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Ranging Reticle on a cranking scope, Why?

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sakomato View Drop Down
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    Posted: May/21/2015 at 15:02

Always wondered why one would want a ranging reticle on a scope with cranking turrets.  Cranking surely is more accurate on a long distance scope and the distance marks in the reticle then become useless.  If a shot is presented at long distance, isn't it the case that time should be taken anyway before pulling the trigger?  If a shot is presented a short distance then cranking nor reticle is necessary.

Wouldn't it make more sense to have a fine dot 2nd focal plane without ranging subtensions on a cranking scope OR a 1st focal plane ranging reticle if cranking is not your thing?

Personally I have a Zeiss 4.5x14 RapidZ 800 (2nd FP) and have tailored a load to work at 14 power.  Also have a fixed 6X IOR with a ranging reticle and a couple of Kahles MultiZeros (sorta like cranking) with just a plain reticle.  Also a scope with neither cranking knobs or reticle on a short shot thumper.

Thinking about a good scope with cranking turrets for my 338RUM but lean toward a plain 2nd FP high power scope with a fine dot and no ranging.  Talk me out of it

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/21/2015 at 15:28
A Mil or MOA reticle is nice for corrections.  It is like having a ruler in your view all the time.  If you miss you can tell exactly how much adjustment you need to make for the next shot by using the reticle.  I know the point is to make the hit the first time, but in reality most of us are not that good all the time a second shot is often needed. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sakomato Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/21/2015 at 15:36

Originally posted by supertool73 supertool73 wrote:

A Mil or MOA reticle is nice for corrections.  It is like having a ruler in your view all the time.  If you miss you can tell exactly how much adjustment you need to make for the next shot by using the reticle.  I know the point is to make the hit the first time, but in reality most of us are not that good all the time a second shot is often needed. 

So if you miss and can tell how far off you are, is it assumed that you have a spotter?  I know with the 338RUM you would not be able to tell through the scope due to recoil.  In almost every one of my scenarios I would be hunting alone.

Even so, if the animal was standing in the open with only dry dirt around and I was able to estimate how far off and what direction, wouldn't just a couple of clicks and go again work?

Not trying to argue or contradict, just trying to keep it uncomplicated and uncluttered


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/21/2015 at 15:42
Yeah a high recoil rifle may cause a problem with that usage of a reticle.  I use the reticle that way by myself often, but it is with .308s and .223s typically. 

I have used this with yotes several times and connected on the second shot.  But again it was with a .223. 

Just moving it a couple clicks may work, but being able to quickly measure with your reticle and know exactly how much you need to move is helpful.

Many like to dial for elevation and hold for windage.  So a mil or MOA reticle is nice in that regard as well. 

Also if you do not have time to dial in a correction for a second shot you can use the reticle to hold off for addition elevation and or windage. 

The other issue is animals are often moving and moving quick after a first shot miss.  So making dial adjustments for a second shot may not work anyway. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/21/2015 at 19:39
I prefer to use the reticle for holdover within a certain distance (500 yards for most conventional calibers) and then use the turrets further out.  Having a well designed reticle helps.

On top of that, the distance to which I am willing to shoot with a holdover reticle varies with wind, so I like to have options.

ILya


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/21/2015 at 21:12
I would disagree that " cranking is more accurate", so the whole discussion becomes superfluous. I would agree with Koshkin that beyond some certain distance, turrets have an advantage, but that is shooter-, shot-, and often rifle-specific.

I do both, dial in and hold over, and - for me, within limits - holdover is just as accurate and is much faster.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/22/2015 at 02:27
I have them on my scope because they look wayyyyyy cool. When some guy at the range looks through my scope he goes "Wow, check that reticle" Specially the young lads starting out with shooting.....
 
Seriously, I use my MOA and MIl reticles for ranging purposes. On my target rifle I dial for all distances on elevation and use the reticle for windage. If the wind is constant then I will dial windage also.
 
On my hunting rifle there is no time for fiddlety or faddlety... I just aim off as I think I need, bang and then I go pick up the dead buck.....
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sscoyote Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/01/2015 at 15:26

Got a buddy who uses a 243 AR-10 for predators in the winters here. We make a pretty good long-rangin' team. I have the Leica BRF, and when the game is spotted he gets setup with his rig, and I start calling range to the critter. He sets up with the AR and applys his Leupold Varmint Hunter's reticle for ranges to about 600 or so, and dials for further distances (rarely). I can't tell you how many of those shots would not have been successful had he been dialing instead of subtensioning it.

Ever try to hit a badger at longer ranges? They're almost constantly moving it seems. Turrets would be very difficult to apply in a LR badger scenario.

Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sscoyote Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/01/2015 at 15:28

Originally posted by 8shots 8shots wrote:

I have them on my scope because they look wayyyyyy cool.


I love that!!

Steve
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