Ranging targets

[ExtremeX]

What app are you using?

I don't know what he uses... but I use Ballistic AE. Pretty much the best $20 I've spent on gun stuff to date.

http://ballistic.zdziarski.com/

for iPhone / iPad

[Fjold]

I use a laser range finder because I want accurate information.

If you use any type of ranging reticle you are guessing at the exact size of the target and trying to align the edges of dots or wires on the exact edges of the target. Even the cheapest lasers will always be more accurate.

[ar15barrels]

I had my scope turned all the way down while walking out in the dark in big bear territory and forgot to turn it up to max for ranging. A deer walked in at about 80 yards, I wanted to use the laser just because I hadn't used it while hunting yet. When I put the deer in the scope I realized that it measured 4 mil or something and thought "WOW that's an itty bitty deer or my range finder is totally screwed, no way I'm shooting that". Only after it got behind a few trees did I realize I had my scope turned down.

See story above for reasons why a first focal plane scope is superior to a second focal plane scope...

[JMP]

Do you guys prefer to range targets with your scope reticle or do you prefer to use a laser range finder?

They are not mutually exclusive if you don't have a frame of reference. But, obviously you need a scope first, then a rangefinder second (if you feel price and circumstance warrant it).

[NapalmCheese]

See story above for reasons why a first focal plane scope is superior to a second focal plane scope...

That and something with matching reticle and knobs will be my next 'big boy' scope.

[LynnJr]

I use a laser range finder because I want accurate information.

If you use any type of ranging reticle you are guessing at the exact size of the target and trying to align the edges of dots or wires on the exact edges of the target. Even the cheapest lasers will always be more accurate.

X 100

If your shooting a flat shooting cartridge with heavy for caliber bullets sight it in for 200 or 300 yards and set your zero stop.

Most flat shooting cartridges don't vary that much out to 200 yards and some of the hotter wildcats are good to go past 300 but don't do this on a short barreled 308 Winchester as the trajectory isn't at all flat.

This gives you 20 MOA past your zero range meaning you can go from 100 to 1000 yards within one turn of the turret on any flat shooting cartridge.

Most shooters have problems at one time or another when they have to exceed 1 full turn of the turret.

The high speed turrets are the way to go in my humble opinion.
If you don't want to spend $1800 plus on a scope with zero stop and high speed turrets you can get custom turrets from Kenton Industries in Moorpark,Ca for around $100 that are laser engraved in yards rather than clicks.

[mroels]

I use my reticle to range my targets, I will figure out all my shooting solutions based on how accurately I range. But afterwards I will use a gps to confirm range when I walk out to check the target.

When I go out on hikes I will sometimes bring a scope and range stuff and then confirm distance and size of what I'm ranging by walking out to it. I've found this pretty helpful as my steel targets are of a known size so rarely tough to range.

[YZINGERR]

What app are you using?

there is a whole thread here on that subject. I used to use Strelok Ballistic calc, but now I use the Nikon Spot-on program

[Vu 308]

Keep in mind not all LRFs are created equal.

A $300 LRF is not going to function on all targets or in all conditions. Leica 1200 or Swaro is best for under 1K. Above that price range, Vectronix is the cats arse at 2000.00 + depending on model.

For strictly hunting the swaro bino/LRF combo is hard to beat, but is 2800 to 3100 depending on where you buy it from.

Edited to add: Cheap LRFs will crap out easily depending on weather and light conditions.

One other system I forgot for around 1000.00 is the Bushnell Fusions.

[YZINGERR]

Keep in mind not all LRFs are created equal.

Edited to add: Cheap LRFs will crap out easily depending on weather and light conditions.

This is true. I suggested the simmons. It states out to 600, but that is only on a perfect condition day...maybe. Its actual usability is only out to 450 regularly. Since i use it for hunting and target practice, this is perfect and has served me well.

[alfred1222]

I use MOA or mil dots, depending on what my scope is

[J.R.W.]

My Simmons states out 2 600 also but has a hard time at any thing past 300 yrds .

[YZINGERR]

My Simmons states out 2 600 also but has a hard time at any thing past 300 yrds .

I can get light colored rocks and other objects out to 450.

[thacker8394]

I have never owned or used a LRF i thought it would be cool to get a nice one some day but i cant realy justify it. I have been using mil dot ranging for about 15 years and it has not failed me once i learned how to accuratly measure things with it. As with anything else it takes alot of practice. most people give up trying to learn it after a few trys and failures. I always get a kick out of my friends that have LRF that dont get readings as fast as i can with mil dots. my story would probably be different if i had been able to aford one years ago but that was not the case now that i can aford one i realy dont want or need one.

But for what its worth i i have never been one to use gadgets heck i dont even us a Crono for my reloads for my F-Class target rifle i just find a load it likes and shoot it and not realy wory to much about its exact speed.

[Bastard]

guess then add at least 100 yards for internet stories

or just ask the other people that I am with, who have a LRF.... the add 100 for the stories