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Opinions on running a anti-cant level on a low variable power scope?

Just what the title says. Here's my reason for asking. I personally think the idea of running a level on a low variable power scope (6-8X max) isn't necessary given the optimal shooting range of the optic. There's also the possibility of second focal plane and capped turrets with an MOA or MIL reticle. That leaves hold over only at extended ranges. So, am I correct with my reasoning or am I missing something? TIA!
 
If you zero at 100 yards with a 10 degree cant [which is just over a 'minute' on a clock face], you will be off in windage about an inch at 200 yard and two inches at 300.

This is regardless of the magnification of the scope. While that may be about the same as the error in aiming due to the low magnification, it will add to what ever error you make in aiming.
 
If you zero at 100 yards with a 10 degree cant [which is just over a 'minute' on a clock face], you will be off in windage about an inch at 200 yard and two inches at 300.

This is regardless of the magnification of the scope. While that may be about the same as the error in aiming due to the low magnification, it will add to what ever error you make in aiming.

The scope and mount have been leveled with a Badger Ordnance Dead Level and a plumb bob. Given that I feel pretty comfortable leveling the reticle on the horizon for a hit. It may not be a nat's butt hit but we're talking about a 18" 5.56 SPR AR with a 1-6X scope. Not to mention that I have a twin of that very same rifle with a 4.5-27X56 30mm scope on it with an Accuracy 1st anti-cant level in a Badger Ordnance 20 MOA Unimount for long range work. Again though, we're talking about an 18" AR that I'm not pushing to extreme long distances.
 
Sorry. While the numbers are correct, my wording did seem to support adding a level.

FWIW, I don't think you need a level for the application. I've found it surprising easy to see even a 10 degree cant. It's even easier to tell if the cant is the same. That said, I would bet I couldn't tell the difference in 1-2 degrees.
 
Sorry. While the numbers are correct, my wording did seem to support adding a level.

FWIW, I don't think you need a level for the application. I've found it surprising easy to see even a 10 degree cant. It's even easier to tell if the cant is the same. That said, I would bet I couldn't tell the difference in 1-2 degrees.

No worries. I'm just looking for opinions for or against a level for my application. All of my long range rifles wear suitable scopes and anti-cant levels. Like you I don't think it's necessary for my application. The rifle is capable of 0.5-0.75" five shot groups at 100 yards. That imperceptible 1-2 degrees at 300-400 yards is going to have an impact but shouldn't to result in a miss.
 
Would be a real pain of an anticant level got knocked out of alignment when you reckoned to need it. Would be a bugger if you missed a shot because you spent too long getting the bubble sorted.

On the other hand, shooting targets at 1000 yards on a "special" range in Scotland where the targets were set up down a slope of at least 30 degrees, we all found that our zero was 2 minutes of angle or more out because our brain was confusing level against the slope.
 
If you are used to holding level to the horizon fairly well , then try those distances without one first. Levels do help, but I don't run them on everything.
 
I run them on 2 rifles with 4-12X40 scopes.
But i target shoot out to 600+ yards with them.
I wouldn't hesitate a second on a 400 yard shot while hunting.
 
A few of examples of rifles I use for long range shooting and the first is the rifle in question.

AR-15 5.56, Athlon Midas TAC 1-6X25 SFP MOA, Badger Ordnance 20 MOA Unimount (only because I can put a long range scope in the same mount and take advantage of the 20 MOA slope)
20200702_150338.jpg

Custom Savage 6.5 Creedmoor, Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30X56, Accuracy 1st anti-cant level, Badger Ordnance 20 MOA rail and 1.125 rings.
20191204_210120.jpg
LR308 6.5 Creedmoor Leupold Mk5 HD 5-25X56 H59 reticle, Accuracy 1st anti-cant level, Leupold IMS 20 MOA mount.
20200930_153851.jpg

AR-15 6.5 Grendel, Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27X50, Accuracy 1st anti-cant level, Badger Ordnance 20 MOA Unimount. 20190930_005410.jpg
 
No worries. I'm just looking for opinions for or against a level for my application. All of my long range rifles wear suitable scopes and anti-cant levels. Like you I don't think it's necessary for my application. The rifle is capable of 0.5-0.75" five shot groups at 100 yards. That imperceptible 1-2 degrees at 300-400 yards is going to have an impact but shouldn't to result in a miss.

As long as you have a (more or less) vertical target frame to relate to, you can keep the cant down to 1 or 2 degrees. Switch that to trying to shoot a deer on the side of a mountain and you can be fooled into thinking your reticle is plumb when in fact you are 20 degrees off.

Anyway, I just use one any time I want to be precise with my bullet placement.
 

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