Reticle choices duplex or hashmark lines?
- Thread starter 45C
- Start date
Dialing and BDC reticle (Hashmark lines) are not meant to go together as they do not compliment one another. The idea of having a BDC reticle negates the need to dial. If you want to dial then a duplex and a custom cut elevation turret (similar to the Leupold CDS system) or a "dope sheet" developed from a sight like JBM Ballistics for your load works great.Choose one or the other.
Pretty much this. If you're dialing, there is no reason to have a BDC reticle, unless you think you'll be in situations where you don't have time to dial. If you go the dope sheet route don't forget to test/confirm the numbers if you're using a ballistic calculator to get them. Don't want to miss a shot because one of the variables you put into the calculator was off (Manufacturers used to be really bad about lying about how high their BCs were for instance. I think its getting better but still I wouldn't wholly trust a published BC.)
I use both methods, depends on which gun and what the intended use/purpose is. Each method has it`s positives and negatives. The big thing as Suther said is to test/confirm at various ranges and record it. The more you test and confirm the better it will work.
Never thought to use a Christmas tree reticle that way. I guess it makes sense if you wanted to use multiple loads in one rifle without messing with zero.
I've been using a simple BDC reticle for a few years. I like it, but I want to try the custom dial approach, feels more precise. I want a Leupold vx-5 next time i upgrade the scope on my primary hunting rifle, but that's probably years away yet.
not if you are running off of DOPE, and it's silly to think any modern scope will really track that badly.
Is it? I`ve had Nikons, Vortex and Leupolds that wouldn`t pass the tracking box test. I do not own any Nikons or Vortex now and all my Leupolds have BDC reticles. The dope sheet is the easy part, a computer and lots of testing is the key to that. Zeiss, Nightforce, Weaver & Burris handle the dialing. Just my experience and my preference, each to his own.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
I think there is some conflating of BDC reticles and a MIL/MOA hashmark reticle. A MIL/MOA reticle can be easily used in conjunction with dialing to your target range. When you are dialing to your range there is always a chance that you are dealing with a bad reading from a laser. If you see your impact is 3 minutes or 4 mils or whatever low, then you can quickly adjust up to the 3 MOA hashmark, if the name of the game is getting that second shot off as quickly as possible.
Horus style reticles are a whole different breed of cat. I've never fooled with one, but I'd like to have a month off and a place on the prairies where I could play at long range with one.
Horus style reticles are a whole different breed of cat. I've never fooled with one, but I'd like to have a month off and a place on the prairies where I could play at long range with one.
brownbear53
CGN Regular
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
This ^^^
Although if you're looking at a optic that has BDC/pre measured markings (eg: Vortex diamondback tactical EBR2C reticle)
It is normally done in a way where you can use the reticle or hash marks to adjust for hold overs and windage when shooting, but in the event that you have your rifle bench rested and cannot be moved easily, you can use the turrets to adjust for it too.
brownbear53
CGN Regular
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
BDC reticles are not ready to use out of the box, they have many factors that affect use, load type, bullet weight, wind, elevation, barrel length.
Once installed the shooter needs to actually work out their POI based on the BDC.
eg, just because velocity math said it should drop 3 moa at a certain distance, it may not be true for your case, you may need a 4 moa holdover for the same POI.
Once the true BDC to range relationship is figured out, running a BDC is easy, and can be adapted to different ammo very easily.
my flip covers actually have a small piece of paper on the inside indication MOA-Range calculations that I can glance at for my most commonly used ammo type
When I use the 'Tree' reticle I make note of POI for various ammo flavours, by just shooting 5-10 and noting the group size. If I plan to use a certain ammo for 'extended firing' I will Zero the cross-hair for that, and note the turret settings. If I'm lucky, I'll have the 'old notes' on my phone so I don't have to fire a bunch to 'find' the Zero. I'm currently using SK Magazine for ca 10 fouling shots before firing the 'test ammo'. It gives a fairly accurate POI And adds the SK LUBE to the barrel. I'm almost out of SK flavours and now switching to Eleys since there were a good bit avail @ tenda around the Holidays.
Not for me. I like the Leupold TMR reticle (basically mil dot type). It's got just enough info to be useful. I dial elevation and hold wind so that combo works well. Hashmarks are also handy for zeroing and correcting shots at distance. I've never used a BDC reticle, they just don't seem flexible enough once you start changing velocities, etc. I've tried some christmas tree type reticles but a little too busy for me.
