Target dot reticle ?'s

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cath8r

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I posted this ? in the optics forum and didn't get any answers. Figure you all would know as I'd like to get the right answer.

A 1/8 minute target dot, to my understanding, is 1/8" at 100 yards-1/4" at 200-3/8 at 300 etc. Correct?


The reason I ask is that to my thinking, a 1/4 or 1/2 minute target dot would be sweet for coyotes and ground hogs out to 400 yards.
Does anyone use target dots reticles for varminting?
 
Yes, your thought on subtension is correct except you have to determine which MAG level the dot subtends correctly.

Most second focal plane scopes index in the middle of the mag so the subtension is 1/2 as big at full mag and double at the lowest mag.

BUT that can vary from scope to scope.

There are a number of shooters who love the dot for smoking PD's and other targets of opportunity. They find it easier to pick then the FCH.

Personally, I use the mildot or hash mark reticles when in the field as this is much easier to adjust for windage and elevation. They are certainly bolder then the target reticles but still fine enough to get on a PD at very long distances.

If you like the larger DOT, then I would suggest you look at the Sightron SIII LR 8-32 w/ standard dot. This is a 1/4 min dot and really is nice in the field.

Jerry
 
Yes you are correct 3/8" at 300yds.

Target dots for hunting, whatever floats your boat. Personally I would find 1/2" dot too big,
But I shoot benchrest.

Leupold made a scope 30X with 3/8 dot a few years ago. Not sure its still in production

NormB
 
Cool guys. I will likely never get a crack at a prairie dog in this lifetime. Would love too, but unless I go on a mule deer or pronghorn hunt out west, its likely not in the cards. Believe me, a praitie dog safari burning up 1000 rounds in a weekend would be heaven!

I'm thinking a 3-9 or 4-12 on my 22-250 would be the cats meow for my targets of opportunity. Coyotes, crows and jackrabbits. The odd weekend north for g-hogs too.
So a 1/2 minute dot on a 4-12 would correlate to 1/2" dot set on 6 power and maybe 1" at 4x and 1/4at 12x. Correct?
 
All scope manfs will give you subtension values in their specs. Most have them on their websites.

Don't assume anything as there are no 'rules' a manf has to live by. They build whatever they feel is right and that will vary.

Good luck with your scope.

Jerry
 
You may find that a fine X-hair with a dot is difficult to pick up with a varied background. Leupold will install many of their reticles in their scopes. I have used their CPC Dot reticle, a tapered hair with dot. The taper draws your attention to the centre like a duplex but with less clutter. 3/8 dot and preferably .25 is probably as big as I'd go otherwise you may find too much occlusion of the target and you end up trying to look around the dot. Remember ,you're trying to pick a spot on the target. If the dot is too small you'll end up chasing it.
If you're scope is not a Leupold ,Trace Scope Repair in Alberta might install custom reticles and dots. Bill Ackerman and Wally Siebert also do custom reticles and dots but both are in the US.
 
I wouldn't go any bigger than 1/4minute myself.

1/8 min dot also makes a dead gopher......a dead gopher.

The only issue you may have is losing the 1/8min dot in Coyote fur, but if we can use em on a black target out to 900m, there is no reason why it should be a concern.
 
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