Swarovski & Kahles TDS reticle info.

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CONDENSED EXPLANATION OF THE TDS RETICLE
 The TDS reticle system is designed to accurately place a shot from short to very long distances without any adjustments of the turrets. This reticle is designed to perform several different tasks.

The first is to take the guesswork out of holdover by using the short horizontal lines called marker bars. All TDS scopes come with about a dozen decals. You have to first choose which decal to use depending on the cartridge you are using. This decal will represent different yardage points on the main horizontal crosshair and 4 marker bars.

You first have to determine what factor number is correct for your rifle and cartridge. The factor number is simply the bullet drop in inches from 200 to 300 yards with a 200 yard zero. For example, you are firing a 30-06 180 grain Nosler Partition bullet at 2700 feet per second. Ballistic data will show that this bullet will drop 8.5 inches at 300 yards with a 200 yard zero so the factor will be 8.5. In this case you would use the decal that says Factors 8-9.5. On this decal the main horizontal crosshair would be 100 yards, the 1^st marker bar 200 yards, the 2^nd marker bar 300 yards, the 3^rd marker bar 400 yards and the 4^th marker bar 450 yards. Here's an example of the same bullet in a different cartridge at a faster velocity. You are firing a .300 Weatherby Magnum with a 180 grain Nosler Partition at 3240 feet per second. With a 200 yard zero the bullet will be dropping 5.5 inches at 300 yards. Since the factor is 5.5 you would use the decal that says Factors 4.7-5.7. On this decal the 100, 200 and 300 yard points will all be on the main horizontal crosshair, the 1^st marker bar 400 yards, the 2^nd marker bar 500 yards, the 3^rd marker bar 600 yards and the 4^th marker bar 700 yards.

Another feature of the TDS system is that you can correct for wind. Each end of the marker bars are calibrated for a 10 mph crosswind from the center vertical line. If you have a 10 mph wind blowing from right to left and you've determined the animal is 400 yards away, your decal shows 400 yards is the 3^rd marker bar down, hold the left end of that marker bar where you want the bullet to hit. 

Distance to a target can also be determined with the TDS system. You must first know the chest depth of the animal you are hunting. There is a chest depth chart for most big game animals in the back of the TDS instruction manual. On every TDS decal there are also numbers on the left side of the decal descending vertically from 0 to 11. This series of numbers is called the grid line. Now suppose you are hunting an elk with a chest depth of 24 inches. To determine the range place the main horizontal crosshair on the top of the back at the shoulder area. Look to see where the bottom of the chest lines up in relation to the marker bars. Say in this case the bottom of the chest falls just slightly below the 3^rd marker bar. Look at the decal to see what grid line number is at that same point where the bottom of the chest is. You will find that number 8 most closely corresponds. Take that 8 and divide it into the chest depth of 24 to get 3, multiply that 3 times 100 to get 300 yards away. Now use the 300 yard bar on the reticle and fire. 

The TDS reticle can also compensate for trajectories fired at sharp angles say from 30 to 45 degrees. Most people have a tendency to shoot high in these situations. Bullet trajectories are figured over a horizontal plane. If to have a 500 yard shot at an animal the ballistics are pretty straightforward. If you have that same 500 yard shot at a 45 degree angle, up or down, the effect of gravity on the bullet will be over a much shorter distance. This is a case where most people will have a tendency to shoot too high. In this scenario with the TDS system you simply move from the 500 yard marker bar to the 400 yard marker bar.

This is a brief summary of what the TDS reticle system can do. A more detailed explanation is in the TDS instruction manual. 

TDS AND RETICLE POSITIONS
Depending on the model scope you have, the reticle or crosshair is placed in the 1^st or 2^nd image plane. If the scope has a 2^nd image plane reticle, the target will change in size but the reticle will remain the same size as you turn the power up or down. In this system the target changes size against the reticle. TDS scopes with second image plane reticles are designed to be used at that scope's maximum power for the marker bar spacing to be the correct indicated yardage. On the other hand the zero on the main crosshair will always remain the same no matter what power the rifle scope is on meaning you still can use the scope at lower powers when game may appear at close range where the main crosshair would normally be used.  

In a 1^st image plane scope the reticle stays the same size against the target at all powers. The reticle will get larger as you turn the power up and smaller as you turn the power down staying the same size against the target. Because the reticle is always the same size against the target or game animal a 1^st image plane TDS rifle scope can be used at any magnification for the marker bars to indicate their respective yardage. 

