Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this often?

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Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this often?

Post by simmo » 23 Feb 2017, 3:18 pm

I have been shooting long distance (full bore target rifle stuff) for about 5yrs and have just started playing with scopes. I have a Nightforce NXS with an 8x32x56 configuration, on top of a Tikka .260, and I understand the reticle of the scope is pretty good for ranging targets as long you know the target size.

Does anyone use their scope regularly for this in either hunting or target applications and are there any tips and tricks for doing this?

Thanks in advance everyone
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Re: Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this ofte

Post by Varmtr » 23 Feb 2017, 10:08 pm

Simmo

Yes I do when doing varminting work. Laser is a lot faster and more accurate.

What type of reticle does the NXS have ? I think for memory the NXS is a SFP scope if correct the reticle will be correct at set power which you'll need to check with NF. But once known you can use the reticle at other powers but there are conversion factors you have take in. Hence why must guys who do a lot of ranging work with scopes prefer to use FFP scopes.

I work in inches and moa but the formula is: target size x 95.5 / measured moa's = range.
To get better accuracy try and measure in 1/4 moa's. eg 2.5moa, 2.75moa etc etc
Also you can multiply by 100 instead of 95.5 to make it easier but this will give around a 5% error in range. Thus at longer distances can mean a miss.
Another mistake is corresponding 1 MOA as 1 inch again at closer ranges is ok but at distance this again will give around a 5% error in ranging and hold over. I think for memory 1 MOA is 1.05" at 100y.

If prefer meters but using a moa scope the formula is: target size in cm x 34.37 / measured moa's = meters
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Re: Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this ofte

Post by bigfellascott » 24 Feb 2017, 5:30 am

Nup, I just use my rangefinder when I want to know how far something is.
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Re: Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this ofte

Post by bladeracer » 24 Feb 2017, 6:56 am

Only for playing about with.
Laser rangefinder is better in every way.
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Re: Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this ofte

Post by simmo » 24 Feb 2017, 1:05 pm

Varmtr thanks for the detailed advice. I have one of the discontinued reticle variants, NP-R2 which is based at x22 power for MOA measurement. I'm interested in understanding how to use it because, well, I have a brilliant piece of glass and knowing how to get the best out of it will be a hobby in itself. I will likely invest in a range finder if I get into hunting, because as it's been said they are just more efficient and accurate.
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Re: Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this ofte

Post by on_one_wheel » 25 Feb 2017, 7:06 pm

Nope ... besides the slow nature of crunching the numbers it's only ROUGHLY accurate if you know the EXACT size of the target.

Range finder for me :thumbsup:
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Re: Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this ofte

Post by Varmtr » 26 Feb 2017, 9:49 am

Simmo it does take a bit of practice but it eventually becomes second nature.
But in relative terms the smaller the target and smaller moa measurement the hard it is to range this way. Espicially with mirage, holding the rifle steady enough to measure. Even a .25 moa measurement difference at long range will compound the error which can mean a miss.
For varmint work I usually limit it reticle ranging to about 300y for rabbits, foxes a bit further due to it being a larger beast. When going further the laser gets used. But it is handy to know how to range with reticle.
Varminting on a rabbit warren and you don't range quite right isnt a big deal. Just see the impact and correct on the run and the rabbits will usually pop out again.
As On One Wheel said its only a estimate, as you see there are quite a few factors will effect what range you calculated.
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Re: Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this ofte

Post by Elek » 05 Apr 2017, 4:27 pm

I'm not good enough at doing it so range finder.
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Re: Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this ofte

Post by Bourt » 06 Apr 2017, 1:16 pm

Rangefinder.

Instant, fast, accurate.

Buy once, cry once, enjoy it from there.
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Re: Using scopes to range targets...does anyone do this ofte

Post by harlow » 10 Apr 2017, 11:21 am

Elek wrote:I'm not good enough at doing it so range finder.


Same, I'm always off by miles. Couldn't do it accurately to save my life :lol:
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