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Author Topic: MOA or MRAD, & Why?  (Read 760 times)

Offline TeacherMan

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MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« on: December 12, 2025, 08:25:32 AM »
Looking at a couple of different Vortex scopes, they come in MOA or MRAD. This will be the first time I've used an adjustable scope, building a mid-grade distance rifle. Basically, doing what my budget can afford. What would you choose and why? Or does it matter if you have the conversions and app?
If you shoot the first one you will never get that true trophy.

Offline Mtnwalker

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2025, 09:13:42 AM »
I still shoot MOA but it seems like mils are gaining more and more popularity in the long range hunting world. Supposedly it is a more intuitive system I just haven't taken the time to learn it

Offline HUNT JR

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2025, 10:01:46 AM »
In my mind it really does not matter if you are using a rangefinder that provides ballistics. I use MOA and it works for me. I can convert the MOA numbers pretty quickly and have no issues.

I think Mil's is technically fewer "clicks" as .1 mil is .36 or whatever inches at 100 and most scopes are 1/4 moa so about .25 inches at 100 so when you dial out you spin the turret a little less.

I think you pick a system and learn it as they both can be effective.

Offline bowman

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2025, 10:21:16 AM »
Mil is a lot easier for wind brackets and there is a pretty cool quick drop method with mils that works for a lot of cartridges to mid distances.

Offline jrebel

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2025, 10:37:27 AM »
I’m a MOA guy and I have to many scopes to change at this point.  To me it is super easy, but that’s because that’s what I’ve learned in.   MRAD guys will tell the MRAD is the only way to go.  When I have ask them why????  It’s the same answer, because it’s easier??    :dunno: :dunno: :chuckle:

Pick your poison and learn it well….either will work. 

Offline pickardjw

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2025, 10:47:08 AM »
I switched from MOA to MILS and have been liking it. Dialing 3.2 is harder to mess up than 14.25. And no one is shooting the difference in precision of 0.1 MIL adjustments vs 0.25 MOA adjustments so that isn't a factor.

I use wind brackets but don't use quick drop. Rifle is too fast for it and I'm getting a solution from my rangefinder anyway.

I was MIL curious but never fully grasped why others preferred it until I listened to this.


Offline Antlershed

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2025, 10:49:02 AM »
The only “MRAD is easier” argument I’ve heard is that it’s easier to do calculations on the fly. I use a Sig 8k rangefinder that’s giving me my adjustments, so I’m not trying to solve complex math equations on the fly.  :chuckle: I’ve always shot MOA scopes, so that’s what I continue to use. It’s easy for me to see 4.86 MOA from the Sig and decide if I want to dial 4.75 or 5. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Offline JakeLand

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2025, 05:31:46 PM »
Look into the leupold CDS scopes once they’re set and your turret is made it’s easy simple and accurate

Offline TeacherMan

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2025, 08:44:20 PM »
Look into the leupold CDS scopes once they’re set and your turret is made it’s easy simple and accurate

I have, they are close but dont have the dial out distance I’m wanting.
If you shoot the first one you will never get that true trophy.

Offline EnglishSetter

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2025, 09:50:48 PM »
Look into the leupold CDS scopes once they’re set and your turret is made it’s easy simple and accurate

I have, they are close but dont have the dial out distance I’m wanting.

45 MOA isn't enough??? They have 1, 2 & 3 turn CDS dial available.

Offline addicted1

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #10 on: December 12, 2025, 10:45:34 PM »
I prefer Mrad because I can “quickly” calculate conversions since everything is base 10. Like using the metric system to convert between units. But, since we are Americans and used to Yards and inches, MOA seems to be more familiar to people here including myself. I think you’ll have no issue with either setup. I guess it depends how far your looking to shoot and what your shooting.

Offline CarbonHunter

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #11 on: Yesterday at 08:27:14 AM »
I shoot MOA, mainly because I always have and I’ve never had any issues making the “calculations” given I measure stuff in feet and inches not decimeters and centimeters. And yards verse meters is close enough in my book when using those measurements.

The only real calculations I do is attempt to measure antlers using the reticle in my spotter or rifle scope. Measuring them in MOA is the way we all talk so I figure it’s easier than measuring them in the metric system then running a calculation to convert that to inches. I have never heard it said that the ears on a muley are 55.88 centimeters wide but the world is changing so maybe you guys are on a bandwagon I don’t feel like jumping on.  :dunno:

Offline TeacherMan

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #12 on: Yesterday at 08:57:21 AM »
Look into the leupold CDS scopes once they’re set and your turret is made it’s easy simple and accurate

I have, they are close but dont have the dial out distance I’m wanting.

45 MOA isn't enough??? They have 1, 2 & 3 turn CDS dial available.

I guess I was looking at a cheaper one. It maxed my 338 at 700 yards when I looked.
If you shoot the first one you will never get that true trophy.

Offline HntnFsh

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #13 on: Yesterday at 02:11:49 PM »
Depends if you have a 200 yard zero or 100 yard zero

Offline Antlershed

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Re: MOA or MRAD, & Why?
« Reply #14 on: Yesterday at 04:02:40 PM »
The CDS dials are also set for a specific altitude, so depending on how many different places/times of year you hunt, it may not always be accurate, or you have to get multiple dials.

 


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