2^nd image plane TDS rifle scope models        
             Kahles 2-7x36 AH 1 inch main tube
             Kahles 3-9x42 AH 1 inch main tube

             Kahles 3.5-10x50 AH 1 inch main tube

             Swarovski 3-10x42 AV  1 inch main tube
            Swarovski 4-12x50 AV  1 inch main tube
             Swarovski 6-18x50 AV  1 inch main tube
             Swarovski 4-16x50 PV  30 mm main tube
             Swarovski 6-24x50 PV  30 mm main tube

1^st image plane TDS rifle scope models

            Swarovski 3-12x50 PV  30 mm main tube

SIGHTING IN YOUR TDS RETICLE 
The best way to sight in your TDS reticle is to sight in dead on on the 3^rd marker bar down at its given distance. The 3^rd marker bar down will vary in value according to trajectory of your particular cartridge. For example if your factor is 7.5 you will use the 7.1-7.9 factor decal. The 3^rd marker bar down in this case is 400 yards. If your factor is 5.5 you will use the 4.7-5.7 factor decal. The 3^rd marker bar down on this decal would be 600 yards. To be clear, there is the main horizontal crosshair and 4 marker bars underneath for 5 reference or hold points. We realize because of range limitations this method is not possible for many shooters. 

The most popular and common method of sighting your TDS reticle is to sight dead on the highest distance that is on the main crosshair of the factor decal sticker that is appropriate for the cartridge you are using. For example if your factor  is 5.4 you will be using the decal Factors 4.7-5.7. This decal shows 100, 200, 300 on the main crosshair. In this case you would sight in dead on at 300 yds which will put you slightly high at 100 and 200 yards.The following instructions should be followed where sighting in range is limited.

Remember the factor is simply the bullet's drop in inches from 200 to 300 yards with a 200 yard zero. First determine the factor for your cartridge / rifle combination.

FOR FACTORS 4.1 - 4.5 
Example of caliber for these factors : .308 Lazzeroni Warbird 180 gr Nosler Partition 3550 fps, Weatherby 257 Weatherby Mag 87 gr soft point at 3825 fps. 

Sight in dead on the main horizontal crosshair at 500 yards. For closer distances determine how high the bullet will be over the main horizontal crosshair at 100,200, 300, or 400 yards  with a 500 yard zero.  For example the 308 Warbird load should be sighted in 6.1 inches high at 100 yds, or 10.5 inches high at 200 yds, or 11.4 inches high at 300 yds, or 8.1 inches high at 400 yds, or dead on at 500 yds.  Nosler and Hornady reloading manuals are good sources for this information.  

FOR FACTOR 4.6

Example of caliber for this factor : 30-378 Weatherby 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip at 3500 fps, 7mm STW with 140 gr A-Square bullet at 3450 fps

Sight in dead on the main horizontal crosshair at 400 yards. For closer distances determine how high the bullet will be over the main horizontal crosshair at 100, 200 or 300 yards with a 400 yard zero. For example the 30-378 165 gr. load should be sighted in 4.2 inches high at 100 yards, 6.7 inches high at 200 yards, 5.5 inches high at 300 yards, which will put it dead on at 400 yards. Nosler and Hornady reloading manuals are good sources for this information.  

FOR FACTORS 4.7 - 5.7 
Examples of calibers for these factors : Winchester 270 WSM 130 GR Ballistic Silvertip at 3275 fps, 300 Weatherby Mag 180 gr Nosler Partition at 3240 fps, Remington 7mm Ultra Mag 140 gr Nosler Partition at 3425 fps.

Sight in dead on the main horizontal crosshair at 300 yards.  For closer distances determine how high the bullet will be over the main horizontal crosshair at 100 and 200 yards with a 300 yard zero. For example the 300 Weatherby 180 grain load should be sighted in 3.0 inches high at 100 yards, 3.7 inches high at 200 yards, which will put it dead on at 300 yards. Nosler and Hornady reloading manuals are good sources for this information. 

FOR FACTORS 5.8 - 7.0 
Examples of calibers for these factors :  Federal 7mm Rem Mag 140 gr Nosler Partition at 3150 fps, Hornady 300 Win Mag 150 gr BTSP at 3275 fps, Federal 22-250 55 gr Hi-Shok soft point at 3680 fps, Remington 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Mag 150 gr
Pointed soft point Core-Lokt at 3200 fps

For 200 yards sight in dead on the main horizontal crosshair at 200 yards. For 100 yards determine how may inches high the bullet will be at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero then sight in the rifle in at that height over the main crosshair.  For example the 7mm Rem Mag 140 gr load should be 1.3 inches high at 100 yards or dead on at 200 yards. Most ammunition makers show ballistic tables with a 200 yard zero and are good sources of information with these factors.                                                                                    

FOR FACTORS 7.1 - 11.5
100 is the only yardage figure on the main crosshair so you can sight in dead on at 100 yds with very satisfactory results. However you can get slightly more accurate results in these factor ranges. One way is to sight in dead on at 200 yds holding the 1^st  marker bar (200 yd hold point) on the bullseye. You can achieve this same 200 yd zero where you only have a 100 range by using the following method. First determine how high your bullet will impact at 100 yds with a 200 yd zero, say it's 1.6 inches. Then hold the 200 yd bar (1^st marker bar) on the bullseye at 100 yds and sight in 1.6 inches high.  Example: you are sighting in a Federal Premium .30-06 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip at 2910 fps and you only have a 100 yard range. Your factor is going to be 7.3 so you will use the decal Factors 7.1-7.9. The factory ballistics show with a 200 yard zero the bullet will be  1.6 inches high at 100 yards. You want to shoot 1.6 inches high over the 1^st marker bar holding that 1^st marker bar dead on the bullseye , the one that says 200 on it, not  1.6 inches over the main horizontal crosshair. Because the distance from the main horizontal crosshair to the 1^st marker bar measures 2 inches at 100 yds the bullet will print .4(4/10^th inch) under the main crosshair at 100 yds holding the main crosshairs on the bullseye after sighting in this way. So you could achieve the same results by holding the main crosshair dead on the bullseye at 100 yards and shooting 4/10ths of an inch low.    

