The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Using Ballistic Software to Determine Ballistic Reticle Zero

jmr40 · April 21, 2013, 07:22 PM

I've found that the scopes with some type of long range recicles to be pretty close. I just zero at 100 yards with the crosshairs. The 200, 300, and 400 yard dots are so close it just doesn't matter. EVen when using different bullet weights and speeds. There is far less difference in bullet drop than most guys realize. At 400 yards my 180 gr 30-06 loads drop 1" more than my 165's and 2" more than my 150's.

I just went out and started shooting. At longer ranges My 150 gr loads group right at the top edge of the dot, 165's right in the middle and 180's just on the bottom edge of the dot.

Even after you spend all the time doing the math, you're still gonna have to shoot to be sure anyway. Rather than giving myself a headache with the math I just went to the range and started shooting.

The only time it might make any real difference is if you have a rifle capable of 1" groups at 400 yards. Then you need to have exact drop data.

April 21, 2013, 07:22 PM	#6
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	I've found that the scopes with some type of long range recicles to be pretty close. I just zero at 100 yards with the crosshairs. The 200, 300, and 400 yard dots are so close it just doesn't matter. EVen when using different bullet weights and speeds. There is far less difference in bullet drop than most guys realize. At 400 yards my 180 gr 30-06 loads drop 1" more than my 165's and 2" more than my 150's. I just went out and started shooting. At longer ranges My 150 gr loads group right at the top edge of the dot, 165's right in the middle and 180's just on the bottom edge of the dot. Even after you spend all the time doing the math, you're still gonna have to shoot to be sure anyway. Rather than giving myself a headache with the math I just went to the range and started shooting. The only time it might make any real difference is if you have a rifle capable of 1" groups at 400 yards. Then you need to have exact drop data.