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Mil Dot or BDC? Which would you prefer?

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jrod014 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jrod014 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Mil Dot or BDC? Which would you prefer?
    Posted: January/31/2008 at 13:14
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If you were shooting from 500-1000 yards or meters which reticle would choose? Mil dot or a BDC reticle?
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cnwrobb View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cnwrobb Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/31/2008 at 13:43
Got both and each have their own advantage.  Personally. I prefer the mil-dot as target aquisition is much quicker.  The BDC reticle will "hide" target particularly smaller targets, so it doesn't give me the sight picture that makes me confident when I squeeze the trigger.  I have had better luck with hold over with my BDC on larger game, especially deer size targets.  If I were shooting stationary targets, I might figure out the mil-dot capacity of ranging targets.  Another personal observation that the BDC reticle I have on 6.5-20x44 Nikon appears thicker that the normal Nikoplex reticle.  The mildot is on  Bushell 5-15x40 3200 tactical scope.  So depending on your application and particular favorite use, I hope this helps.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cnwrobb Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/31/2008 at 13:46
By the way, longest shot I have every made is 583 yards on an animal and just 700 yards on paper or steel target.  I would suggest mil-dot at the ranges you are attempting.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jrod014 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/31/2008 at 13:50
Sweet thanks for the reply. Now, which brand would you recommend for mil dot scopes?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote www.technika.nu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/31/2008 at 13:56
I would recoment BDC, i use both but the mildot is mostly for estimation and not so much for hold over.
Mildot is not particulary well suited for hold over, there is much better reticles for that.
But hold over feels like 18 century to me, it's deffinitely nothing if you really wants to hit.
 
Regards TEchnika
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote niles coyote Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/01/2008 at 21:04
If you go with the mildot get a mildot master (book and slide rule) and it will explain how to use it well for both ranging and hold over. But you will have to know your bullet drop at each range. BDC is a good idea, but ever caliber/bullet type will have a different drop. So either way you will have to verify it by shooting... I have scopes that have burris balistic plex, mildot as well a leupold's TMR (which in my opinion is even better than the mildot). Burris plex is nice but I have gotten spoiled by the TMR and perfer that now. And you cant range as well with a BDC as you can with a mildot or TMR reticle.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3_tens Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/02/2008 at 17:11

It is estimation on both B-dot or Mil Dot in the real world. I have rarely had a hunting target at an even 100 yd interval. A shot can be taken much faster with B-dot over Mil Dot. It takes a while to calculate everything for a mil dot so if you are competing over targets with a buddy under 400 yds speed will usually win between equal shooters. Over 400 yds  or on paper turn the dials, accuracy counts.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2008 at 06:47
I like Zeiss's Rapid z reticle. It is fine enough to see your target ,but optics are good enough to be able to see all the features of the reticle at any reasonable light. Just my .02

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2008 at 17:18
Mil dot and BDC do different things.

At the end of the day, you gotta know something about your round to accurately put the thing on target.  Ranging is half the battle, but only half.

If you get a pre-made BDC, be sure to check it for accuracy at all ranges needed.  You can't buy one, zero at 100, spin up to 600, and expect to be dead nuts - it ain't that simple.

If you really want a good BDC, make your own data tables and send the data to Kenton, he'll put your data on a turret for your scope.  The pre-made BDC's can be very close, but nothing beats real-world numbers.

And finally, ranging is a very perishable skill, a Mil dot will help, you you still have to do your part. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote medic52 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2008 at 19:12
I have a Bushnell 4200 Elite 6x24x40 Mil-dot mounted on a 22-250 that I use for PD Hunting. I have a Nikon 6x18x40 BDC mounted on a Rem BDL Custom 270 to deer hunt with. I like both, sorry no help
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