Choosing Right Reticle For Me

[Sqdqo]

I am a beginner and have a new rifle that I need to put a scope on with a $1k budget. I'm more confused about the reticle style than scope brand. My uses are target-steel-bench and even some hunting out to 800. I can see myself using holdover more than dialing due to time constraint. Are the grid/Christmas tree style better for hold over than the mil/moa only on the cross hairs? I have never used a grid style but am concerned about making the right choice the first time.

 

[dkhunt14]

I don't like a lot of garbage in the reticule. It can get confusing in hunting situations where holding is used. Animals at distance must be still. If they don't hold still long enough to range and click, they are probably not still enough to shoot at. Matt

 

[boltfluter]

Matt is giving you some very good advice here. As a hunter myself, this is spot on. Above all else, you need to have respect for the animal in a long range hunting situation.

Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[jr600yd]

I agree with these guys^^^^. I've always had good results with the "Duplex" reticle for hunting

 

[CharlieNC]

Your applications and shooting styles can evolve quite a bit over time. I shoot a few prone steel matches which are on a tight time frame; you must spot your misses and adjust accordingly. These matches have helped my hunting out West tremendously. At the ranges noted, you will need to use the reticle hold off for wind. If you want to hold elevation as well you will certainly need a Xmas tree. And for these to be effective FFP for calibration across mags. With this setup you will be thankful when you pop up over a ridge and can get setup on an elk in 5sec, ready to make a shot.

 

[slm9s]

Some shooters who don't like to turn turrets use a Horus type reticle for everything and it works great, some can't stand them. Others dial elevation and hold wind. Some reticles aren't as busy as a Horus, but allow to hold for wind and elevation, like a Bushnell G2. Lots of good choices out there. 2nd vs 1st focal plane is another decision you need to make, there are pros/cons to each.

 

[SS427]

I will click and hold over, both target shooting and hunting. Since you are not sure, and you have to experiment to find out what works for you, I would advise a simple reticle that allows a hold over but isn't as busy as a Christmas tree. Some of the more cluttered ones are more of a marketing gimmick than a useful tool in my opinion.

Sightron makes an MOA reticle I just started using and I'm really liking it. Nice tight center dot and hash marks spaced at the right distance. The DDR Nightforce reticle is another one of my favorites. Not too busy for clicking, but adequate for hold overs.

I have mil-dot scopes I have used for hold over but the dots are too big. They work but would rather have hash marks for a hold over.

 

[deepwater]

How is the Burris XTR ii SCR MOA 5-25x50 scope/reticle for this application?

 

[slm9s]

I have the SIII LRMOA reticle on most of my target/tactical rifles, but on zero hunting rifles. Its too thin in my opinion for low light use. They do offer an illuminated version, but that adds weight and cost.