Vortex Optics CROSSFIRE 4-16X50 AO - MIL DOT ILLUMINATED - Manual (Page 3)

3 2
Ranging
Examples of Objects of Known Dimensions
To use a mil dot reticle for ranging purposes, you must have an
object of known dimension at the same distance as your target
to which you can compare the mil spacing. Then you can use the
simple formula below to calculate distance. This easy formula can
be used for all ranging situations:
• A fence post known to be 36 inches tall that is next to the coyote
you’re shooting at.
• The brisket-to-back distance of 18 inches on a whitetail buck.
• The height of 10 inches for a standing ground hog.
• A target that is 20 inches in diameter.
Using the first example, place the
reticle on the fence post with the
horizontal crosshair even with
the ground—remember that
the scope must be turned to the
correct magnification. Reading
the mils, the fence post equals 2
mils in height.
Using the formula shown above, you can calculate the distance to the
fence post (and the coyote) at 500 yards.
Known Dimension (in yards) x 1000
Mils Read
= Yards to Target
1 Yard (36 inches) x 1000
2
500 Yards =
Windage Compensation
Using the mil dot reticle for windage and moving target
leads will require thorough knowledge of your cartridges
ballistic performance and experience in properly reading
wind strengths. Again, the scope must be at the correct
magnification for this to work.
Remembering that 1 mil equals 3.6 inches at 100 yards, 7.2
inches at 200 yards, 10.8 inches at 300 yards, etc., use the
mil dots on the horizontal crosshair to hold-off the required
distance. Remember to hold into the wind direction when
doing this.
Lets say you’re shooting at a target 400 yards away with a small
crosswind. Through experience, or after consulting ballistics
information, you believe the
bullet will wind-drift about
7 inches. At 400 yards, each
mil spans 14.4 inches (see
chart on page 2), so you’ll need
to hold about ½ mil into the
wind to correctly compensate
and make your shot.
Example of Wind Drift Compensation