Tales of the BDC {bullet drop compensator}

Rohann said:
+1. But even better than that are modern mil-based reticles, such as the TMR; less unneeded math ability and simplicity.

-Rohann
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For folks like me that learned the old Kentucky Hold over method, it is an improvement on memorizing specks of dirt on the scope, or judging the distance by the height of the target against height of my front sight post. :D

I can hardly wait to get my SKS/AK scope...WOOT!
ww w.kalinkaoptics.com/detail.aspx?ID=323
 
A laser RF and drop charts or ballistic tapes are the best way to go IMHO.

A BDC is OK out to certain distances with a given load, this ALL changes the minute the temperature, elevation and load or bullet change. A BDC from leupold is somewhere in the $200 range and that becomes totally useless as these variables change.

I am not saying one must carry around their PalmPilot and ballistics tables with them in the bush to take 250 yard shots on mule deer but even the BDC has many shortcomings, especially at extended ranges where some might consider them longrange.

Ivo
 
A laser RF and drop charts or ballistic tapes are the best way to go IMHO.
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Only if you have actually verified those charts by shooting your gun and load at the given distances.

A BDC is OK out to certain distances with a given load, this ALL changes the minute the temperature, elevation and load or bullet change.
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Then again the charts also change with altitude and temperature.
 
From the looks of some big dollar scopes, BDC's are making a come back. I guess for the forces where ammo/rifle is pretty much set, the ballistics are 'close' enough to engage targets.

A combination of reticle and BDC confirmed with a rangefinder (or very careful use of the reticle) is ideal for this type of setup.

The BDC turrents I have seen also had normal hash marks on them so that fine adjustments using 'clicks' could be made. They are also allowing one to dial from 100yds to a very long ways in one rotation - that is nice.

I personally use the rangefinder, drop chart, reg. turrent as I am always changing my loads. Much easier to account for any changes.

Jerry
 
mysticplayer said:
From the looks of some big dollar scopes, BDC's are making a come back. I guess for the forces where ammo/rifle is pretty much set, the ballistics are 'close' enough to engage targets.

A combination of reticle and BDC confirmed with a rangefinder (or very careful use of the reticle) is ideal for this type of setup.

The BDC turrents I have seen also had normal hash marks on them so that fine adjustments using 'clicks' could be made. They are also allowing one to dial from 100yds to a very long ways in one rotation - that is nice.

I personally use the rangefinder, drop chart, reg. turrent as I am always changing my loads. Much easier to account for any changes.

Jerry
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to what Jerry said, I would just add that most BDC intended for serious use are usually in low power magnification.
 
stubblejumper said:
Only if you have actually verified those charts by shooting your gun and load at the given distances.

Then again the charts also change with altitude and temperature.
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How else do you develop a drop chart? (and don't say ballistics program)

Of course charts change with enviromental changes but is one supposed to get leupold to send out a new BDC every time they change bullet, powder, primer, calibre, gun...

Like I said, for a person intending on using one gun in the same general area a BDC and LRF are a good comdo, just not the best.
 
Really, for what the Bushnells were intended for , .... and when they were originally introduced... it was fine. I've had one for 17yrs. works fine. It's a hunting scpoe not a sniper rigg.

Mine has the 'range' finder intigrated with the magnification zoom, not exactly percise but I would suggest if target stood for you long enough it should give you +/- 25yrds. I think the deer & elk readout are in 50yrd incriments.

I acctually had it on an AR15 yeeears back, and hard it sighted in for 150yrds for chuck hunt'n. Using a Harris bipod, on ahill with a buddy scoping me as well I guess timated 300yrds across two fields to a chuck standing up on his hindend. First shot dropped him, 69gr. match HP. A second chuck was there and started running, missed only because of flight time, I kept hitting were he "was" not "is about to be".
 
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