Rangefinder
- Thread starter Paul1262
- Start date
I had narrowed down my purchase option to the Bushnell Elite 1 mile Conx based primarily on budget ($500.00) and the fact that it communicates with the 5700. Since then I noticed that this unit has been discontinued (still available from select retailers). Other range finders I was considering but do not communicate with the 5700 are: Vortex Razor HD 4000, Vortex Ranger 1800, Nikon Black x 4x, and the Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R. Not sure if I should go ahead and purchase the Bushnell Elite or one of the other listed units. Any suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated.
The new Bushnell Nitro 1800 works beautifully with Kestrels, and has AB Ultralite built in for when your kestrel isn't handy. I've ranged out to 2k on semi-reflective targets (water tower) and 1200+ on steel with mine. I started a thread in the observation devices subforum a while back that includes photos.
I have the conx and have ranged it out to 1511yds but i will say my sig 2200 is way more reliable as RF. I bought the combo kestrel and rf conx package and have never once used them linked. I always have my rifle dope on my rifle somewhere and if i need to take a show i rather have a range finder i dont have to jack with several diff gadgets. At this point my conx just is used as a spare if someone needs one on a hunting trip.
I agree with your preference not to have several gadgets. I currently use the Kestrel/Hornady 5700 4 DOF linked to the Kestrel app. Once I have all of the environmental and etc data transferred to the 5700 using my smartphone, I rely solely on the 5700. I just need an accurate rangefinder that will reliably range out to 1000 yards on steel targets.
The nitro 1800 should do everything you need.
One pic is ranging a large steel plate at over 1200 at Alabama Precision. The other is a water tower at 2K.
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You bet, you need to be careful and place your reply below the bottom quote section. Those aren't my words above btw.
KISS- Keep is simple stupid. I pretty much ask my self that and see how i can simplify things. Kestrel is a good tool but ive never had one that would true up just putting the info in. Its good for me to get rough dope but theres nothing better in my opinion than verifying the dope by shooting. And a reliable rangefinder.
I'm the opposite. Feeding in the custom curve and velocity from my MS has always been dead on unless I had a verifiable external problem (mirage or light condition) that screwed with it.
I have been really pleased with the Kestrel/Hornady 5700 4 DOF. Show up at a range, load my info for that location, adjust elevation/windage for target yardage and watch the plate swing. So far, meter is accurate at 100-150-200-300-400-500-550 & 600 yards.
I use a Bushnell Elite 1 mile Conx and it works beautifully out to 800 yards. By this I mean, it provides immediate returns on 2/3 IPSC steel even on bright, sunny days. I have ranged 1 MOA reflective steel plates at 1,000 yards as well but it takes a couple of seconds to provide the range. When I use it on MOA sized targets at distances beyond 800 yards, I have it on a tripod which REALLY helps. I purchased it brand new for $350. I also have used early SIG 2200s that never worked as well.
There is a lot of hype surrounding this subject. Everyone has an opinion and it doesn't help that the lower priced units have kind of hit or miss consistency which may explain the diversity of opinion.
Thanks for the information - very helpful. Certainly is a lot of hype surrounding this subject. My Kestrel/Hornady 5700 4DOF works excellent, I just need accurate ranging info. Pretty well decided on the Vortex Ranger HD 4000. Noticed today that Dick's Sporting Goods is having a sale until 10/14/2019 offering a 20% discount MSRP $499.00 (- $100..00) $399.99 plus tax.
Guess it depends on how close and big the targets. Was close to 1.5 mils off of elevation at 1511 yds on the 6.5 creedmoor dope. 2-3 mils off of elevation at 1225 with my 308 Win. Any thing closer than 600 i dont think there is a need for the kestrel. Maybe just to see where your bullet hits trans speeds. Most all the targets i shoot at are 1 MOA for that distance besides the stuff over 1k just to make spotting impacts easier.
I've used the custom curves and MS data to shoot out to 1 mile with my 6 Creedmoor and 6.5 SAUM, and out to 1350 with my 223. Up to the point of transsonic, I have never had a single issue with data on any of them unless I screwed up an input, or there was a known external factor causing an issue.
Both. AB Mobile on my phone before I had an AB Kestrel, then a 5700 with AB Elite.
