Re: Input on 700 5R Build
3. Burris XTR 3-12x50
-What are the differences between their mildot and ballistic mildot reticles?
-Is the ballistic mildot worth the extra coin?
the dope on the ballistic mildot ..... not as oval, and looks like the bottom 1/2 of the reticle is spaced out in 100 yard increments,so you have marked quick hold ups
History
In 1998, it became clear to Burris that sportsmen’s inter-
ests in long range shooting had grown considerably. The
advent of laser rangefinders, more long range rifle
designs, more magnum cartridges, and super accurate
ammunition, long range shooting became more popular
and achievable. However, a vital link in long range success
is a trajectory compensating scope reticle.
In 1999, Burris introduced the Ballistic Mil-Dot reticle in a
6X-24X Signature Series scope, primarily with the varmint
hunter in mind. While under development, Burris recog-
nized that the ballistics of the popular .22-250 55gr varmint
load was very similar to that of many flat shooting big
game cartridges out to 500 yards or more. Demand for this
type of reticle was also strong from big game hunters, and
Burris soon expanded the Ballistic Mil-Dot offering to
include the 4X-16X and 8X-32X scopes.
This reference piece is designed to be used in conjunction
with the Ballistic Mil-Dot reticle guide which is included in
the packaging with each scope. A guide to using Mil-Dots
for range estimation and wind drift compensation is also
included in the packaging with each scope and therefore is
not covered in this technical discussion. 200 yards
The Ballistic Mil-Dot reticle begins as a standard Mil-Dot with two
exceptions. The first is that all the mil-dots are round instead of oblong.
Shooter feedback suggested that round dots are easier to distinguish
than oblong dots. Second, is the conversion of the mil-dots on on lower
vertical crosshair to Ballistic lines. Hundreds of iterations were consid-
ered, and the final determination perfectly matches the ballistics curve of
a .22-250 55gr Sierra boattail load at a muzzle velocity of 3680fps, fired
at 3,000 feet altitude, 59 degrees and barometric pressure of 29.53.
Because the comparative need for accuracy is greatest while shooting
prairie dog size targets (compared to big game), an average altitude and
environmental conditions parameter was utilized for this type of shooting.
The Sierra InfinityTM Ballistics software program was utilized for all calcu-
lations and verified by field shooting.
Although a miniscule amount of shooting occurs beyond 500 yards, Burris
elected to provide a total of 7 sighting references for maximum flexibility
and for the purpose of minimal sight picture departure from the standard
mil-dot. Per the spirit of the original design, this would allow accurate
shooting out to 700 yards.
Some would contend (and Burris would agree) that these cartridges are so
flat shooting out to 200 yards, that a separate 200 yard reference is unnec-
essary. However, significant consideration was given to making the use of
the reticle intuitive and not subject to the failings of memory for occasional
shooters. As designed, counting the ballistic lines is easier starting at 100
yards as the center reference, rather than “remembering” to start counting at
200 and discounting 100 yards. For those who subscribe to the 200 yard
zero, a bit of work with the Sierra Infinity Ballistics software program (or
other similar ballistics programs) will still allow the shooter to calibrate and
optimize the reticle to his particular cartridge, environmental parameters,
and shooting style.
200 yards -1.6” .80” Corr@100 yds
300 yards -7.3” 2.43” Corr@100 yds
400 yards 18.3” 4.58” Corr@100 yds
500 yards 36.0” 7.20” Corr@100 yds
600 yards 62.6” 10.43” Corr@100 yds
700 yards -101.3” 14.47” Corr@100 yds
