Re: newbie mil vs adjusting cross hair
I would recommend doing things this way:
1.) Set up your targets at known ranges
2.) Shoot a group at your first range
3.) See where the point of impact is in relation to your point of aim (measure or mil it)
4.) Adjust your scope and fire another group (do not worrry about using your reticle to hold off right now)
5.) Once your group is centered on your point of aim note down the adjustments required on your scope to hit point of aim at that range. (this is what you call DOPE)
6.) Record any information you are able to record about the atmospheric conditions and light conditions for the time that group was fired.
7.) Repeat this for every range.
8.) You will now have your DOPE (data on previous engagements) for all those ranges for the atmospheric conditions you shot in for that day.
Since you are new, I would not get too wrapped up in learning how to use PDA's and ballistic software. I would recommend keeping your shooting well within the supersonic range of your round in the location you shoot and going out on days where the atmospheric conditions are different than the day you got your DOPE. Learn how they affect your shooting and how each condition effects your DOPE card. Also, if you can, shoot at different altitudes (if possible) and note how that changes your bullets impact.
Once you see these "differences" you will ask why, once your asking why, come online and learn whats going on.
By going out and establishing a DOPE card, and by shooting, you will naturally come upon the questions you need to be asking. If you jump right into PDA's and ballistic software, its my opinion that you can get lost and get off track in your learning.
I was brought up on the traditional method of collecting DOPE that I explained above. I was also taught what effects my bullet and why, as it was happening. I got to see it happen real world, ask the questions that came to mind, and walk away with a good understanding of my shooting situations. It was after doing that for a while, that I entered into PDAs and software. Because I had a good basic understanding of external ballistics that was based on real world experience, I was able to get more out of the PDAs and software than had I just stumbled in head first.
You might be able to just jump into the technology, read a lot and figure it out. I hope you can, but I think there is something to be said for learning hands on and then seeking answers to your questions that were caused because you were out there doing it.
There is a lot to learn, everyone who likes this hobby or does it for a job can learn every day. It is also very rewarding and interesting.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
