I have a Leupold VX 5 3-15x44. I will be putting it on a 7 prc in preparation for an elk hunt. I know I can get the CDS custom turret, that I would have to pay for as I already used the freebie. I would like input from experienced shooters to tell me if you like the CDS or would you just use the original turrets as is and just adjust based off of charts from an app. I sight in at sea level and then hunt at about 5,000 ft. I am thinking that I am better off with an app that I can input actual live conditions where I am hunting that day and make my adjustments. CDS just seems kind of ballparking the variables. FYI, I am also trying to get my 10 posts so I can list some guns in classified., so I appreciate your help.
Leupold CDS
- Thread starter Happydan
- Start date
Steve from GA
WKR
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- Dec 25, 2020
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I would just make a dope chart and tape it to my rifle, personally. The dial would probably work fine though as long as the data going in is good.
From a purely data driven standpoint, the app method would be the most accurate. I recently got a Leupold and pondered the same thing. I won't be doing the CDS because I want the option to change ammo. For me, a 300 yard shot between 0-5000ft is ~0.2 MOA difference.
180ls1
WKR
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If you haven't dialed before and don't hunt at long ranges that CDS is the ticket.
The more familiar you get dialing and the longer ranges you hunt the less valuable it is. I'd say it wont start making a much of a difference until 500 or so.
The more familiar you get dialing and the longer ranges you hunt the less valuable it is. I'd say it wont start making a much of a difference until 500 or so.
It's quite a bit quicker than an app, assuming you have the parameters correct for your conditions correct on the dial. If temps and elevations are changing a lot, it's not great. If large angles are a thing, it's pretty bad.
I used to get dials made, now I use the factory dials and tape a small piece of paper to the stock for that hunt. Costs nothing and is accurate.
I used to get dials made, now I use the factory dials and tape a small piece of paper to the stock for that hunt. Costs nothing and is accurate.
ND_Hooligan
FNG
In my personal experience, it seems that the variable that affects me the most in the mountains is the angle of my shot. I am not experienced with CDS but will it compensate for that?
Mr.Ktm
FNG
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- Nov 27, 2023
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- 32
In my experience it is very close, not exact
No, how would it? You'd have to set it up for that angle when the turret is engraved.
Does your scope also have a BDC reticle that can be used for quick shots out to around 500 yds?
Personally I don't want to be fooling around with an app when trying to put an animal down. I've seen a number of lost opportunities to even send it because guys couldn't get data from their app quick enough.
I have had very good success dialing yardage for quite a few years with my Huskemaw. I currently have a turret showing yardage for quicker shots and moa for more precision at longer distance on my 7PRC. It works great!
Personally I don't want to be fooling around with an app when trying to put an animal down. I've seen a number of lost opportunities to even send it because guys couldn't get data from their app quick enough.
I have had very good success dialing yardage for quite a few years with my Huskemaw. I currently have a turret showing yardage for quicker shots and moa for more precision at longer distance on my 7PRC. It works great!
Does your scope also have a BDC reticle that can be used for quick shots out to around 500 yds?
Personally I don't want to be fooling around with an app when trying to put an animal down. I've seen a number of lost opportunities to even send it because guys couldn't get data from their app quick enough.
I have had very good success dialing yardage for quite a few years with my Huskemaw. I currently have a turret showing yardage for quicker shots and moa for more precision at longer distance on my 7PRC. It works great!
Personally I don't want to be fooling around with an app when trying to put an animal down. I've seen a number of lost opportunities to even send it because guys couldn't get data from their app quick enough.
I have had very good success dialing yardage for quite a few years with my Huskemaw. I currently have a turret showing yardage for quicker shots and moa for more precision at longer distance on my 7PRC. It works great!
Mtslackcountry
WKR
- Joined
- May 14, 2015
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- 438
A semi decent range finder will give you an accurate angle compensated yardage. If your current range finder doesnt do that get something that will
Make your own tape, you can guess close enough on the environmental variables to have something usable in hunting scenarios out to 500ish yards.
StuckInTheEast
Lil-Rokslider
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2022
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- 275
I run that same scope on 2 rifles. 7RM and 6.5Creed
Sighted in at 100yds at about 600ft elevation at 75F...hunted elk last year at 7500-8500ft...hit right where I was aiming.
CDS turrent for factory Hornady precision hunter setup for 5000ft, 50F with factory Hornady specs.
Pretty much dead on elevation wise out to 500yds in both...less than 1" shift in POI. I dont shoot farther than that at animals so it works great for me. Have shot multiple boxes of factory ammo through each with no noticeable change.
Great, fast tool for what I consider ethical hunting ranges for the majority of folks.
If your shooting father than 500 yds im sure an app and standard turret would be the tool of choice
Sighted in at 100yds at about 600ft elevation at 75F...hunted elk last year at 7500-8500ft...hit right where I was aiming.
CDS turrent for factory Hornady precision hunter setup for 5000ft, 50F with factory Hornady specs.
Pretty much dead on elevation wise out to 500yds in both...less than 1" shift in POI. I dont shoot farther than that at animals so it works great for me. Have shot multiple boxes of factory ammo through each with no noticeable change.
Great, fast tool for what I consider ethical hunting ranges for the majority of folks.
If your shooting father than 500 yds im sure an app and standard turret would be the tool of choice
That's what i am thinking.
Yes, I have been using a holdover chart. on my old 300 RUM. Time to let that 300 RUM go. That worked decently, but ready to move up to using a dope chart. Thanks for the feedback.
My newer VX 5HD does not have the BDC, which I now regret. My older Leupold scope the VXL, does have the BDC reticle and that is what I was using out at distances. I may have to change to another scope/reticle. So how do you have yardage and MOA? How does that work?
Excellent idea. Always something to spend money on. Even though every year I say I don't need more stuff.
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