticles, can provide. For example, in 264, 7mm, and 300 mags (flat shooters by all accounts), the difference in drop from 480 to 500 yds is about 4 inches. Doesn't sound like much, but that's half your vital zone on a deer. Guessing between BDC holdovers, or portions of graduations in a measuring reticle is not precise enough for my taste. Throwing three clicks on the turret is. The problem only gets worse the further out you go. Anyway, as mentioned, everything is a compromise. For many shooters, the dangers of bumped turrets are outweighed by the ability to make rapid, on the spot, adjustments to ensure the most precise shot placement. On the other hand, holdovers are fine at relatively close distances, so it all depends on what your goal is. [/QUOTE]
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