FOR FACTORS 7.1 - 7.9 
Examples of calibers for these factors : Remington 7mm-08 140 gr at 2860 fps, Federal 270 Win 150 gr Sierra BTSP at 2850 fps, Winchester 30-06 150 gr Partition Gold at 2960 fps, Winchester 300 Win Mag 180 gr Failsafe at 2960 fps, Federal 243 Win 100 gr Nosler Partition at 2960 fps.

For 200 yards sight in dead on the first marker bar down at 200 yards.  For 100 yards determine how many inches high the bullet will be at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero then sight in the rifle at that height over the first marker bar down which will be bar that indicates 200 yards on the decal. For example the 30-06 150 gr load given above will be 1.6 inches high at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero. Sight in this load 1.6 inches high over the first marker bar at 100 yards holding this marker bar dead on the bullseye. Do not sight in this high over the main horizontal crosshair at 100 yards when you are in this factor range.  If you do you will be shifting the 200 yard zero up to the main crosshairs (100) when the zero should be on the 1^st marker bar down (200). Another way to achieve the same result in this case could be done by holding the center crosshair dead on the bullseye and grouping the bullets .4(4/10ths) inches low. Most ammunition makers show ballistic tables with a 200 yard zero and are good sources of information with these factors.                                                                                    

FOR FACTORS 8.0 - 9.5

Examples of calibers for these factors. Winchester 30-06 165 gr Fail Safe at 2800 fps, Hornady 30-06 180 gr SST at 2700 fps, Federal 338 Win Mag 250 gr Nosler Partition bullet at 2660 fps, Remington 280 Rem 165 gr soft point Core-Lokt at 2820 fps. 

For 200 yards sight in dead on the first marker bar down at 200 yards. For 100 yards determine how many inches high the bullet will be at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero then sight in the rifle at that height over the first marker bar down which will be the bar that indicates 200 yards on the decal. For example in the 338 Win Mag 250 gr load given above will be 2.1 inches high at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero. Sight in this load 2.1 inches high over the first marker bar at 100 yards holding that bar dead on the bullseye. Do not sight in this high over the main horizontal crosshair at 100 yards when you are in this factor range. If you do you will be shifting the 200 yard zero up to the main crosshairs (100) when the zero should be on the 1^st marker bar down (200). Another way to achieve the same result in this case could be done by holding the center crosshair dead on the bullseye and grouping the bullets .1(1/10^th) inch high. Most ammunition makers show ballistic tables with a 200 yard zero and are good sources of information with these factors. 

FOR FACTORS 9.6 - 11.5 
Examples of calibers for these factors. Winchester 375 H&H Mag 300 gr Fail Safe at 2530 fps, Remington 222 rem 50 gr pointed soft point at 3140 fps, Remington 6.5x55 Swedish 140 gr Core-Lokt at 2550 fps, Federal 300 Savage 150 gr at 2630 fps. 

For 200 yards sight in dead on the first marker bar down at 200 yards. For 100 yards determine how many inches high the bullet will be at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero then sight in the rifle at that height over the first marker bar down which will be the bar that indicates 200 yards on the decal. For example in the 300 Savage 150 gr load given  above will be 2.4 inches high at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero. Sight in this load 2.4 inches high over the first marker bar at 100 yards. Do not sight in this high over the main horizontal crosshair at 100 yards when you are in this factor range. If you do you will be shifting the 200 yard zero up to the main crosshairs (100) when the zero should be on the 1^st marker bar down (200). Another way to achieve the same result in this case could be done by holding the center crosshair dead on the bullseye and grouping the bullets .4(4/10ths) inches high. Most ammunition makers show ballistic tables with a 200 yard zero and are good sources of information with these factors. 

FOR FACTORS 11.6 - 13.5 
Examples of calibers for these factors. Remington .308 Win. 180 gr round nose soft point at 2620 fps, Remington 257 Roberts 117 gr soft point at 2650 fps, Federal 7x57 Mauser 175 gr at 2440 fps, Federal 7x30 Waters at 2700 fps.

For 100 yards sight in dead on the first marker bar down at 100 yards. 

For further assistance call customer service at 1-800-426-3089. 

