What sized target fills a Nikon BDC circle at the different yardages?

[bman940]

Correct. Strange no one had ever asked me that question before, so I wanted to make sure I had te correct answer to pass on. Now if you have a first Focal plance scope you don't have to worry about any of this.
Thanks for the question.

[WoodlandShooter]

I have an older Prostaff 4-12x40 BDC. since I am saving up money for a new scope on my 338LM, I am going to use this scope in the interim while I save up.

I put together this little quick reference sheet for when using it at extended ranges.

The click values for Nikon scopes are IPHY, and so is the reticle. The reticle is based off of a 100 yard zero and at max magnification.

The mill and MOA holds need to be ratioed with respect to magnification.

What this means is at 4 power, the bottom post (dimension I) would be 42.9MOA.

in mathematical terms: (Hold in MOA)x(12/4)

it also works for the Mill holds also


 

[WoodlandShooter]

here is the Coyote Reticle

[Special T]

Woodlandshooter. Great info there. I would love the math to be incorperated into the spot on web site so that you could make a quick cheet sheet for your specific combination.

[WoodlandShooter]

I also have the Spot On app in my I-Phone.

yesterday I verified that the NIKON is indeed in IPHY, and not MOA by matching environmental conditions between the App and also my "old standby" Pesja Ballistics spreadsheet.

To convert from IPHY to MOA, at 100 yards, divide the IPHY value by 1.047.

To convert from IPHY to Mils at 100 yards, divide the IPHY value by 3.6.

if you are using another ballistics program other than  Spot On, you will need to remember that click values on the Nikon Scopes are IPHY. You will need to make the correction at extended ranges if you are "dialing" because, if you don't, you will miss the target.

[Special T]

This is the kind of great info I wish they had posted there.

[WoodlandShooter]

well, the "intent " of these scopes are general hunting use...not long range precision, so they don't publish that kind of info.

I checked the turret travel on my Prostaff, and it's ~65 IPHY for the elevation turret.

With a 20 MOA base, it could get me to 1600 yards at 12x...if I include the reticle. might get out to test that theory this weekend.

[Special T]

Even tho these scopes are not made for long range shooting we can define long range somewhere in the 4-600yard range for a 223. Since the circles purpose are different sizes it would be helpful in offhand target ranging. Since this scope is mostly predator/coyote emphesized some rough gauges would be perfect. Perhaps I am the only one but a perfect shot is less portant to me on a coyote than on a deer or elk.

[Don Fischer]

I've got a 4 1/2-14 Buckmaster on a rifle. It has the BDC reticule, I hate it! Figured I could get it, great price, and then have Nikon change it out, they don't do that. On my 243 I have taped to the stock a paper with the drop at different range's. That aand my range finder work very well. The 243 has the 3-0 Buckmaster with duplex reticule.