Turrets and reticles

[bearkilr]

Not sure if this is in the correct forum, but seeing it's strictly a scope question, I'll put it here.
I'm pretty much new when it comes to any "dial-in" type long distance shooting. So, a question for all you long range/competitive shooters:

On a scope with turrets, I'm assuming you would dial windage and elevation to suit ballistics, to the point you hold dead on at whatever target/object you're aiming/firing. My question is why do many long range scope reticles have tons of hash marks,some looking like a Charlie Brown X-mas tree?

I looked at some Zeiss Rapid Z reticles and Nightforce, and both were a mess for lines and crosses, to the point where I think I would have a hard time finding center quickly in a hunting type situation.

So, long range guys, what's the deal? Do you use the turrets in conjunction with the reticle? Just curious, being new to this.

 

[kevguy]

Not sure if this is in the correct forum, but seeing it's strictly a scope question, I'll put it here.
I'm pretty much new when it comes to any "dial-in" type long distance shooting. So, a question for all you long range/competitive shooters:

On a scope with turrets, I'm assuming you would dial windage and elevation to suit ballistics, to the point you hold dead on at whatever target/object you're aiming/firing. My question is why do many long range scope reticles have tons of hash marks,some looking like a Charlie Brown X-mas tree?

I looked at some Zeiss Rapid Z reticles and Nightforce, and both were a mess for lines and crosses, to the point where I think I would have a hard time finding center quickly in a hunting type situation.

So, long range guys, what's the deal? Do you use the turrets in conjunction with the reticle? Just curious, being new to this.

I use Mildot

 

[kaleh01]

I have a NF with a 1 MOA reticle or "hashmarks" and love it for hunting and long range shooting. The reason for turrets and the reticle is based on my experience two things.

1 - you can use the turrets to dial in for your elevation and mean windage, from there if you need to make minor adjustments then you use your reticle for "fine tuning". When you have gusting winds this is an excellent method for shooting, especially if you are in a timed event or competition. Also great for follow-up shots that are just high or just low.

2 - assuming you are in the correct power range of your scope, usually highest power (in non-first focal plane reticles like mine), the reticle allows you to spot shots for yourself and others and have the ability to measure your hits or misses from center of target and calculate a targets range based on it's size with a simple formula.

Once you learn how to use these tools, you will never be able to go back!

 

[bearkilr]

I have a NF with a 1 MOA reticle or "hashmarks" and love it for hunting and long range shooting. The reason for turrets and the reticle is based on my experience two things.

1 - you can use the turrets to dial in for your elevation and mean windage, from there if you need to make minor adjustments then you use your reticle for "fine tuning". When you have gusting winds this is an excellent method for shooting, especially if you are in a timed event or competition. Also great for follow-up shots that are just high or just low.

2 - assuming you are in the correct power range of your scope, usually highest power (in non-first focal plane reticles like mine), the reticle allows you to spot shots for yourself and others and have the ability to measure your hits or misses from center of target and calculate a targets range based on it's size with a simple formula.

Once you learn how to use these tools, you will never be able to go back!

Good info, thanks.
So basically, once dialed in with the turrets you would mainly use the marks closest to center for fine tuning. I just couldn't figure out why the scopes would have those marks along the whole reticle, top to bottom and left to right.
I suppose I'm a bit too much of a traditionalist, these reticles looked a bit "busy" for my liking for hunting type scenarios.
The Nightforce reticle was illuminated, however the Zeiss Rapid Z 600 and 1000 I looked through was very fine and not illuminated, which may become a problem during low light conditions.
I guess I just assumed that with adjustments of the turrets, there was no need for anything but a standard duplex type reticle.