I'm considering the purchase of a Conquest 3.5-10x44 to mount on my rebarreled Sako 7RM. I intend to load the 168gr VLD. Are the extra 'crosshairs' set specifically for the tested trajectory of my rifle and load or are they general settings loosely suited for rifles and load with similar trajectories?

Bobby B.

This is what Zeiss calls its plex style reticle. Nikon calls theirs the Nikoplex; Leupold the duplex. Others call it different things.

LWD

Isn't the Leopold B+C reticle, not their duplex, which is similar to the Z Plex? I understand what they look like and what they are intended for, but I don't know precisely how they work.

Bobby B.

Zeiss makes a line of reticles like the Burris Ballistic Plex and Nikon BDC that they call the Rapid Z. It is a very flexible, multi line reticle that can be used with different calibers by adjusting the magnification of the scope.

I don't know what a Leupold B&C reticle is as I don't use Leupold scopes. But I'm guessing it's a similar reticle?

LWD

quote:

Originally posted by Bobby B.:
Isn't the Leopold B+C reticle, not their duplex, which is similar to the Z Plex? I understand what they look like and what they are intended for, but I don't know precisely how they work.

Bobby B.

LWD answered your question correctly. The Z plex is basically the same as a duplex. The B&C reticle is a "bullet drop" reticle more or less like the TDS of Swarovski, the BDC of Nikon, the Rapid Z of Zeiss, etc.

Most of them work on the general bullet trajectory for .308 style bullets which are remarkably close for many calibers. You have to have them at a specific magnafication, usually the highest, and sighted in at, usually 200 yds, or meters, and then the dots or lines, whatever will allow you to shoot REASONABLY CLOSE (subject to actually shooting your rifle and load) at 300, 400, and 500 meters, depending on the particular brand. Just because the lines or dots are there DOESN"T MEAN SOMEONE SHOULD TAKE A MARGINAL SHOT BEYOND THEIR ABILITIES AT ANY RANGE AND ESPECIALLY AS THE RANGE INCREASES.

Gatogordo,

Thanks for clarifying. What I want is a reticle that is set for the SPECIFIC trajectory of my rifle and load. Isn't there an outfit which creates such a thing? Is their name Premium or something like that? If my memory serves me correctly, the customer (me), establishes the actual trajectory out to 500 yds then they create set the reticles precisely for that trajectory.

Bobby B.

I think Leupold's custom shop will do that for you.

LWD

Bobby B.

For whatever reasons, when the driving force behind Premier reticles died, Premier and Leupold split the blanket and, as far as I know, Premier will no longer work on Leupold scopes, whereas formally, they would ONLY work on Leupold scopes. I'm not sure they are doing any reticle work for individuals but you could always ask.

Leupold's custom shop is now doing that type of work, but if you're really going to shoot at those ranges you need to use clicks, "come ups", not dots on your scope's reticle. But, like John Wayne said, "A man should do what he thinks is best."

Gatogordo,

Many of my shooting friends prefer clicks, even for hunting. I prefer the dots as I can adjust my aim for increasing or decreasing distances while maintaining a two handed hold on my rifle. In addition, I find it simpler to use in the field. As you say, each to their own.

Bobby B.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobby B.:
Gatogordo,

Many of my shooting friends prefer clicks, even for hunting. I prefer the dots as I can adjust my aim for increasing or decreasing distances while maintaining a two handed hold on my rifle. In addition, I find it simpler to use in the field. As you say, each to their own.

Bobby B.

If you've got both hands on your rifle, how do you know the range? Given that there is more or less 16 inches of drop between 400 and 500 yards with the 7 RUM, if the animal is 475 then you'll probably miss him if you hold for 400 and shoot several inches high if you hold for 500 and either hold would be up to your range guessing abilities which for most people aren't very good. What if the animal is at 450, either dot would almost guarantee a miss or a poor hit. Whatever, I'm done.

Check out www.scopedot.com

the z-plex in the 3-9x40 conquest is the 2nd best "plex" reticle I have seen behind the XT reticle by Leupold

I have five of the Bullet drop compensating scopes. The Leupold VH reticle works well for me. I also have A B&C reticle scope on my MZ. The scopes work great if you put your time in at the range. It takes a lot of shooting to be able to use the system reliably. It is "NOT" a quick fix. If you are not willing to put at least 300-400 rounds down range the reticles are a bad idea. However if you put your time in they can be very effective out to 500 yards.

The B&C reticle really shines on my MZ. Shots to 225 yards are easy with my Knight Long Range Hunter. Just hold and shoot. But I will admit it took me all summer to "Learn" my scope.

I have been looking real close at one of the new Zeiss compensating scopes. I think I am going to buy a 6.5X20.

Anything past 500 yards I use the dials. Tom.