Tom Hogan
Swarovski Optik North America LTD

Edited by Chris

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Chris Farris Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 5701	Quote Reply Topic: Swarovski & Kahles TDS reticle info. Posted: June/03/2004 at 18:04
	CONDENSED EXPLANATION OF THE TDS RETICLE The TDS reticle system is designed to accurately place a shot from short to very long distances without any adjustments of the turrets. This reticle is designed to perform several different tasks. The first is to take the guesswork out of holdover by using the short horizontal lines called marker bars. All TDS scopes come with about a dozen decals. You have to first choose which decal to use depending on the cartridge you are using. This decal will represent different yardage points on the main horizontal crosshair and 4 marker bars. You first have to determine what factor number is correct for your rifle and cartridge. The factor number is simply the bullet drop in inches from 200 to 300 yards with a 200 yard zero. For example, you are firing a 30-06 180 grain Nosler Partition bullet at 2700 feet per second. Ballistic data will show that this bullet will drop 8.5 inches at 300 yards with a 200 yard zero so the factor will be 8.5. In this case you would use the decal that says Factors 8-9.5. On this decal the main horizontal crosshair would be 100 yards, the 1^st marker bar 200 yards, the 2^nd marker bar 300 yards, the 3^rd marker bar 400 yards and the 4^th marker bar 450 yards. Here's an example of the same bullet in a different cartridge at a faster velocity. You are firing a .300 Weatherby Magnum with a 180 grain Nosler Partition at 3240 feet per second. With a 200 yard zero the bullet will be dropping 5.5 inches at 300 yards. Since the factor is 5.5 you would use the decal that says Factors 4.7-5.7. On this decal the 100, 200 and 300 yard points will all be on the main horizontal crosshair, the 1^st marker bar 400 yards, the 2^nd marker bar 500 yards, the 3^rd marker bar 600 yards and the 4^th marker bar 700 yards. Another feature of the TDS system is that you can correct for wind. Each end of the marker bars are calibrated for a 10 mph crosswind from the center vertical line. If you have a 10 mph wind blowing from right to left and you've determined the animal is 400 yards away, your decal shows 400 yards is the 3^rd marker bar down, hold the left end of that marker bar where you want the bullet to hit. Distance to a target can also be determined with the TDS system. You must first know the chest depth of the animal you are hunting. There is a chest depth chart for most big game animals in the back of the TDS instruction manual. On every TDS decal there are also numbers on the left side of the decal descending vertically from 0 to 11. This series of numbers is called the grid line. Now suppose you are hunting an elk with a chest depth of 24 inches. To determine the range place the main horizontal crosshair on the top of the back at the shoulder area. Look to see where the bottom of the chest lines up in relation to the marker bars. Say in this case the bottom of the chest falls just slightly below the 3^rd marker bar. Look at the decal to see what grid line number is at that same point where the bottom of the chest is. You will find that number 8 most closely corresponds. Take that 8 and divide it into the chest depth of 24 to get 3, multiply that 3 times 100 to get 300 yards away. Now use the 300 yard bar on the reticle and fire. The TDS reticle can also compensate for trajectories fired at sharp angles say from 30 to 45 degrees. Most people have a tendency to shoot high in these situations. Bullet trajectories are figured over a horizontal plane. If to have a 500 yard shot at an animal the ballistics are pretty straightforward. If you have that same 500 yard shot at a 45 degree angle, up or down, the effect of gravity on the bullet will be over a much shorter distance. This is a case where most people will have a tendency to shoot too high. In this scenario with the TDS system you simply move from the 500 yard marker bar to the 400 yard marker bar. This is a brief summary of what the TDS reticle system can do. A more detailed explanation is in the TDS instruction manual. TDS AND RETICLE POSITIONS Depending on the model scope you have, the reticle or crosshair is placed in the 1^st or 2^nd image plane. If the scope has a 2^nd image plane reticle, the target will change in size but the reticle will remain the same size as you turn the power up or down. In this system the target changes size against the reticle. TDS scopes with second image plane reticles are designed to be used at that scope's maximum power for the marker bar spacing to be the correct indicated yardage. On the other hand the zero on the main crosshair will always remain the same no matter what power the rifle scope is on meaning you still can use the scope at lower powers when game may appear at close range where the main crosshair would normally be used. In a 1^st image plane scope the reticle stays the same size against the target at all powers. The reticle will get larger as you turn the power up and smaller as you turn the power down staying the same size against the target. Because the reticle is always the same size against the target or game animal a 1^st image plane TDS rifle scope can be used at any magnification for the marker bars to indicate their respective yardage. 