Re: mil dot height estimation list?
I hear ya on consistency, Mo. There is variance in size--perhaps within general parameters--but yes, variance.
One question to answer when choosing objects such as this, is whether that variance is within an acceptable margin of error. The answer might be no.
As I understand it, using a mil dot for rangefinding is intended as an approximation and is also given to a second layer of human error. (Is that stop sign 1.2 or 1.3 mils high?...) It's a tool, not infallible, but still quite cool. One possible technique in mitigating this margin of error is ranging several objects in the same area and noting a trend in estimates. If a "true"-sized object is available, cool.
A "slightly off" object size estimate can translate into significant error downrange, no doubt. Let's say we think a tire is 24" but it's really 26", and we estimate it's 1 mil high. We then reference our Mildot Master and think the tire's 660yds, but it's really 720yds. For my cal, that's about a 15" difference in bullet drop and .4 mil. Good enough? Maybe, maybe not.
That said, here are some tire measurements I took today.
Standard car = 25"
ATV = 24"
motorcycle = 24-26"
Standard Truck/SUV = 29"
Freight Truck = 40"
Nik