Question for Ballistic App Users

[LRNut]

Why is anyone in this day and age using a phone ballistic app instead of a RF with an app like AB? I was shooting my .308 Win yesterday at 500 yards and I admit that I use Ballistic AE on my iPhone- but only because I already have too many profiles in my SIG 10K. I shoot that .308 at 500 yards or less and so I don't have to constantly change environmental conditions (my 500 yard hold is 3.0 mils on a hot day and 3.1 on a cold day) - I use Ballistic AE for a wind solution - but having shot that gun at the same range for 20 years, I really don't even need that.

Since I bought my first SIG RF with AB, I have relegated phone apps pretty much to the dust bin. Switching altitudes (my CO place is at 8750), going from cold to hot, wind and aerodynamic jump, etc. is just too much to input in a phone app. I upgraded my Kestrel to the elite version, but honestly, it is just an expensive anemometer at this point.

So my big question: is anyone using a phone app preferentially over an integrated RF such as SIG 10K, Revic, Leica, etc? If so, why? What is the advantage? I understand some users might not have an integrated RF for cost reasons; I am curious if anyone with a recent model RF with integrated ballistics such as AB is still using a phone solution.

 

[Eagleman Long Range]

Most of us here at Barbourcreek use eagle ballistics phone app

 

[LRNut]

Most of us here at Barbourcreek use eagle ballistics phone app

Instead of integrated RFs? Why? What advantage does it have over a SIG 10K? I hunt a lot with guides and they have told me some real horror stories about guys using their phones. One in particular near Sheridan WY might ring a bell for you.

 

[Jeff Haugland]

It looks like the Sig 10 K is $2700 . If so that's probably why the phone app is so popular?

 

[asd9055]

Instead of integrated RFs? Why? What advantage does it have over a SIG 10K? I hunt a lot with guides and they have told me some real horror stories about guys using their phones. One in particular near Sheridan WY might ring a bell for you.

States are slowly regulating laser range finding optics. Some have already made it illegal. Having an app instead, you can get around that. As long as you have a way to estimate the range. Just like the old techniques of using your scope to estimate range

 

[Jeff Haugland]

What states have made rangefinders illegal?

 

[Eagleman Long Range]

Why is anyone in this day and age using a phone ballistic app instead of a RF with an app like AB? I was shooting my .308 Win yesterday at 500 yards and I admit that I use Ballistic AE on my iPhone- but only because I already have too many profiles in my SIG 10K. I shoot that .308 at 500 yards or less and so I don't have to constantly change environmental conditions (my 500 yard hold is 3.0 mils on a hot day and 3.1 on a cold day) - I use Ballistic AE for a wind solution - but having shot that gun at the same range for 20 years, I really don't even need that.

Since I bought my first SIG RF with AB, I have relegated phone apps pretty much to the dust bin. Switching altitudes (my CO place is at 8750), going from cold to hot, wind and aerodynamic jump, etc. is just too much to input in a phone app. I upgraded my Kestrel to the elite version, but honestly, it is just an expensive anemometer at this point.

So my big question: is anyone using a phone app preferentially over an integrated RF such as SIG 10K, Revic, Leica, etc? If so, why? What is the advantage? I understand some users might not have an integrated RF for cost reasons; I am curious if anyone with a recent model RF with integrated ballistics such as AB is still using a phone solution.

With the app, you can be more accurate on wind, especially if using rain and mirage or also having it connected to an ultrasonic or a Bluetooth Wind Meter of course many rangefinders will hook to Eagle Ballistics app, including the revic rangefinders some of the vortex and a few others
Most Rangefinder's limit to a 1 mile an hour error for wind where with the app you can be more accurate on when calls

 

[asd9055]

I actually read it in this forum but can't remember now

 

[Koda_]

Phone apps work just as good and are easier to view in the field.

 

[LRNut]

It looks like the Sig 10 K is $2700 . If so that's probably why the phone app is so popular?

That is a legitimate reason. So far, none of the others make a lot of sense. If I am not sure if the wind is 5 or 6, I get the drift for both and split the difference. Phone apps are not easier to see than a display on your RF. If RFs are made illegal, you have no business shooting past about 500 yards (I am an old guy who had quite a few custom stadia wire reticles built back in the 80s - anything past 500 was really pushing it for the simple fact animals don't come in one size and bracketing the animal perfectly is not a given). A difference of 1" on an antelope back to brisket results in a 33 yard range estimation error - enough to have a reasonable chance of missing.

 

[asd9055]

So far, if you search on this forum, range finding sopes are banned in a few states. I am not sure about stand alone rangefinders.

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/states-where-burris-eliminator-is-illegal.190211/

 

[ArmaHeavy]

I use a ballistic RF in scenarios where no wind call is needed or when I can do a quick wind call in my head. I pair that RF with the Hornady app when I need to make a wind call. Why?

Because the button functionality/menus are a PITA when inputting wind into ALL three of ballistic RFs I've used. I can do it in 5 seconds on my Hornady app. Takes more time with the RF, especially if adrenaline is up and fingers are cold.

 

[Eagleman Long Range]

I use both
They work together
Revic or vortex rangefinder with Eagle Ballistics app
For binos Revic 10
For Mono I like the Vortex razor 4000 GB and the revic br4

 

[Greyfox]

I keep a ballistics app(GeoBallistics) in my I-phone that matches the outputs of my RF…but it's used for analytics, not field use……,My go-to for LRH and PRS/etc.is the Revic BR4. Outstanding performance, and, fast/easy wind controls.