Ranging using MOA

[dunraven]

have read 2 versions of the formula for ranging a target using moa. one multiplies size of target in inches times 100, then divides by moa's. the other multiplies by 95.5 instead of 100. which is it?

 

[wiuprof]

The version that multiplies by 100 is using the common approximation of a minute of angle being one inch at 100 yards.
In reality, it is 1.047" at 100 yards. This is nearly 5% greater….. actually, 4.7% greater. The reciprocal of 1.047 is .955.
So, multiply by 95.5.

 

[Eric Leonard]

if your reticle is true MOA use the 95.5 but if it is inch per 100 yards use 100,,some scopes clix are 1/4 inch per 100 yards and some are 1/4 MOA,,

 

[dkhunt14]

I would rather use a laser rangefinder. More accurate and faster. Matt

 

[DeadEyeDick45]

I would rather use a laser rangefinder. More accurate and faster. Matt

While being a fantastic method of ranging, your answer isn't exactly responsive to the OP's question. mr. Big's answer is right on the mark.

 

[dkhunt14]

While being a fantastic method of ranging, your answer isn't exactly responsive to the OP's question. mr. Big's answer is right on the mark.

Yes and if ranging alive animal to shoot, they vary in size. Using MOA to range depends upon knowing the size. Could result in a bad shot and losing an animal. It's just a poor way of ranging. I think the OP should know both sides. Matt

 

[Joe Salt]

Matt is right why take the chance on wounding an animal! You guys and your Math, If you know the exact distance to the target and know your velocity and have a 100 yard zero. Now use your little Gizzy to find the clicks.

Joe Salt

 

[dmoran]

I have successfully killed many coyotes and prairie-dogs by MOA ranging over the years.
Range finders weren't even around when I started "Ranging & Clicking".
Even yet today, range finders distance capabilities can be very limited when ranging over snow.
Both have there advantages and disadvantages...
Donovan

Edit: attaching below is an Excel that I made for MOA Ranging

 

[DeadEyeDick45]

I've got nothing against using a Rangefinder, but I've never been able to afford a good Rangefinder and I have to stand behind mr. big's comments. Love to be able to afford a good Rangefinder though. Retired, fixed income that POTUS cut to give to illegals.

 

[Lapua40X]

1 MOA is 1.047 inches at 100 yards
1 inch is 1.0 inches at 100 yards
So your potential error for MOA "ranging" at 100 yards is .047 inches.
Now if you're ranging out to 1000 yards, it gets really critical - cuz your calculation may be off as much as .47 inches.
C'mon guys. If you can hold consistently within .47 inches at 1000 yards you gotta be on the cover of every shooter magazine in the country.

 

[shoot4fun]

Us Southern boys usually just know how fer it iz over ta Old Man Kelsy's bottom and raise the barrel of our 30-30 Winchesters up higher when we see a possum ov' air.
Too cold to take off our boots an' do the math!
Oh, and you can't be a long range sniper using MOA. Only them mil counters kin hit anythang at way.

 

[ballison]

I have read the OP's question a million times, and I STILL cannot find any reference to hunting. There are matches that some of us shoot where using your reticle to range a target is part of the stage.

I love how some of these posts go so far off topic so quickly!!!!!!!! Someone asks a simple question, and some start throwing in their opinions right away. Is is that hard to just ANSWER THE DAMN QUESTION??????????

OP, the first responses were dead on.

 

[ratbuster]

Even the most expensive rangefinders have limitations, depending upon what you are trying to do with them. Using a laser rangefinder for ground squirrels is tough at best and worthless at times at distances over 200 yards. You are trying to range a small target which rangefinders do not like and the flat fields absorb the laser energy like a sponge. If you are shooting into the sun, haze or fog that further impairs performance of rangefinders. Often times ranging with the reticle is a must for longer shots even with a good rangefinder on hand.

 

[Terry]

http://www.shooterready.com/metricrangingclass.html

Try this!