BDC help

[craiger40]

Hey fellas,

This morning at the range i tested my Nikon BDC reticle to see where it hits @100 yds. I need help translating what i have.

225gr Hornady sst B.C.=430 3188 fps ave 79 degrees 75% humidity
500 ft altitude

@ 100yds = zero'd
1st circle = 4.5" high
2nd circle = 8" high
3rd circle = 11" high
4th circle = 15" high

I really dont know what i have but i bet someone on this forum can help. I can supply more info when needed.

Thanks,
Craig

 

[Richracer1]

First, what caliber are you shooting? Do you have the directions? Yes, I have a Monarch w/the BDC.

Per Nikon,
for std calibers (non mag):
zero the cross hairs @ 100yds
1st circle - 200 yds
2nd - 300
3rd - 400
4th - 500

For magnum calibers:
Zero the cross hairs @ 200yds
1st - 300
2nd - 400
3rd - 500
4th - 600

The ONLY way to verify the circles is to actually go shoot at those ranges. Anything else is just guessing.

 

[Greg Nolan]

Some BDC reticles will have a guide with them listing specific calibers and how they compare to the BDC reticle. The 100 vs. 200 yd zero is usually based on 2700 fps for the 100 yd. and 3000 fps for the 200 yd. Out to about 300 yds. it's usually pretty close and good enough for elk out to 400 yds. But as Richracer1 says, you have to try them by actually shooting at those ranges. A 7MM RUM at 3500 fps. isn't going to shoot the same as a Win. 300 mag at 2900 fps. I was out today on a trajectory path for my specific bullet and velocity and at 500 yds it was 7" below where it theoretically should have been. All this aside the BDC reticle has made a huge difference in the average (like me) shooter to be able to hit at longer range since range finders have been introduced because it gives you an actual aiming point instead of 24 or so inches of drop. What does that look like in my scope at 400 yds.?
Congratulations on a nice scope. Post pictures of your first success.
Good Hunting
Elkhunt :grin: