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Nikon BDC ?

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Tator919 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tator919 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Nikon BDC ?
    Posted: January/27/2009 at 19:49
Hello all.  I just joined but have been looking around for a while.  I have found some posts about the BDC.  Some people love it but others hate it.  My question is whether any of you have one mounted on a 22-250, and if so, how close is it (I know its not exact).  Also, how much drop does each circle compensate for?  I use the rifle for coyote hunting and other little critters, maybe try that new federal deer load.  Thanks for any replies.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote glockman55 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2009 at 17:16
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2009 at 20:21
The Nikon BDC reticle generally increments by 100yds.  With 22-250, the recommended zero would be at 100yds with BDC out to 500 yards.  You will have to spend some time shooting with it to determine exactly how the trajectory fits the range circles and points in between.  It is not a simple "zero and go".  Range time, range time, range time...
If you change ammo, you will need to do it again.  Take good notes.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2009 at 20:48
When I had a Monarch scope with the BDC reticle, I ended up using a 200 yard zero and holdover marks for shooting further than that.

It seemed to work pretty well with 55gr bullets going at ~3600fps (Sierra Blitzking)

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Kickboxer View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2009 at 20:51
Which is why one must shoot with it to determine the best performance parameters.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mastiff54 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/01/2009 at 18:40
I have been shooting my Monarch 8-32x50 with the BDC reticle a good bit now on my LR-308.
After a few hundred rounds of various loads the notes became voluminous and unmanageable.    As suggested, I have made range cards for each load, but since the increments end up being such odd yardages the marks themselves become useless.  They definitely do not represent 2 mils each or 200, 300, 400yds etc at all. 
 
Nikon's guide states "You might prefer to use the center, top or bottom of an accuracy circle , your choice"  which, because of trajectory differences for different loads means "top of the second circle for 200yds, bottom of the third is 280yd, just under the fourth is 375yds - or whatever fits your load"  is not something that will be usable in the field under the excitement of a hunt.  Not to mention the lack of 500 yd shooting ranges required to do all the experimenting the suggest on page 10 of their useless "Guide to using the Nikon BDC Reticle" document provided with the scope. 
 
Trying to use my trajectory software and relate it to the 'Accuracy Circles' like I would a Mil-Dot was equally futile, it is purely a trial and error reticle.
 
The concept of an incremented reticle is very good but this one is a pain.  
I am sorry I bought this scope and wish I would have gotten the Nikoplex instead, watch for mine on E-Bay.
 
The next scope I buy of this style will have the plain old mil-dot style or simply a Nikoplex.  I do not recommend the BDC at all.  Nikon missed the mark with this one.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/01/2009 at 20:13
I found mine to be a bit difficult to find a good load for the 30-06 I had it on, but on the .220 Swift I have it on now, it is very good.  I would have thought you would be able to find a good load for it with less trouble than that.  Perhaps you have a scope which needs repair or replacement?

Mil-dot is always my favorite though.  The BDC doesn't have the range of utility of a mil-dot.  


Edited by Kickboxer - April/01/2009 at 20:15
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Horsemany Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/01/2009 at 20:31
My experience mirrors Mastiff and Kickboxer.  It's a good idea poorly implemented IMO.  And there's no reason the reticle needed to be so heavy.   Another good question is why the Monarch 8x32 is only available in BDC and Nikoplex.  But the 6-24 gets the fine crosshair and fine crosshair with dot??????
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