Rifle Scopes MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

[TNTKO37]

Did a little looking around but haven't found a post that clearly answered my question. Basically, I know the fundamental differences between mil-dot and MOA, but which is better? I'm in the market for a new scope, and keep coming across scopes with mil-dot. Unfortunately I'm not nearly as familiar with them as I am the MOA reticles. 90% of my shooting is range/target. But occasionally I do hunting/unknown distance.

What would you recommend, Mil-Dot or MOA? Please back up your answers with why, practical uses, etc...

Thanks,

T

 

[Lindy]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

Neither is better.

Which you may prefer depends on your application. If you're going to shoot with a partner, then you may want to have matching reticles.

My advice is to find a reticle which you like, and get it in a scope which adjusts in whatever units that reticle is graduated in, be it mils, MOA, or IPHY (Inches per Hundred Yards).

It's strictly a matter of personal preference.

 

[ponchair]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

Just make sure your reticle matches the turrets.

You didn't search hard enough by the way.

 

[TNTKO37]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

Lindy, for practical purposes, is there any ease of use? Ease of calculation? associated with either?

 

[Graham]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

http://www.arcanamavens.com/LBSFiles/Shooting/Downloads/Ranging/

 

[Lindy]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

I prefer the Gen II mildot for ease of use in lowlight situations without reticle illumination, and for speed in doing reticle holds.

However, the new MLR2 reticle available from Nightforce looks to be almost as good.

A major consideration is to have the scope and the reticle graduated in the same system. Other than that, it's really a matter of taste. I must say that I've never seen an MOA or IPHY reticle that I really care for.

 

[evilmonkey]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ninja Pirtle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just make sure your reticle matches the turrets.

You didn't search hard enough by the way. </div></div>

I couldn't agee on this more, if your turrets match your reticle it allows for easier formulas (math) to be worked out in your head.

Why have MOA on your turrets and use a MIL reticle... both reticles are fine and everyone will have a opinion which is a better system. I would recommend that you find some one that has the set up you are interested in purchasing and play around with it and work out some math to see what is easier for you.

 

[TNTKO37]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

Okay... forgive my ignorance... but what is an IPHY reticle?

 

[TNTKO37]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

Do they actually make scopes where the turrets are different from the reticle? That's rediculous!

 

[KNIGHT11B4]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigDaddyKane</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do they actually make scopes where the turrets are different from the reticle? That's rediculous! </div></div>

You would be suprised... It happens more often than not.

 

[ponchair]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

Dude look at Leupold, most of their shit doesn't match, and IPHY is Inch Per Hundred Yard

 

[20Incher]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

Thanks Ninja I went through a whole roll of paper towels.

 

[TNTKO37]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

Thanks Ninja. I honestly have never heard of IPHY or even seen those scopes. But from what it sounds like those aren't that great anyway. I'm most familiar with the MOA, but I understand the Mil-Dot enough that I think I could get used to it if I had to. I'm going to research the scopes and see which one I like comes in which reticle. I don't think I'll put too much emphasis on it.

 

[notquiteright]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

I like the GenII for low light hunting. I like it for ranging.

I like an MOA adjustment because I see in inches so a bullet drop chart is easy to dial on. its simple enough to say 3.5 while judging bullet strike, just took practise along with everything else you have to get a handle on. I never noticed when I got right and tight with the relationship, it just was another peice that fell into place.

I dont use a reticled spotting scope but its easy to judge strike as target size is a good scale to work off of.

I guess for those who have been at it awhile and bought good rifle scopes in Mil/MOA along with a good dependable spotting scope sans reticle spending more money to convert to another system is fixing something that isnt broke to them.

 

[Lindy]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I honestly have never heard of IPHY or even seen those scopes.</div></div>

I have checked a lot of scopes. Leupolds with M1 knobs are alleged to have 1/4 MOA clicks. However, the ones I have checked - including three which I own - have clicks which are closer to 1 inch at 100 yards for 4 clicks, than they are to 1 MOA. So, Leupold has been selling a lot of scopes with mil reticles and IPHY clicks.

Which is why I advocate that you test the reticles and adjustments on any scope you plan to use.

 

[TNTKO37]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I honestly have never heard of IPHY or even seen those scopes.</div></div>

I have checked a lot of scopes. Leupolds with M1 knobs are alleged to have 1/4 MOA clicks. However, the ones I have checked - including three which I own - have clicks which are closer to 1 inch at 100 yards for 4 clicks, than they are to 1 MOA. So, Leupold has been selling a lot of scopes with mil reticles and IPHY clicks.

Which is why I advocate that you test the reticles and adjustments on any scope you plan to use.
</div></div>

Is there a way to test/verify the exact graduations prior to purchase? I'd hate to throw my money away on something that's not as advertised.

 

[Lindy]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there a way to test/verify the exact graduations prior to purchase?</div></div>

There are two answers to that question:

1. No.

2. It doesn't matter.

You'd be well advised to test every scope you buy, using the techniques in the link I posted, so you'll know how the scope is working. Given that, buy what you want, and be prepared to deal with minor inaccuracies in the adjustment system.

What will be more of a pain is if you find there is no power at which the reticle is correct for ranging if the scope is SFP, but even that can be compensated for.

 

[TNTKO37]

Re: MOA vs. Mil-Dot reticles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there a way to test/verify the exact graduations prior to purchase?</div></div>

There are two answers to that question:

1. No.

2. It doesn't matter.

You'd be well advised to test every scope you buy, using the techniques in the link I posted, so you'll know how the scope is working. Given that, buy what you want, and be prepared to deal with minor inaccuracies in the adjustment system.

What will be more of a pain is if you find there is no power at which the reticle is correct for ranging if the scope is SFP, but even that can be compensated for.
</div></div>

Fair enough... just one of those things you sort of have to bite the bullet on and deal with huh?

Thanks for the great input Lindy, you really have answered all the questions I had!