2^nd image plane TDS rifle scope models Kahles 2-7x36 AH 1 inch main tube Kahles 3-9x42 AH 1 inch main tube Kahles 3.5-10x50 AH 1 inch main tube Swarovski 3-10x42 AV 1 inch main tube Swarovski 4-12x50 AV 1 inch main tube Swarovski 6-18x50 AV 1 inch main tube Swarovski 4-16x50 PV 30 mm main tube Swarovski 6-24x50 PV 30 mm main tube 1^st image plane TDS rifle scope models Swarovski 3-12x50 PV 30 mm main tube SIGHTING IN YOUR TDS RETICLE The best way to sight in your TDS reticle is to sight in dead on on the 3^rd marker bar down at its given distance. The 3^rd marker bar down will vary in value according to trajectory of your particular cartridge. For example if your factor is 7.5 you will use the 7.1-7.9 factor decal. The 3^rd marker bar down in this case is 400 yards. If your factor is 5.5 you will use the 4.7-5.7 factor decal. The 3^rd marker bar down on this decal would be 600 yards. To be clear, there is the main horizontal crosshair and 4 marker bars underneath for 5 reference or hold points. We realize because of range limitations this method is not possible for many shooters. The most popular and common method of sighting your TDS reticle is to sight dead on the highest distance that is on the main crosshair of the factor decal sticker that is appropriate for the cartridge you are using. For example if your factor is 5.4 you will be using the decal Factors 4.7-5.7. This decal shows 100, 200, 300 on the main crosshair. In this case you would sight in dead on at 300 yds which will put you slightly high at 100 and 200 yards.The following instructions should be followed where sighting in range is limited. Remember the factor is simply the bullet's drop in inches from 200 to 300 yards with a 200 yard zero. First determine the factor for your cartridge / rifle combination. FOR FACTORS 4.1 - 4.5 Example of caliber for these factors : .308 Lazzeroni Warbird 180 gr Nosler Partition 3550 fps, Weatherby 257 Weatherby Mag 87 gr soft point at 3825 fps. Sight in dead on the main horizontal crosshair at 500 yards. For closer distances determine how high the bullet will be over the main horizontal crosshair at 100,200, 300, or 400 yards with a 500 yard zero. For example the 308 Warbird load should be sighted in 6.1 inches high at 100 yds, or 10.5 inches high at 200 yds, or 11.4 inches high at 300 yds, or 8.1 inches high at 400 yds, or dead on at 500 yds. Nosler and Hornady reloading manuals are good sources for this information. FOR FACTOR 4.6 Example of caliber for this factor : 30-378 Weatherby 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip at 3500 fps, 7mm STW with 140 gr A-Square bullet at 3450 fps Sight in dead on the main horizontal crosshair at 400 yards. For closer distances determine how high the bullet will be over the main horizontal crosshair at 100, 200 or 300 yards with a 400 yard zero. For example the 30-378 165 gr. load should be sighted in 4.2 inches high at 100 yards, 6.7 inches high at 200 yards, 5.5 inches high at 300 yards, which will put it dead on at 400 yards. Nosler and Hornady reloading manuals are good sources for this information. FOR FACTORS 4.7 - 5.7 Examples of calibers for these factors : Winchester 270 WSM 130 GR Ballistic Silvertip at 3275 fps, 300 Weatherby Mag 180 gr Nosler Partition at 3240 fps, Remington 7mm Ultra Mag 140 gr Nosler Partition at 3425 fps. Sight in dead on the main horizontal crosshair at 300 yards. For closer distances determine how high the bullet will be over the main horizontal crosshair at 100 and 200 yards with a 300 yard zero. For example the 300 Weatherby 180 grain load should be sighted in 3.0 inches high at 100 yards, 3.7 inches high at 200 yards, which will put it dead on at 300 yards. Nosler and Hornady reloading manuals are good sources for this information. FOR FACTORS 5.8 - 7.0 Examples of calibers for these factors : Federal 7mm Rem Mag 140 gr Nosler Partition at 3150 fps, Hornady 300 Win Mag 150 gr BTSP at 3275 fps, Federal 22-250 55 gr Hi-Shok soft point at 3680 fps, Remington 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Mag 150 gr Pointed soft point Core-Lokt at 3200 fps For 200 yards sight in dead on the main horizontal crosshair at 200 yards. For 100 yards determine how may inches high the bullet will be at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero then sight in the rifle in at that height over the main crosshair. For example the 7mm Rem Mag 140 gr load should be 1.3 inches high at 100 yards or dead on at 200 yards. Most ammunition makers show ballistic tables with a 200 yard zero and are good sources of information with these factors. FOR FACTORS 7.1 - 11.5 100 is the only yardage figure on the main crosshair so you can sight in dead on at 100 yds with very satisfactory results. However you can get slightly more accurate results in these factor ranges. One way is to sight in dead on at 200 yds holding the 1^st marker bar (200 yd hold point) on the bullseye. You can achieve this same 200 yd zero where you only have a 100 range by using the following method. First determine how high your bullet will impact at 100 yds with a 200 yd zero, say it's 1.6 inches. Then hold the 200 yd bar (1^st marker bar) on the bullseye at 100 yds and sight in 1.6 inches high. Example: you are sighting in a Federal Premium .30-06 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip