Wind meter and range finder recommendation

[AlexF]

Hi, I've just starting varmint hunting and would like to get some feedback on what are recommended wind meters and range finders?

I've done my research and think of buying:
1 - Nikon LASER 1200S Rangefinder
2 - Krestrel 4000 wind meter

Is there a better device, do I need better equipment ?

Alex

 

[Mystic Precision]

How far?

How bright?

What size of object do you want to range?

Inside 500yds on a mound of dirt on a moderately bright day, pretty much everything works.

Extend the range, increase the brightness, reduce the size of the target, many rangefinders DON'T work.

I have used Leicas, Bushnell Elites, Swarovski. I have tried other peoples lower end Bushnells, Nikons and the recent small Leupold.

I shoot very far and in the summer. I range on light coloured hillsides and everything has trouble ranging beyond 800yds besides the Swarovski. The S can range to a mile easily. Furthest range was 2000yds.

So it really depends on what you want to do.

Any wind meter will work just fine. Until you start shooting beyond a mile, the changes in ambient conditions have little affect on modern powders and the ammo they can produce.

Most wind meters from the Caldwell through to the most expensive Kestrel will give you a good wind reading but only where you are. You still need to study the wind between you and the target.

Jerry

 

[AlexF]

Well, around Montreal we have a lot of wind (10 to 25 mph is common) and I plan on "hunting" woodchuck as far as I can hit them consistently.

I'd also like something with weather conditions since I shoot anytime, any weather and it might make a difference at more that 200 yards for small targets.

Do you have a specific recommendation for range finders ?
I'm very partial to Nikon (because of their binoculars) and Bushnell (because of their Elite series). I know that Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski are superior products but often can't justify the cost and buy high quality Japanese optics instead.

Alex

 

[cdnredneck_t3]

Rangefinders are a different beast than normal optics. Now you are dealing with a laser, receiver and electronic components. From using my Swarovski and playing with friends Leicas they seem to have perfected their products. Zeiss is also good from what I hear. I had a Bushnell Elite 1500 rangefinder and I have used the older Leupold RX IV and would not buy either again. I am a huge fan of Leupold but will not buy their rangefinders from my experience. The old saying applies here more than ever. “You get what you pay for with optics, especially rangefinders.”

 

[Mystic Precision]

Even at 1000yds, the weather will do very little to your trajectory. Wind is your biggest problem, next is a scope that may or may not track properly, lastly your rangefinder.

With most varminting cartridges, like the 223 and 22-250, you can aim on the woodchuck and splat it out to 250yds with a reasonable 100yd zero. You will not be compensating for much drop at these distances.

Any decent range finder will work just fine at the short distances you are thinking about.

Google JBM ballistics and spend some time playing with the parameters. Things are not moving much at 200yds.

Jerry

 

[LongBomber]

I have a bushnell scout 1000 arc and the swaro. I started with the bushnell a few years ago and as an archery / under 500 yard rangefinder it is very good. As a long range rifle rangefinder it sucks. I shoot year round, and with a snow covered background it wil not range a shipping pallet target at 500 yards. On a near perfect day in the summer it will read the pallet at 800, but only if mounted on a tripod to hold it steady enough. I have gotten readings off a gopher mound out to 450 yards with it, so it may be perfect for your application.

The swaro is in a different league, both in performance and price. The optics are much better, rivalling some of the best bino's and it will range out to a mile in the conditions I have used it, but it is triple the price.

 

[datatools]

I had a Leopold range finder, it worked great for hunting (small, fit in my pocket), but it didnt range beyond say 650 yards. I switch to the Swarovski and it works really great. I have no problem ranging my 20x25" target at 1200 yards. I tried to use it a few times this winter, and it seems like the bright snow threw it for a loop. Had troubles ranging even out to 500 yards in those conditions.