What loads for 308 accurately correspond with the Vortex StrikeEagle 1x6x24 BDC reticle,muzzle velocity and bullet weight?
Thanks!
Thanks!
BDC loads
- Thread starter wapiti16b
- Start date
Having used a Strike Eagle I'll say that the reticle will not be super accurate but the most consistent dropdownI got with it corresponded to shooting ammunition that was in the 145-150 grain range with velocity approximately 2750 FPS. As to what sort of load will get you those results that depends on the rifle that you are shooting. YMMV
I recently shot a Remington Model 7 Threaded in .308 with a 16" barrel using my Vortex Strike Eagle. I used a 100 yard zero and I found that factory ammunition with a bullet weight of 150-155 grains worked well to match up with the BDC. Two of the better performers out of that rifle were Hornady 150 gr American White Tail going 2568 fps and Hornady Black 155 A-MAX going 2580.
You'll have to run some numbers for yourself but with the specific combinations above the stadia lines worked out to something like 100/zero, 215, 318, 428, and 550. It doesn't match up perfectly obviously but within the context of what that rifle might be used for it was acceptable in my opinion, hits on 12" steel at 300 were easy enough.
You'll have to run some numbers for yourself but with the specific combinations above the stadia lines worked out to something like 100/zero, 215, 318, 428, and 550. It doesn't match up perfectly obviously but within the context of what that rifle might be used for it was acceptable in my opinion, hits on 12" steel at 300 were easy enough.
The corresponding loads are in the manual. For 5.56 it is recommended to zero at 50 yards. I have had first round hits using the hash marks with 55-69gr loads pending target size. The subtensions are also in the manual, if your load does not coincide
Subtensions, going down the reticle, are pretty much the same between the AR-BDC and AR-BDC2; 0/main cross, 2.4 MOA, 5.6 MOA, 9.5 MOA, and 14.6 MOA. The AR-BDC2 reticle manual does a better job of providing what ballistic information they used to generate the subtensions, it's a good starting point. JBM is also your friend.
I've used the Strike Eagle on three guns and a 20" AR slinging factory 55 gr ball pretty much matches up perfectly. I also had it on a 16" AR and it did pretty well to 480 with some minor adjustments, both were zero'ed at 50 yards.
I've used the Strike Eagle on three guns and a 20" AR slinging factory 55 gr ball pretty much matches up perfectly. I also had it on a 16" AR and it did pretty well to 480 with some minor adjustments, both were zero'ed at 50 yards.
While not the same scope; this topic should generate interest in similar offerings.
I use the Bushnell AR Optics, 4.5-18X40 Drop Zone 308 on a 24" Savage 11VT. Bushnell recommends 168gr factory match, and I have tried IMI 168gr Semi-Auto Match with good success at the 100-300yd range zone.
I am also preparing parallel tests with handloads using fired IMI brass, and "Mexican Match"-ed IMI 150FMJ cases.
The load is Hornady 168gr FMJBT-Match, 42.5gr of IMR-4064, and CCI 400 primers where applicable. It's a starting load, but it ought to be very close to my standby 175SMK load of 42.2grs of IMR-4064.
At my 4350ft ASL altitude, it might match up to the 175gr load's performance at 1000ft, where I used to live.
Don't forget, altitude makes a difference when changes are significant.
Greg
Future testing involves a Bushnell AR Drop Zone 223 3-9x40 on an identical (except for chambering) 24" Savage 11VT.
Although these scopes are rated as being BDC for 100-500yd, the point where the lower portion of the Duplex Reticle thickens can be fairly reliably employed as a 600yd aim point.
I use the Bushnell AR Optics, 4.5-18X40 Drop Zone 308 on a 24" Savage 11VT. Bushnell recommends 168gr factory match, and I have tried IMI 168gr Semi-Auto Match with good success at the 100-300yd range zone.
I am also preparing parallel tests with handloads using fired IMI brass, and "Mexican Match"-ed IMI 150FMJ cases.
The load is Hornady 168gr FMJBT-Match, 42.5gr of IMR-4064, and CCI 400 primers where applicable. It's a starting load, but it ought to be very close to my standby 175SMK load of 42.2grs of IMR-4064.
At my 4350ft ASL altitude, it might match up to the 175gr load's performance at 1000ft, where I used to live.
Don't forget, altitude makes a difference when changes are significant.
Greg
Future testing involves a Bushnell AR Drop Zone 223 3-9x40 on an identical (except for chambering) 24" Savage 11VT.
Although these scopes are rated as being BDC for 100-500yd, the point where the lower portion of the Duplex Reticle thickens can be fairly reliably employed as a 600yd aim point.
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