at 2910 fps and you only have a 100 yard range. Your factor is going to be 7.3 so you will use the decal Factors 7.1-7.9. The factory ballistics show with a 200 yard zero the bullet will be 1.6 inches high at 100 yards. You want to shoot 1.6 inches high over the 1^st marker bar holding that 1^st marker bar dead on the bullseye , the one that says 200 on it, not 1.6 inches over the main horizontal crosshair. Because the distance from the main horizontal crosshair to the 1^st marker bar measures 2 inches at 100 yds the bullet will print .4(4/10^th inch) under the main crosshair at 100 yds holding the main crosshairs on the bullseye after sighting in this way. So you could achieve the same results by holding the main crosshair dead on the bullseye at 100 yards and shooting 4/10ths of an inch low. FOR FACTORS 7.1 - 7.9 Examples of calibers for these factors : Remington 7mm-08 140 gr at 2860 fps, Federal 270 Win 150 gr Sierra BTSP at 2850 fps, Winchester 30-06 150 gr Partition Gold at 2960 fps, Winchester 300 Win Mag 180 gr Failsafe at 2960 fps, Federal 243 Win 100 gr Nosler Partition at 2960 fps. For 200 yards sight in dead on the first marker bar down at 200 yards. For 100 yards determine how many inches high the bullet will be at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero then sight in the rifle at that height over the first marker bar down which will be bar that indicates 200 yards on the decal. For example the 30-06 150 gr load given above will be 1.6 inches high at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero. Sight in this load 1.6 inches high over the first marker bar at 100 yards holding this marker bar dead on the bullseye. Do not sight in this high over the main horizontal crosshair at 100 yards when you are in this factor range. If you do you will be shifting the 200 yard zero up to the main crosshairs (100) when the zero should be on the 1^st marker bar down (200). Another way to achieve the same result in this case could be done by holding the center crosshair dead on the bullseye and grouping the bullets .4(4/10ths) inches low. Most ammunition makers show ballistic tables with a 200 yard zero and are good sources of information with these factors. FOR FACTORS 8.0 - 9.5 Examples of calibers for these factors. Winchester 30-06 165 gr Fail Safe at 2800 fps, Hornady 30-06 180 gr SST at 2700 fps, Federal 338 Win Mag 250 gr Nosler Partition bullet at 2660 fps, Remington 280 Rem 165 gr soft point Core-Lokt at 2820 fps. For 200 yards sight in dead on the first marker bar down at 200 yards. For 100 yards determine how many inches high the bullet will be at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero then sight in the rifle at that height over the first marker bar down which will be the bar that indicates 200 yards on the decal. For example in the 338 Win Mag 250 gr load given above will be 2.1 inches high at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero. Sight in this load 2.1 inches high over the first marker bar at 100 yards holding that bar dead on the bullseye. Do not sight in this high over the main horizontal crosshair at 100 yards when you are in this factor range. If you do you will be shifting the 200 yard zero up to the main crosshairs (100) when the zero should be on the 1^st marker bar down (200). Another way to achieve the same result in this case could be done by holding the center crosshair dead on the bullseye and grouping the bullets .1(1/10^th) inch high. Most ammunition makers show ballistic tables with a 200 yard zero and are good sources of information with these factors. FOR FACTORS 9.6 - 11.5 Examples of calibers for these factors. Winchester 375 H&H Mag 300 gr Fail Safe at 2530 fps, Remington 222 rem 50 gr pointed soft point at 3140 fps, Remington 6.5x55 Swedish 140 gr Core-Lokt at 2550 fps, Federal 300 Savage 150 gr at 2630 fps. For 200 yards sight in dead on the first marker bar down at 200 yards. For 100 yards determine how many inches high the bullet will be at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero then sight in the rifle at that height over the first marker bar down which will be the bar that indicates 200 yards on the decal. For example in the 300 Savage 150 gr load given above will be 2.4 inches high at 100 yards with a 200 yard zero. Sight in this load 2.4 inches high over the first marker bar at 100 yards. Do not sight in this high over the main horizontal crosshair at 100 yards when you are in this factor range. If you do you will be shifting the 200 yard zero up to the main crosshairs (100) when the zero should be on the 1^st marker bar down (200). Another way to achieve the same result in this case could be done by holding the center crosshair dead on the bullseye and grouping the bullets .4(4/10ths) inches high. Most ammunition makers show ballistic tables with a 200 yard zero and are good sources of information with these factors. FOR FACTORS 11.6 - 13.5 Examples of calibers for these factors. Remington .308 Win. 180 gr round nose soft point at 2620 fps, Remington 257 Roberts 117 gr soft point at 2650 fps, Federal 7x57 Mauser 175 gr at 2440 fps, Federal 7x30 Waters at 2700 fps. For 100 yards sight in dead on the first marker bar down at 100 yards. For further assistance call customer service at 1-800-426-3089. Tom Hogan Swarovski Optik North America LTD Edited by Chris

