Formula for MOA and tacticle scopes

You see how much confusion and misinformation surface in this mil dot scope stuff:) thats just what would happen in the field. The mil dot scopes are not applicable in the hunting field in my opinion. Some guys think the dots are for aiming:),many dont know what a mil is,or how to even utilize it in the field. One needs to know the hieght of whatever it is out there that he is ranging the mils on etc......I don't know if there IS, an easy formula for all of it?
 
U know-- i think that's what makes it so fun, is just the fact that it isn't easy. It takes time to learn all the stuff, and come up with a system for your optic. You have to sort of earn it, by studying all the systems/methods.

When it comes to reticle ranging, Dan, and Zak Smith who hangs out on Sniper's Hide really have the best handle on it i know of.

For windage i simply apply the reticle just like vertical trajectory. For instance when i put my Leupold scope on my next handgun project-- a 6.5 WSM, i'll have the TMR reticle that has spacing in .5 mil increments, or 1.7 MOA, then i'll match it up to the ballistics program, and divide the 10 mph windage holdoff (in MOA) by the 1.7 MOA "stadia unit" to reference wind in tenths of each stadia unit. Then if my speedtech weather watch tells me i have a 7mph wind, i just use 70% of the 10 mph values i have taped to the scope. But i'm gonna have to look into that 1 mph system-- that may be easier, since it should be easier to multiply than to divide-- right??

Here's a discussion on the system i use for reticle ranging. It's based on the mil-ranging formula, which in fact, is not specific to the milliradian at all. It's simply a geometric formula that defines the relationship between 2 points at 1 distance relative to 2 points at another distance. It can be used with archery sight pins as well, and in fact u could range the moon thru a window with some degree of accuracy with it--http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB36&Number=661367&Searchpage=4&Main=658154&Words=&topic=&Search=true#Post661367
 
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if your scope is calibrated in MOA, then run the chart in MOA. If your scope is calibrated in IPHY, then run the chrt in inches to keep things as simple as possible. Counting to 152 clicks is a PITA, so that is out. That is why I count MOA dialed in the way I posted earlier, or just get used to how the MOA marks on the INTERNAL pillar of the turret correspond to the come-ups. You know if you have 10MOA per revolution of the turret, then when the next line on the internal pillar is visable, you have clicked in 10MOA from your last point, and you don't have to count anything. The turret marks will tell you in a glance,..one of my favorite things about nighforce turrets, they are big and easy to see.

I use the reticles in my NXS's for ranging practice, but I trust the Leica 1200 more. I like to see if my figure agrees with the laser. You also have to remember that you really need a GOOD AVERAGE SIZE for the game you will be shooting in your area. Deer and other things can vary greatly from place to place, so knowing the average size in your area makes for a much more accurate calculation if you wish to make them in the field.

I have gotten lazy and like the laser, but I can still use my MOA points to hold-over or hold-under if I don't have time to click before he gets away. So quick shots can be made, just remember your scope MUST BE ON THE RANGING POWER, or the reticle will NOT correspond to the stated size
unless it is a First Focal Plane that changes size as the power changes, then it will always be the same value no matter what power it is on.

gettin worse isn't it? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif
 
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Welcome to the world of "tactical" scope applications. Study this stuff, and u'll become the best shot in your group-- not because you are the best shot, but when time allows you'll have a system for long-range shooting, that everyone else is just guessing at. For lack of a better term you'll become the hunter-sniper. You'll start looking at mounting systems for your scope that will allow you to take advantage of the full range of your turret adjustments. You'll learn more about the internal workings of the scope, AND PARALLAX-- the long-range shooters nemesis (1 of them, at least). You'll start learning about meteorological changes and how they affect the trajectory of the bullet in flight. You'll be scratching your head more than u ever did before u started this endeavor. But when that 627 yd. shot presents itself, and everything's hummin'(short for practiced system) that coyote/chuck'll be in more trouble than he's ever been in in his life from a single bullet fired from the tactical sharpshooter's gun.

Try and attend some of the practical/tactical matches in your area if they have them. These are usually roving silhouette matches that are a great test of the systems. Shots run from point blank to 1000 yds., and they are FUN, believe me. You'll learn more there than anywhere else, and you'll have more fun with your rig than u ever had before. Good luck, and enjoy it.
 
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