Rifle Scopes Trying to figure out some rings

[InTheWeeds]

My math sucks, so I was wondering if I could have it double checked. Im trying to determine if I need some rings with elevation or not. My current scope has 80 MOA total adjustment, my rifle has a 10 MOA base. The slowest bullet I calculated in the Ballistic program will drop 420ft at 1000 yards (.308 Comb. Tech Ballistic Silvertip 168gr). If I am correct, I am able to adjust my scope for a total of 500ft of drop? Should I add another 10 MOA on my rings, or just stick with 0 MOA rings?

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Trying to figure out some rings

in da weeds,

Check your math...50MOA @ 1000 yds is 500 inches not feet.

But if you started with 80 MOA, 40 moa up and 40 moa down, and you add a 10 MOA base you would then have 50 moa up and 30 moa down./ If your load drops 420 inches (not feet) @ 1000 yds. you have 8 moa of adjustment remaining @ 1000yds, or 80 inches.

Sounds like you have plenty of MOA, just go shoot.

Bob

 

[Lindy]

Re: Trying to figure out some rings

I think you mean drop in inches, rather than in feet.

You probably can't get 500 inches of drop compensation even with a 10 MOA base. The reason is that, depending on your scope height above bore, you're probably going to need about about 4.25 MOA to get zeroed at 100 yards.

I'd go with a 20 MOA base, if you really think you need to compensate for 500 inches of drop. Probably 10 MOA more in the rings with your current base won't cause you any problems, but I really don't like rings with elevation.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Trying to figure out some rings

Lindy,

you said, <span style="font-style: italic">"....but I really don't like rings with elevation."</span> I have heard that before from others, but never the why? Is it just a personal preference, or some mechanical shortcoming that I'm just not grasping?

Not trying to pin you down, but I am curious.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[InTheWeeds]

Re: Trying to figure out some rings

Yea, sorry, dont know why I was thinking feet. I truly meant inches, I swear

 

[Lindy]

Re: Trying to figure out some rings

If they're two piece sets and not done correctly, the potential is there to bend the scope tube. In addition, they have to be spaced a precise distance apart in order to get the correct slant. I just don't like all that potential trouble, so I'd swap out the base.

The AI one-piece ring sets are pretty good, though. However, they're made of aluminum. In addition, a one-piece ring set can limit adjustability of the scope for eye relief. And some scopes, like the S&B 5-25, will not fit in the AI sets without milling the ring set out enough to clear the turret.

I just prefer Badger Ordnance steel rings, so I swapped out my AI 28 MOA one-piece ring set on a flat base for a 20MOA base and Badger rings. I've never had any reason to regret doing that.

Preference varies, though.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Trying to figure out some rings

Lindy,

Thank you, that explains it well. I'm currently using Burris Signature Zee Rings w/inserts to get a 10 moa cant on a 22LR for which no canted base exists. I suppose I could shim the base, but being lazy, I thought this solution was expedient.

Perhaps I need to rethink geometry of that solution.

Thank you,

Bob

 

[Lindy]

Re: Trying to figure out some rings

The Burris rings are a much better solution than shimming the base.

 

[InTheWeeds]

Re: Trying to figure out some rings

Im not too worried about two piece rings. I have a ring lapping kit which worked pretty well on my last rifle which had two piece bases