How to use standard Duplex Reticle as reference for longer range shooting?

[IDHUNTER]

I have a Leupold vx3i 3.5-10x40 with a standard duplex reticle. I'd like to be able to use where the fat part of the reticle meets the skinny part of the reticle as a reference point for shooting at a longer range. My question is this: what's the easiest way to find out what the distance is where the bullet will hit at that point?

My shots will be under 400 yards but rather than trying to guess a large hold over with the crosshairs I think I could be more effective with a longer range reference.

 

[beachbunny]

i'd say put a ruler out to the varying distances and see what the reticle covers at those ranges,i assume it is a second plane scope

 

[MTElkChaser]

Call Leupold Customer Service and tell them you have SKU#170680 which is a VX3i 3.5-10x40 with Duplex Reticle.

They will be able to tell you what the measurements of the crosshairs are at 100 yards. Ask them to email you the chart, which they should have. Then you can extrapolate out to your 400 yards in any increment. Good luck!

 

[LaHunter]

I have a Leupold vx3i 3.5-10x40 with a standard duplex reticle. I'd like to be able to use where the fat part of the reticle meets the skinny part of the reticle as a reference point for shooting at a longer range. My question is this: what's the easiest way to find out what the distance is where the bullet will hit at that point?

My shots will be under 400 yards but rather than trying to guess a large hold over with the crosshairs I think I could be more effective with a longer range reference.

That sounds good in theory, but trying to range a deer using your scope reticle under real hunting conditions is a recipe for a miss or wounding an animal. You can find a fairly inexpensive range finder that will be reliable out to 400 yards, then you will know the exact distance. Not sure what you will be shooting, but for my rifle the POI from 400 yards to 450 yards is a difference of 8". From 350 to 450 is a difference of about 14".

 

[IDHUNTER]

That sounds good in theory, but trying to range a deer using your scope reticle under real hunting conditions is a recipe for a miss or wounding an animal. You can find a fairly inexpensive range finder that will be reliable out to 400 yards, then you will know the exact distance. Not sure what you will be shooting, but for my rifle the POI from 400 yards to 450 yards is a difference of 8". From 350 to 450 is a difference of about 14".

Maybe I didn't phrase my question properly. I have a good rangefinder... Just trying to figure out how to use where the skinny reticle meets the fat part of the reticle as a hash mark.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

 

[daddie63]

I’m curious too. I’m gonna call Leupold on Mon and ask. I will post what info I get

 

[Forest]

So you are wanting to use the regular reticle as a b&C reticle basically?? I used to do this (with actual b&c crosshairs) but have since went away from it. Different zoom levels will affect the crosshair placement on the animal. Also there is no set holdover (bullet drop) on the scope, it depends greatly on the gun; ballistics, zero range etc etc. So there is no set answer.

Best bet is to set up a measurement system of some kind to show you how many inches it is and then take that to a drop chart. (Leupold may be able to tell you the inches at certain yardage) Depending on what gun you are shooting, I'm not sure its going to help you a lot out to 400 yards...

 

[elkguide]

WAAAYYYYYYYY to many variables. ie: what bullet are you shooting. what is the speed of said bullet. what is your POA. what power are you going to "always" be on when shooting.

Great question in concept...….. hard to work in a hunting situation.

Most of my hunting set-ups with a .300 Win Mag are set so that I am 3.2" high at 100 yards. That leaves me spot on at 300 yards and 4.5" high at 200 yards. This year I switched to a Cooper Rifle with a 26" barrel which put me zeroed at 320 yards and 4.6" high at 200 yards. With a center chest hold, I am able to take game to 365 yards, being aware that at 240 yards, I am hitting 4.8" high.
My Brown Precision Rifle, also in .300 Win Mag with the same load is 3" high at 100 and is -1" at 300 yards.

You really just have to get out and shoot your rifle once you have your best load.
I love the thrill and excitement of working up my ranges for a new rifle/tool/friend/hunting companion!

ENJOY!!!!

 

[BAKPAKR]

i'd say put a ruler out to the varying distances and see what the reticle covers at those ranges,i assume it is a second plane scope

A variation of this is to set up a target with one inch grid lines at 100 yards and jot down down the distances between the intersection of the crosshairs and where the thin part of the vertical crosshairs meets the thick part for each marked power setting. That will give you an inch per hundred yard multiplier for each power setting — not quite MOA but close.

I use this method at 300 yards with my 22 as I run out of elevation adjustment.

 

[Newtosavage]

Pg. 84 for your reticle subtension.

Shows 5.4 in. @ 100 yards for your scope on 10x

If you know your MV and bullet BC and weight, you can use the Hornady ballistics calculator to figure out at what yardage your bullet drops 2.7 MOA and that will be the range for the top of the bottom "post" on your reticle.

https://cdnp.leupold.com/content/documents/Leupold_Catalog_2018_MR.pdf

 

[Newtosavage]

Sorry. Double post

 

[Forest]

Pg. 84 for your reticle subtension.

Shows 5.4 in. @ 100 yards for your scope on 10x

If you know your MV and bullet BC and weight, you can use the Hornady ballistics calculator to figure out at what yardage your bullet drops 2.7 MOA and that will be the range for the top of the bottom "post" on your reticle.

https://cdnp.leupold.com/content/documents/Leupold_Catalog_2018_MR.pdf

Be sure to double check the calculator before you head to the field!!!! I was amazed at the differences between the free online calculators. I was shooting Hornady ammo and ironically the honrady ballistics calculator was the furthest off, but im talking out at 6-700 yards. But i agree, it will certainly give you a starting point.