Brady Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List TEAM SWFA - Staff Casino Cruiser Joined: May/20/2004 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 1243	Quote Reply Posted: November/29/2005 at 11:02
	Here is a little more info: The TDS-plex and the TDS-4 are designed to be used the exact same way. The same instructions go out with both scopes. Currently the TDS-Plex is available in the Swarovski 3-12x50 PV, 3-12x50 SR, 3-9X36 AV, 3-10x42 AV, 3-10x42 SR 4-12x50 AV, 4-12x50 SR, and 6-18x50 AV. The TDS-4 is only available in the Swarovski 4-16x50 PV, the 6-24x50 PV and the 6-24x50 PV/S. There are some subtle differences. There is no heavy post at the 12:00 position down on the TDS-4. There are two dots on the horizontal crosshair that are designed as a lead point on a running boar target(a popular target game in Europe). The subtensions are very slightly different as far as distances between the lines. The distance between the lines on the TDS - Plex are as follows: 1st bar = 2.0 inches low at 100 yds 2nd bar = 4.8 inches low at 100 yds 3rd bar = 7.5 inches low at 100 yds 4th bar = 10.5 inches low at 100 yds The TDS-4 are as follows 1st bar = 1.8 inches low at 100 yds 2nd bar = 4.7 inches low at 100 yds 3rd bar = 8.0 inches low at 100 yds 4th bar = 12.2 inches low at 100 yds These measurments are with all the scopes at their maximum power with the exception of the 3-12x50 PV and SR. It does not matter what power the 3-12x50 is used at because it is a first focal plane reticle. These slight differences in subtensions make virtually no difference in how the scopes perform in most big game hunting applications. Keep in mind that the zero of the main crosshair (of 2^{nd focal plane models) does not change regardless of what power the scope is on. If your cartridge requires the scope to be zeroed at 100, 200, or 300 yards on the main crosshair, that zero will remain there just like any other rifle scope. It is the 4 marker bars below that will change their meaning if the scope is used at lower powers. If the scopes are used at lower powers the marker bars will indicate further distances away the lower the power is turned down.}

