Milling Targets for range

[WalshCustomDefense]

I hope this is in the right place. Not sure where else to put it. When it comes to milling targets for range determination with reticle only, I'm curious to see what magnification most shooters like to use. I realize there are a bunch of variables and details to consider based on the current conditions. From what I can tell, precise reticle ranging takes a lot of practice to be consistently accurate. Mirage has a tendency to spoil the party if you dial strong. Sometimes its even difficult at mid power (8x-10x). The main problem I'm coming up against is not so much the mirage, but being able to hold still enough( prone, rear bag, bipod)to get an accurate mil reading, especially at range (400+yds). A misread by .1 mil is catastrophic at range. I'm shooting the DMR 3.5-21x50 G2 FFP. The majority of the reticle is broken up into .5 mil readings, while the outermost portions of the elevation and windage is broken down into .1 mils. For me it's difficult to get a precise reading at range using the .5 mil. I end up guessing, which is a really bad thing. I'm kind of a perfectionist and this is really getting the best of me when I see how bad being off by .1 mil can be. Using the .1 mil portion would seem to be an easy solution except for the mirage thing. It becomes a blurry, wavy mess, especially when you throw in some wind. Maybe theres no easy or right answer. Maybe it just takes time behind the scope to get proficient at it. Just curious to see how others overcome this or deal with it. I know I know....A laser. Can't use them in some matches as you know. Maybe I'll start carrying a gun vise in my pack. Lol. Thanks for any info or advice. There are a bunch of bad ass shooters on here. I know somebody's got something.

 

[Graham]

Milling Targets for range

The short answer is that it depends on the focal plane of the scope. Mil at the highest power that you can. Even then, Milling works best on large targets at short ranges. With practice you should be able to get down to .05 Mil.

 

[fargo007]

What size of a target are you trying to RE at what distances? There's a point of diminishing returns involved with this.

Go back to the basics: make sure your diopter is focused properly so you get a crisp reticle, and that your parallax is G2G. You should not have any trouble being steady enough to MIL a target. If you can shoot it, you can certainly MIL it first.

You're not the only one shooting in the match. If the conditions (mirage, wind, etc.) are really that bad, remember that the other shooters will have to deal with them too.

And all of the bad asses were at some point right where you are now. You are asking the right questions and you are on your way.

--Fargo007

 

[Redmanss]

First off, what they said^^^.

You basically answer your own question - it totally depends on the conditions. Mirage causes a lot of distortion at the higher mag range limiting how high you can really go, so dialing it down to around 10x is necessary but as low as I like to drop down to. Being able to resolve down to .1 mil accuracy is typically good enough to get you onto target, depending on the distance and what you're shooting. If you're shooting a .308 and the target is >800yds away, well good luck. With a 6/6.5mm and a high MV, you're better off and is why virtually all match shooters run the higher BC calibers. Play around with it in a ballistic calculator, see what your threshold is for being able to be within .1 mil and still get a likely hit on a 2-3 moa target.

Being able to properly resolve and measure a target is like anything else in the sport - you have to practice it. This may make the neighbors a bit nervous if you're measuring their front door frame with your rifle from the driveway, so a good practice option is to get a spotter with a similar reticle to practice with. Measure known size objects like signs, standard door frames, etc, and match them with a laser. See what kind of adjustments you need to make to the conditions, where your errors are coming from, and how to deal with them.

 

[WalshCustomDefense]

Thanks guys. For the most part, it's the 18-25 inch targets over 400-500 yds. that are giving me a hard time. Stability wise in the glass that is. I can get close usually and sometimes get it right, but close usually equals a miss and I hate misses more than anything. I am shooting a 308 which amplifies the problem more than other calibers would, as far as bullet trajectory goes at range. I'm having a 6.5 built as we speak. The high BC of the Creed will certainly help, but that isn't a cure all either. It's not the end of the world by any means, I just like to be on top of my game. Ranging is usually just a small part in the matches. I'll continue practicing and range as accurate as possible at matches and hopefully make up for any shortcomings on the other stages. The comment that was made about the other shooters dealing with the same conditions is spot on. I didn't even take that into consideration in the heat of the moment, if you know what I mean. Looking back, there were a ton of guys that couldn't range worth a crap. A few could, but the majority failed miserably. I guess it ain't that easy after all. Thanks again guys for the info. Great site here with a ton of knowledgeable and experienced shooters. I look forward to picking your brains in the future.