Rifle Scopes Effectiveness of a ranging reticle?

[ASH556]

I'm trying to learn about using a scope's reticle to estimate range. So far, the Mil scale reticle seems the easiest for me to use. Here's my question, though:

Size of target (yds) * 1000
----------------------------
size of target (mils)

Still requires a calculator, at least for me. Does everone carry a calculator in the field with them or am I missing something?

Thanks!

 

[BrettSass844]

Re: Effectiveness of a ranging reticle?

I will be shooting my first comp this April that requires ranging without the use of an electronic device. I will be taking a small calculator in my data book to make it quicker and easier. Here is the equation I will be using.

Size of target in inches X 27.77
---------------------------------
Size of target in mils in reticle

Could I do the math? Sure, but it sure would make it a lot easier to have a calc handy. Especially during a timed comp.

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: Effectiveness of a ranging reticle?

I carry a calculator, most prefer a Mil Dot Master (slide rule). With practice on reasonable sized (torso) targets with good contrast you should be within @ a 2% margin of error. That said, an LFR is the thing to have. Ideally you should be able to range with a topo map, a reticle, and an LFR. My LFR is 1200 on a VERY good day. At 1 mile I am MILing, GPSing and even google earthing.


Ps - ditch your long hand version of the formula and use the constant 27.777


Good luck

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Effectiveness of a ranging reticle?

Reticles are limited in their effectiveness because they are subject to the users ability to properly break down the sub tensions accurately as well as estimate the target image. New shooters trying to range are usually limited to about 800 yards to be effective because of this. It takes a lot of practice and is a perishable skill set.

You don't need calculator you can make a chart ahead of time and just use this:

It's faster and easier than doing the math under a competition setting.

 

[Andy Warhog]

Re: Effectiveness of a ranging reticle?

Size of target in yds x 1000/mils read.
Ex-18" target mils read: 1

.5x1000/1= 500yds

Check out mil-dot.com

 

[BrettSass844]

Re: Effectiveness of a ranging reticle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Reticles are limited in their effectiveness because they are subject to the users ability to properly break down the sub tensions accurately as well as estimate the target image. New shooters trying to range are usually limited to about 800 yards to be effective because of this. It takes a lot of practice and is a perishable skill set.

You don't need calculator you can make a chart ahead of time and just use this:

I like that. I will definitely make one for the databook. Thanks

It's faster and easier than doing the math under a competition setting. </div></div>

 

[Graham]

Re: Effectiveness of a ranging reticle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ASH556</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does everone carry a calculator in the field with them or am I missing something?</div></div>If you have the time, and your laser rangefinder is broken, then you can break out a calculator and use Mils to measure things provided the things are big enough and are not too far away. You get those kinds of Milling stages in comps sometimes. Or you can use a Mil dot Master. In the real world Mils are most useful for bracketing the target and flash-milling, then holding over inside of 600 yards when you have your dope memorized.