Caliber specific scopes.

[Lefthook]

Anyone use caliber specific scopes? Which scopes are your favorites for magnum calibers and long range shots?

[aaronoto]

I generally avoid them, too many variables when it comes to ammo to make a BDC type reticle useful.

[Lefthook]

I generally avoid them, too many variables when it comes to ammo to make a BDC type reticle useful.

Thanks for the info. I have never looked into them before.

[jay.sharkbait]

They are a cheezy gimmick that counter monkeys like to sell.

[Special T]

I think the best BDC scopes are for 17hmr because bullet weight and velocities are very similar across the board.  I have used the nikon predator scopes with BDC a bunch and think they do a good job as well for similar reasons. Nixon has a Spot On website where you can imput you factory bullet choice and it gives you the calculated drop. I like the predator BDC for the quick target acquisition and rangefinding capibilites they provide.  If I were trying to do long range work I would probably go with a Million dot system. Mostly because you can download the military shooting manuals for free/cheap and could get better by studying up.

[BULLBLASTER]

They are a cheezy gimmick that counter monkeys like to sell.

Much better off to get a decent and repeatable scope with mil or moa dials and use that.

[BULLBLASTER]

... If I were trying to do long range work I would probably go with a Million dot system. ...

But with a million dots how will you ever know which one to aim with?   

[Bango skank]

I generally avoid them, too many variables when it comes to ammo to make a BDC type reticle useful.

I have 2 different .308s with bdc scopes.  Both are very accurate, despite the diff loads i use from one rifle to the next

[jackelope]

... If I were trying to do long range work I would probably go with a Million dot system. ...

But with a million dots how will you ever know which one to aim with?   

Sooooooooooooooooooo many dots....so little time.

[Special T]

Lol mil dot... Auto correct

[BULLBLASTER]

Lol mil dot... Auto correct

[Hilltop123]

I have the used the Shepard scope system for about the last 12 years. With that said the one major problem I found with this type of sighting system, is that you have to match your ballistics to the reticle. Once you find the right ballistics to reticle combination, your have to stay with that load, to make the BDC even close to usable. If your a hand loader that likes to tinker, this is a real pain in the arse. I just purchased a Leopold, with adjustable target turrets.  In hopes to getting away from that problem and free up my options for loads. JMTCW

[Lefthook]

I have the used the Shepard scope system for about the last 12 years. With that said the one major problem I found with this type of sighting system, is that you have to match your ballistics to the reticle. Once you find the right ballistics to reticle combination, your have to stay with that load, to make the BDC even close to usable. If your a hand loader that likes to tinker, this is a real pain in the arse. I just purchased a Leopold, with adjustable target turrets.  In hopes to getting away from that problem and free up my options for loads. JMTCW

Thanks for the info Hilltop. I might copy your model if you don't mind. I wouldn't have a problem working up one load to match the BDC and just continue to reman that load. I like to tinker as you say and I have dies for 4 other rifles to mess around with right now, possibly more coming up. I also like your idea of using the adjustable target turrets. Target turrets and an accurate range finder out to 1500+ yards could be interesting. Right now I'm just thinking of getting setup for long range target shooting, I'm not really thinking of long range hunting shots at the moment. Thanks for the insight.

[Stein]

No reason to use one, I have the BDC and the yardages are completely random for every load I have run.  I use the dials and rangefinder.

[Lefthook]

No reason to use one, I have the BDC and the yardages are completely random for every load I have run.  I use the dials and rangefinder.

Dials and rangefinder seems to be the consensus. Thanks for the help, this will save me a lot of time and headaches I presume.