How to use a mil/mil scope-reticle, turrets and proper usage

[benconfused]

RULE OF THUMB — USING MIL-TENTHS
Deer

Range (yards) ≈ 45 ÷ (mil-tenths)
(Example: 3.2 mil = 32 tenths → 45/3.2 ≈ 140 yards)

Bear

Range (yards) ≈ 55 ÷ (mil-tenths)

Elk

Range (yards) ≈ 75 ÷ (mil-tenths)

Why these numbers work

They come from:

Deer chest ≈ 18"

Bear chest ≈ 22"

Elk chest ≈ 30"

Range (yards) ≈ 25 × chest(in) ÷ mils
Converting to tenths just divides by 10, giving the simple constants (45, 55, 75).

The final version you can memorize in 5 seconds

Deer: 45 ÷ mil-tenths
Bear: 55 ÷ mil-tenths
Elk: 75 ÷ mil-tenths

Or using mils

Deer: 450 ÷ mils
Bear: 550 ÷ mils
Elk: 750 ÷ mils

Digesting this for a moment (I'm slow sorry). For your example: "(Example: 3.2 mil = 32 tenths → 45/3.2 ≈ 140 yards)" --- 3.2 mils is using your reticle to measure from what to what on the deer, hoof to top of back?

 

[RockAndSage]

I know what I'll be studying and working on this weekend...

 

[Mike Islander]

Digesting this for a moment (I'm slow sorry). For your example: "(Example: 3.2 mil = 32 tenths → 45/3.2 ≈ 140 yards)" --- 3.2 mils is using your reticle to measure from what to what on the deer, hoof to top of back?

Chest measurement in 0.1 mil steps.
CORRECTED TO BE MORE ACCURATE AND EASIER MATH Divide 50, 60, 80 by those measured 0.1 mil steps. Equals range in hundreds of yards.

Also just do this (measure chest height in mils):
300/mils = yards for coyote
500/mils = yards for deer
609/mils = yards for bear
800s/mils = yards for elk
Rules of thumb, not exact. But close enough and easy to remember.

General formula?
Range (yards) ≈ 27.8 × target height (inches) ÷ mils

 

[West2East]

I figured I would just keep my question in this thread instead of starting a new one.
I'm currently using all MOA scopes, I would like to see if I want to make the switch to MIL.
The question is: Is a 10X SWFA Mil Quad a "good" scope to test all of this on/ convince me to take the leap? They are reasonably priced and I want to give Mils a fair shake.

 

[nm.otter]

Is a 10X SWFA Mil Quad a "good" scope to test all of this on/ convince me to take the leap?

Absolutely! Plus you can sell it for most of what you paid when/if you upgrade.

 

[Mike Islander]

I figured I would just keep my question in this thread instead of starting a new one.
I'm currently using all MOA scopes, I would like to see if I want to make the switch to MIL.
The question is: Is a 10X SWFA Mil Quad a "good" scope to test all of this on/ convince me to take the leap? They are reasonably priced and I want to give Mils a fair shake.

I'd go 6X if you can find one.

 

[West2East]

I'd go 6X if you can find one.

We'll try 10X for the time being. If the Mil bug bites as hard as everyone says, I'm sure I'll have one in every flavor haha

 

[The Harbor Master]

We'll try 10X for the time being. If the Mil bug bites as hard as everyone says, I'm sure I'll have one in every flavor haha

Good luck on your mil journey! I just switched over this past fall. Makes everything easier, faster... can't believe I waited so long.

 

[Dobermann]

We'll try 10X for the time being. If the Mil bug bites as hard as everyone says, I'm sure I'll have one in every flavor haha

Good luck.

One key thing to separate out will be if you experience any challenges by being locked into 10x mag, and making sure to not conflate that with any issues about being in mil.

A second aspect of this approach is just knowing that you won't get some of the benefits of FFP + mil - mainly, that reticle subtensions stay the same. I'm sure you knew this.

No reason not to go with a fixed 10 - just two important aspects of context.

 

[West2East]

Good luck.

One key thing to separate out will be if you experience any challenges by being locked into 10x mag, and making sure to not conflate that with any issues about being in mil.

A second aspect of this approach is just knowing that you won't get some of the benefits of FFP + mil - mainly, that reticle subtensions stay the same. I'm sure you knew this.

No reason not to go with a fixed 10 - just two important aspects of context.

I think you just broke my brain and I'll learn something new. Aren't the subtensions correct at all distances with a fixed power scope?
Maybe I misunderstood your statement.
But yes to your first post 10x all the time will take some getting used to.

 

[Dobermann]

I think you just broke my brain and I'll learn something new. Aren't the subtensions correct at all distances with a fixed power scope?

Yes they are.

But one of the real benefits of a mil+FFP combination is that they stay the same at all magnifications.

For people who are used to SFP+MOA, this is almost literally a "doubling of ease of use" ...

But again, no problem with starting with a fixed.

 

[West2East]

Yes they are.

But one of the real benefits of a mil+FFP combination is that they stay the same at all magnifications.

For people who are used to SFP+MOA, this is almost literally a "doubling of ease of use" ...

But again, no problem with starting with a fixed.

Oh copy, I'm coming from FFP MOA so I'm pretty used to the FFP style. I'm just hoping to put some time into learning mils without a bunch of other stuff going on.