Rangefinder for Kestrel 5700

[figuy]

I'm in the market for a rangefinder that will link with the Kestrel 5700. I'd like to keep it at around $1000 or less. Are there any particular features and capabilities I should look for? Thanks.

[smoothy8500]

Ummm, I use a Leica 1600 B and input the numbers in my Strelok Pro for the "El Cheapo" set-up....

[RideWest]

The Kestrel web site will list units and compatible features. My Kestrel 5700 is older and doesn’t link to my range finder. But my range finder is linked to a ballistic application on my phone.

At the end of the day you just want the right dope, and will have to tune velocity and BC, regardless of the tool so that it matches your rifle and hand loads. Get whatever integrates with your current gear the easiest.

https://kestrelballistics.com/compar...-range-finders

[figuy]

Thank you both for the input.

[NorCalTodd]

I use the Sig Kilo 2400BDX to connect to my Kestrel 5700 Elite. I've ranged and engaged targets past 2,000 yards with it, and use it regularly at field matches. It does everything I want it to, no complaints.

[RideWest]

I have the 2200 which lacks the ABE component the 2400 has to link with the newer Kestrels blue tooth. Curious can the Kestrel communicate back to the range finder so it displays the correct elevation dope beyond 800 yards or does the ranger only transmit the range to the Kestrel saving you the trouble of manually entering it?

[NorCalTodd]

Originally Posted by RideWest

Curious can the Kestrel communicate back to the range finder so it displays the correct elevation dope beyond 800 yards or does the ranger only transmit the range to the Kestrel saving you the trouble of manually entering it?

Mine does. I range it in the LRF, which talks to the Kestrel and then displays the DOPE in the LRF in about a second.

[Gun Kraft]

Read this article: https://precisionrifleblog.com/2019/...t-rangefinder/

Sounds obvious, but the first feature you should look for is how accurately does it determine distance? All the other bells and integration whistles don't matter if the readings are significantly off. Note that "significant" is a relative term based on your intended application.

[RideWest]

Originally Posted by Gun Kraft

Read this article: https://precisionrifleblog.com/2019/...t-rangefinder/

Sounds obvious, but the first feature you should look for is how accurately does it determine distance? All the other bells and integration whistles don't matter if the readings are significantly off. Note that "significant" is a relative term based on your intended application.

Yeah I have been very happy with the accuracy of my Sig Sauer 2200BDX. Practically speaking it will range trees out to about 1400 yards. I normally don’t shoot past 1100 yards, so it works for the distances I need.

I think I paid just under $400 dollars for it a couple of years ago. The 2400 would definitely be nicer due to the additional ABE/ABX software to communicate with the newer Kestrels.

Having it send the elevation dope back to the ranger finder is nice. Past 800 yards I have to manually increment the distance in my Kestrel then dial, simply reading it in the range finder, like I can do for distances <800 yards would be ideal.

But my older Kestrel doesn’t support blue tooth. So I would have to update both my Kestrel and the range finder. I can’t afford to do that these days. I did check your link, nice to see that the Sigs are preferred or at least used by a lot of competitive shooters.

[Gun Kraft]

Based on this article (https://precisionrifleblog.com/2019/...er-field-test/) it sounds like you made a good choice. (I'm assuming the 2200BDX is comparable to the 2400ABS.) But note while it gave accurate results at 1000-1200 yds, at 800 yds it was less accurate.