Rifle Scopes Range estimation question.

[kstraughen]

Ok so i learned how to do range estimations using a mil dot scope. I am currently building a SASS and would like to get a 10 x optic for it. The range estimation research i have done says a 10 x is the most reliable. But the ones i have seen are a little too rich for my blood. can you do range estimation on other scopes that are not 10x scopes.

Hope i portrayed my question correctly. any help would be appreciated.

thanks

Kirk

 

[head2h2o]

Re: Range estimation question.

You can range at any magnification with a FFP scope. For SFP scopes you can also range, but you just need to know at what magnification the reticle is accurate. For example, the NF NXS in a SFP model, not the F1, can be used to estimate range will at the highest magnigication. So say you have the 5.5-22x model, you will need to have it at 22x to accurately range. Though not as ideal, you can also range at 11x and 5.5x, but you would have to divide your final solution in your range estimation equation by 1/2 and 1/4 respectively. It really just depends on your scope. Find the model you are interested in and then you will be able to determine what power that respectively model is good for ranging at. Not all scopes are set for the reticle to be used for ranging at the max power. Or just get a FFP or stay with a fixed power scope and don't worry about what power you need to be at to properly range.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Range estimation question.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kstraughen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok so i learned how to do range estimations using a mil dot scope. I am currently building a SASS and would like to get a 10 x optic for it. The range estimation research i have done says a 10 x is the most reliable. But the ones i have seen are a little too rich for my blood. can you do range estimation on other scopes that are not 10x scopes.

Hope i portrayed my question correctly. any help would be appreciated.

thanks

Kirk
</div></div>

What research have you done that says 10x is the most reliable ?

Actually the more magnification you can get the better you can resolve the object you are trying to range. The key is that the scope's reticle is accurate.

As stated above when considering FFP vs SFP you have to take the time to Map the reticle to determine it's accuracy. With a FFP scope this is usually easier, but depending on the SFP scope and your needs, you may have to map it on several powers to see how it works.

Ranging is a legacy skill set that is a highly perishable, meaning if you don't practice, you lose the ability quite fast. You need to be able to understand how the reticle subtends to be effective ranging with a reticle, and even then, it is really only practical to about 600m, if you are good, 800m, after that you run into a lot of issues. Small variations make huge differences down range.

if you find a 10x scope is too rich for your blood, you may find any half reliable scope is too rich... but given the opportunity, especially with options from SWFA, Vortex, Bushnell and even the Weaver, I would opt for the most magnification especially in FFP I can get.

 

[coolhandjoe]

Re: Range estimation question.

Quite simply the answer is, yes. The reticle is calibrated at the factory for whatever magnification the scope manufacturer wants; though they will be off, as will your knob adjustments. How far off will simply vary.

Mil or moa are just angle measurements. A single mil will have the same length inside your optic infinitely far. Range estimation is basically just doing some algebra on a trig problem. The assumptions in range estimation are that we know the height of an object at some unknown distance. We have an angular measurement we can take with our reticle. Using the angular measurement and the known size of our target we can figure out the distance we are from our target.

Whatever scope you do get you should go to a surveyed range and set out a hanging yardstick at what ever surveyed distance you want and basically measure the amount of length at x yards 1 mil (or what ever your reticle will measure) should be and then make a mark on your magnification setting so you can always do your range estimation at that setting.

Sorry both of those explanations will probably be hard to understand, since it's trig. and pictures help a lot.

Another word of advise is to get a scope where the highest magnification is where you will do your range estimation. You generally want to range with more magnification and smaller angular increments. Finding your highest point of magnification is easier as well, since you don't have to look where the mark on your magnification adjustment is placed. Another point is that you can do range estimation even with second focal plane reticles at different magnifications, though a lesser power will cause each angular measurement increment of the reticle to read a larger angular measurement.

Sorry probably even more confusing. Basically any reticle can be used to estimate range. Even your thumb or finger can be used; since your arm shouldn't change its length and your thumb or finger shouldn't change length, you can always use that and have your own rule of thumb.

 

[hydro556]

Re: Range estimation question.

I have a ton of respect for guys who can accurately estimate range, quickly, using only their optic. I have messed around with it over the years, never had any proper training, and I find it tremendously difficult when comparing my results with LRF's.

 

[kstraughen]

Re: Range estimation question.

Thank you very much. It is time to starting looking. Lowlight and everyone who responded, again Thank you for your time.

Happy Memorial Day.


Kirk