Chris Farris Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 5701	Quote Reply Posted: December/14/2006 at 15:54
	S w a r o v s k i O p t i k T D S B a l l i s t i c C a l c u l a t o r We warmly welcome you to the Swarovski Optik TDS Ballistic Calculator for your TDS reticle. The following account provides you with a few tips to make it easier for you to use it. The TDS reticle is a distance reticle for long-range shooting, which allows a consistently precise sightin distance. It offers the shooter a simple means of achieving the necessary sighting corrections for precisely hitting a distant target without having to undertake any adjustment on the scope. As with any other targeting device, the marksman still needs a good and careful shooting technique, discipline, and practice. This program will allow you to choose data from a wide variety of factory ammunition. If you are a handloader we offer the means to enter your own ballistic data to precisely indicate the distance each marker bar. Because there is such a large volume of information to choose from be careful in picking your individual cartridge / bullet specifications to ensure the most accurate result. If you still have questions on the program, contact us, we would be pleased to help you further (ballistic@swarovskioptik.at). The following instructions guide you through the program with brief explanations on the various input items. LOGIN FORM In order to be able to access the program, go to www.swarovskioptik.com under the heading �Products/Scopes� where you click the relevant link. Please begin by entering your e-mail address and the serial number of your scope. The serial number can be found on the bottom of the ocular on your scope. Then click the LOGIN field to arrive in the Main Data Form. Please always login with this combination of e-mail address and your serial number. MAIN DATA FORM You are now in the Main Data Form. At the beginning, you see an example of how your input could look. The following applies for each of your subsequent inputs: When finished, click CHECK/SYNC DATA to update your data. You are initially in the English system (output in yards, inches, etc). However, you can switch to the metric system (and output in meters) by activating both fields at the top right. The input fields are explained in more detail in the following steps. In order to input your specific data, just click on the respective field and change the data. a) BULLET/LOAD and CARTRIDGE The fields BULLET/LOAD and CARTRIDGE have no direct influence on the calculation; they are solely there for information after selection from the database and can also be left blank. b) BULLET WEIGHT c) BALLISTIC COEFFICIENT e) MUZZLE VELOCITY Two options are presented as follows on how you can input your specific data into the fields b), c), and e): If you already know your ballistic data, you can simply enter it into the fields provided. If you do not have these data at hand, you may also take the information for common types of projectiles and (predominantly American) calibers from the database. For this purpose, go to the far right to the field GET BULLET DATA (BC) or GET FACTORY DATA (vel) where you select your bullet or cartridge. 1) BULLET DATA FORM Click on the field GET BULLET DATA (BC) to arrive at the BULLET DATA FORM. Here you find different bullet types, and you can also obtain their respective ballistic coefficients. In the BULLET DATA FORM, you can select your bullet type by selecting the particular bullet manufacturer on the left and then clicking SHOW DATA and clicking the exact bullet type with its weight in the lower field. Then click UPDATE to update the selection and MAIN DATA FORM to return to the Main Data Form. Your personal selection is then accepted by the program. 2) CARTRIDGE DATA FORM To select your cartridge from the database, click on GET FACTORY DATA (vel). You then arrive at the CARTRIDGE DATA FORM. Data input is basically the same way as above for the BULLET DATA FORM. You can select your cartridge in the Cartridge Data Form. To do this, click an ammo manufacturer on the left and then on SHOW DATA . Select your bullet type in the lower field. Then press UPDATE to update the selection and MAIN DATA FORM to return to the Main Data Form. If you already know your ballistic data and enter it by hand in the data form, you can skip Steps 1 and 2. If you do not know your data and also do not find it in the database, you can find it on the respective manufacturer�s homepage or in their catalog. Note: Please take care on the accuracy of your information in order to obtain realistic output values. SIGHT HT. ABOVE BORE (distance between the center of the lens and the center of the bore) Firstly, input the distance between the center of the objective of your Swarovski Optik scope and the center of the bore (SIGHT HT. ABOVE BORE). The program defaults to a scope height above bore of 1.5 inches that most ammunition manufacturers use. This can be changed if need be. A slight change in this dimension will have very little effect on down range ballistics. SIGHT-IN DISTANCE The next step is to input the distance for the 1st sight-in distance. We recommend inputting 200 meters/yards as the standard distance or your best sight-in distance. ALTITUDE In the right column, you can also input the height above sea level (ALTITUDE) at which you wish to shoot. TEMPERATURE In addition, you can input the prevailing temperature, which, under some circumstances, may also have an influence on the trajectory. INCLINE ANGLE The incline angle defaults to 0 degrees. This value will be fine for most hunting conditions. TDS FACTOR At the bottom of the right hand column you will find the TDS factor highlighted in gray for the data you have selected or entered. You can now choose the appropriate TDS decal supplied with your scope and achieve very satisfactory results. To obtain optimum results after the data is entered, click on BALLISTIC RETICLE ANALYSIS to get the exact yardage distance of the marker bars. You can then fill in these values in the blank decals supplied with your TDS scope. Click on the field CHECK/SYNC DATA to synchronize all the input data. Then click BALLISTIC RETICLE ANALYSIS to move to the next page. RETICLE ANALYSIS FORM Select your personal Swarovski Optik scope in this data entry form. SCOPE SELECTION Firstly, select your scope under SCOPE SELECTION. Simply click on the arrow on the right of this field to obtain an overview of the Swarovski Optik scopes with TDS reticles. Select your personal scope here. TARGET SIZE In the TARGET SIZE field, you can input the size of the target according to the type of game hunted. You will find a detailed example in the explanation on the next output page RETICLE VIEW FORM. Information on SCOPE POWER SETTING Once you have selected your specific TDS variable power scope, you can change the SCOPE POWER SETTING for your scope. To use the TDS reticle to best effect, it is necessary to turn the power adjustment ring to the maximum power before shooting. This is necessary because the reticle is in the second focal plane for most scopes of this type. f the power is turned down from the maximum power the marker bars will indicate FURTHER distances away. The exception to this is the 3-12x50 PV TDS-Plex. Changing the power on this model will have no effect on the indicated distance of the marker bars because of its 1st focal plane reticle. If you need lower power, input your required power under OPERATING POWER. IMPORTANT: Please take into account the changes in the sight-in distances! Note: If after lowering the power setting the value of the marker bar goes over 1000 yards, the value will automatically default to the number 200, or whatever the zero distance is. THIS IS NOT 200 YARDS (or the zero distance) and should be ignored as a value! Now click on the field CHECK/SYNC DATA to update your input data. Then click on the field RETICLE IMAGE to obtain a graphic display of the TDS reticle with your individual values. RETICLE VIEW FORM You now see a graphic display of the TDS reticle with your specific data. For example, if you previously selected a hit area of 20 cm (e.g., for elk), you obtain three output values for each bar: The middle output values are your sight-in distances for a shot in the center (these are always the same as long as the max. power is not changed). The MIN DISTANCE (left) and the MAX DISTANCE (right) show you the hit for the respective bar and the previously selected target size. If, for instance, you input 20 cm in the field TARGET SIZE (e.g., for deer), you have a center hit at 207 m. At 162 m, you hit the deer 10 cm above center and, at 235 m, 10 cm below center. If you input a lower value for the �target area�, such as 10 cm (e.g., for a fox), change the values (min and max distance) accordingly, but not the sight-in distance (center hit) for the respective bar. These always remain the same regardless of the target size. Stickers As well as the stickers supplied with the specified TDS factor, you also receive blank stickers. You can label these with your own personal sight-in distances from the TDS output values.

Chris Farris Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 5701	Quote Reply Posted: February/06/2007 at 15:53
	THOMAS D. SMITH: AN UNCOMMON MAN TD's early life progressed at an average enough pace: A football scholarship helped with college, followed by a stint in the merchant marines. But he found his home in the Air Force behind an F4 Fighter. Flying over 200 missions into North Vietnam and Laos out of Korat, Thailand was only one landmark in his amazing career. It was prior to his Vietnam experience that someone recognized one of Tom's extraordinary gifts: He could shoot a pistol like another Texan, Van Clyburn, could play the piano. Smith won his first match and kept on winning, year after year, championship after championship. At the 1963 Pan-American Games, TD set the only World Record in pistol held by the U.S. The 1964 U.S. Olympic Games lists Smith as a member, shooting eighth in the free pistol. And again in that year, he won the National .45 Championship. In 1965 he won the National Indoor Championship at Fort Benning, the National .22 and .45 Championships at Camp Perry, and the Air Force Service Pistol Championship at Camp Perry. Smith was also the first pistol shooter to hit 300x300 with the .22 and .45 handguns in registered competition.