Understanding MOA

[Kevin M.]

Hello all.

I am relatively new to the world of long range precision shooting, and am slowly breaking into it.

I have done huge amounts of shooting at 100 meters with a scoped rifle, so I understand how to properly sight and adjust a 1/4 MOA scope, but that is about as far as my understanding goes. I know there are mil dot reticles that allow you to use a formula to measure the size of a target to estimate the range, but that is not what interests me.

When looking at the descriptions of scopes, they will say how many MOA of Elevation they have, I have seen 50, 100, and even a 150 MOA elevation scope.

What I want to do is to be able to shoot my two long range rifles from 100 meters all the way out to 1000 meters without having to change the base or scope I am using. The calibers in question is a .338 Lapua, and also a 6.5-284 Norma.

Would a scope with 150 moa of Elevation be able to have that range of adjustment be able to be elevated that far, or is that just a pipe dream?

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

150 MOA = approx 150" of total range adjustment at 100 yards.
1 MOA = approx 10" at 1000 yards

1.047" is 1 MOA at 100 yards to be more specific.

My scope has 68" of vertical and it has enough adjustment(not much to spare) with a short action cartridge. If you get something of approx that much adjustment you will have plenty of up and down adjustment for those cartridges.

PM me and I can send you a link to excellent optics prices

 

[tiriaq]

If you are shooting on known distance ranges, you don't need mildots.
If you are shooting at long, unknown distances, get a laser range finder.
Mildots do an excellent job of cluttering up the reticle.
Look at the range tables for .338 and 6.5-.284. You will be able to determine the approximate elevations you will need for all ranges. This will allow you to decide how much elevation you would need in your scope.
These are both flat shooting cartridges. There is no way you would need anything approaching 150 minutes of adjustment in your scope.