Nikon BDC reticle

[Archaic]

Does anybody have any experience with it? I've found a good deal on a monarch with the BDC reticle that would be a good fit for one of my rifles, but I'm unsure of it. How does Nikon know if I'm mounting it on a 45-70 or a .270 short mag?

 

[ID-shooting]

I have used it quite a bit in the P223 and Prostaff series. In my p223 3x32 it it set for 55gr 5.56 velocity. Zero at 200yds and first hash is 400 and second hash is 600 with 300 and 500 being bracketed. Elevation, temp, ammo differences aside I find it darn close.

With the variable power BDC scopes, you go to their web site. Plug in your ammo information (bullet weight, speed, even environmental data) and it gives you a chart showing calculated bullet drops at given ranges. It has many factory round to pick from or you can plug your custom ammo in.

You can even adjust for zeroing at different ranges. Such as, it shows you the different drops it you zero at 100 vs. 200 yards. Then once you find you preference you can print a chart for review in the field. For the tech savvy, they have a phone app that lets plug the environmental data in real time and get your adjusted drops.

I have played with it and once you get it dialed in I found to be quite accurate. I imagine with more practice, a range finder, and with very consistent ammo it would be even better.

 

[Archaic]

Excellent, you just made some western state's deer and antelope very very sad.

 

[jmr40]

I have one Nikon with the BDC. I like the idea, but not Nikons version. Too busy, too much to look at in the scope. The Leupold or Burris version is much better and easier to use for me. Just a crosshair with dots or hashmarks instead of circles.

How does Nikon know if I'm mounting it on a 45-70 or a .270 short mag?

The difference between 45-70 and modern chamberings is a bit of a stretch, but with most other offerings the difference in drops at extended ranges is so close it doesn't matter. I can zero my 308 and 300 WSM at 100 yards. There will only be 2.5" difference in drop at 300 yards if both are loaded with 165 gr bullets. That is just a little more than the thickness of the crosshairs at that range. From actually shooting at those ranges I know my bullets will hit at the top of the 300 yard dot with the 300 WSM, and at the bottom of the same dot with the 308.

The size of the groups you shoot at extended ranges will vary much more than the differences in bullet drop between most modern chamberings unless you are shooting a rifle capable of shooting 1" groups at 400 yards. There are folks with rifles and skills to do that. If you are in that category then figuring out the minute details is worth it. For most of us, just zero the gun at 100 yards and see where the dots put you at longer ranges. I've found them to be pretty close regardless of the chambering.

If I were trying to use one on something like a 45-70 I'd zero at 50 yards and just shoot at longer ranges and see where it hits.

 

[CB900F]

Archaic;

I bought one. I tried it, then I sold it, and won't be buying another either. I much prefer the mil-dot reticle, far more useful IMHO.

900F

 

[Pripyat]

The monarchs have excellent optics and are one of the best bangs for the buck on the market now IMO. Nikon has new stuff coming out soon so many deals are to be had.

I'm not that picky about my reticles and have found myself not using the BDC at all but I enjoy the heck out of the scope anyway.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I hate the BDC circles. They cover too much target for my preferences.

 

[Walkalong]

A buddy bought one and I like it. It is good for hunting with. It is not a target scope. For a target scope I like a fine reticule, a fine reticule dot, or Mil Dot.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

ive got 3 of the nikon team primos bdc scopes and really dont care for the circles. I much prefer the staight lines that leupold and others use.

 

[HexHead]

I hate the BDC circles. They cover too much target for my preferences.

The Nikon M-223 was on the short list for a scope for my .223 bolt rifle. Especially since Bass Pro had them at $80 off. Aside from my thinking it was heavy, I thought the reticles was way too busy looking and with all those circles so close together, it might be difficult using the "right" one.
I ended up getting a Leupold VX-2 with the CDS turret. I'd rather dial in the right range than use the BDC marks. And I'm also not limited to using maximum magnification for the BDC to be accurate.