Optics for long range - The Firearms Forum

cycloneman · 10-02-2011, 07:28 PM

The max range thread got me thinking about optics.

I personally use powerful variable scopes with a mill dot. I use a method of hold over and pre figured bullet drops. It takes me a while and a calculator to do this. I put this info on a cheat sheet and bring it out to the field with me. Once i have the distance to the target i adjust as need be. I never make adjustments on the scope turrets. I find my method to be quick. However I only have the distance I have prefigured to shoot to unless i pull out the calculator. But then again I dont plan to shoot past 500 yrds. Yes this does take time to set up. I use match ammo and a chrony. You would be suprised but factory ammo even the good stuff may have as much as 200 fps difference from one bullet to the next. This is ok for up to 300 yrds but not long range.

There is another method of long range shooting where you adjust your scope once you have the distance to the target.

OK so what methods do you guys use and what optics do you use to get there?

lonewolf204 · 10-02-2011, 08:53 PM

On 500 yard shots I like the Shepherd 6x18 match the scope to the round and there's nothing to it! This scope has the range finding reticles and they have worked great for me. I liked the first scope so well I bought two more!

cycloneman · 10-02-2011, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonewolf204

On 500 yard shots I like the Shepherd 6x18 match the scope to the round and there's nothing to it! This scope has the range finding reticles and they have worked great for me. I liked the first scope so well I bought two more!

I was allmost going to go with them. I have never seen one in person. But I do hear good things about them.

lonewolf204 · 10-02-2011, 09:08 PM

I really like them! It took some time to get used to it, But after that I like them very well.

308 at my gate · 10-02-2011, 10:44 PM

I use the same method as you Cycloneman. I have a Leupold 6x20 50mm objective on my 308. The reticle is 3/8 mil dots from premier reticle. I take a paper target at 100 yards and draw a 10 inch line on it and measure it with the reticle. Then at 500 yards of course you just multiply by 5. I chronograph my loads look up the ballistics for that bullet in my book for the drop at the velocity I chronographed and then hold over with the correct mil dot. The first time I did this calculation and shot my 308 with a cold barrel I hit the steel ram at 500 yards. It blew me away.

10-02-2011, 07:28 PM	#1
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,401	Optics for long range The max range thread got me thinking about optics. I personally use powerful variable scopes with a mill dot. I use a method of hold over and pre figured bullet drops. It takes me a while and a calculator to do this. I put this info on a cheat sheet and bring it out to the field with me. Once i have the distance to the target i adjust as need be. I never make adjustments on the scope turrets. I find my method to be quick. However I only have the distance I have prefigured to shoot to unless i pull out the calculator. But then again I dont plan to shoot past 500 yrds. Yes this does take time to set up. I use match ammo and a chrony. You would be suprised but factory ammo even the good stuff may have as much as 200 fps difference from one bullet to the next. This is ok for up to 300 yrds but not long range. There is another method of long range shooting where you adjust your scope once you have the distance to the target. OK so what methods do you guys use and what optics do you use to get there? __________________ Who are you going to serve today? --> Last edited by cycloneman; 10-02-2011 at 07:33 PM..

10-02-2011, 08:53 PM	#2
lonewolf204 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Oklahoma Contributor Posts: 788	Re: Optics for long range On 500 yard shots I like the Shepherd 6x18 match the scope to the round and there's nothing to it! This scope has the range finding reticles and they have worked great for me. I liked the first scope so well I bought two more! __________________ Fear is only a word in the mind of the weak!

10-02-2011, 09:08 PM	#4
lonewolf204 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Oklahoma Contributor Posts: 788	Re: Optics for long range I really like them! It took some time to get used to it, But after that I like them very well. __________________ Fear is only a word in the mind of the weak!

10-02-2011, 10:44 PM	#5
308 at my gate Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Lost in SW USA. Posts: 847	Re: Optics for long range I use the same method as you Cycloneman. I have a Leupold 6x20 50mm objective on my 308. The reticle is 3/8 mil dots from premier reticle. I take a paper target at 100 yards and draw a 10 inch line on it and measure it with the reticle. Then at 500 yards of course you just multiply by 5. I chronograph my loads look up the ballistics for that bullet in my book for the drop at the velocity I chronographed and then hold over with the correct mil dot. The first time I did this calculation and shot my 308 with a cold barrel I hit the steel ram at 500 yards. It blew me away. __________________ You got to love it.