Use Mil-dots To Calculate Range

How to Calculate Distances With a Mil Dot Rifle Scope

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Mil Dot scopes are optics which allow users to easily calculate distances to a target without fancy equipment. Originally used by submarine periscopes, it has been scaled and reimplemented for military and recreational rifle marksmen to determine distance objects or to allow for bullet drop compensation. Once the basics are learned, calculating distances can be quick and painless using Mil Dots.

Background

1. Binocular and periscope Mil Dots are not the same as rifle scope Mil Dots. They measure the same type of angular distance, but is actually 10 Mils instead of only one, which is more suited for marksmen use.
   
2. A Mil is 1-6,175 of a circle. But to simplify calculations, the U.S. military calculates them as 1-6,400 of a circle. Russian-based scopes are set to 1-6,000 of a circle. This means there is up to a 3% error in distance calculations.
   
3. When looking at Mil Dots through a scope, one Mil is the distance from the center of one dot, to the center of the next dot (not the space between the dots).
   
4. Mil distances on rear-plane cross hairs on a variable-power scope usually are only accurate at the highest power.
   

Measuring Distance

1. Calculate the distance to the object by multiplying the height (or width) of the object by 1000 then dividing by the number of Mils that the object spans.
   
   • For example: a six foot tall object (2-yards) which is eight Mils in size is 250-yards away. 2 x 1000 / 8 = 250.
     
2. Calculate as accurately as possible, and any "added error" (by yourself) is error in distance that may not be acceptable.
   
   • Sub-divide the Mil Dots as much as possible, and be as accurate in estimating the size of the object as possible.
     
   • The object is five feet (1.67-yards) wide and spans 2.8 Mils is 596-yards away.
     
   • A guess that the object is 2-yards instead of 1.67 would mean the estimation of over 100 yards difference which could mean a hit, or a miss of over five inches with a standard .308.
     
   • To be in the right mindset, calculate sizes of objects to the tenth of a yard (is that 3.4-yards or 3.5?). Calculate the span in Mils also to the tenth of a Mil. Both of these will take practice, but perfect estimations is the only way to get perfect range calculation.
     
3. Use a calculator if needed. Some equations might get pretty complex, and accuracy is key, but the speed of a calculator may also help in some situations.
   

Tips

• If you calculate using the size of objects in meters, the distance to the object will be in meters (for that matter, any measurement system will calculate accurately — size of target in inches to inches to target, kilometers to kilometers, fathoms to fathoms).
  
• The Mil Dots can also be used for bullet drop compensation or windage adjustment.
  
• Being able to keep the scope steady will affect how accurately you can measure the span in Mils of the target.
  
• For better distance calculations you will want to use high-end scopes on a tripod, because mounted scopes can be bulky, or get damaged if you drop the rifle.
  
• Stronger mounted scope also means you will lose sight of your target after the recoil. Less powerful scope lets you aim faster, in a rapid-fire mode.
  

Warnings

• Firearms can be very dangerous and even lethal. They should only be used by experienced firearm users or under the direct supervision of an expert firearm instructor.
  
• Be sure to follow all state and local laws while shooting. Note that many laws on firearms change drastically from state to state, and can even change between counties or even cities.
  
• Sloppy range estimate comes from sloppy estimation of size of the target and span of Mils.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Use a Rifle Scope
  
• How to Snipe or Be a Marksman With a Rifle
  
• How to Own a Rifle
  
• How to Use a Bolt Action Rifle
  

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28 Gauge Taurus Raging Judge

Once again, Taurus has one-upped everybody else. Now that the shooting world is awash with .45 Long Colt/.410 shotshell revolvers (largely thanks to Taurus), they have taken it a big step further and introduced a real shot-pistol: a 28 gauge! In case you were wondering, 28 gauge equates to .55 caliber, and before you ask, no, it is not a DD nor an AOW. ATF has approved it under the "sporting arms" clause, same as they did several years ago with the rifled slug guns.
This revolver is a behemoth, weighing in at 67 ounces. That's 14 ounces more than a standard Ruger Super Redhawk. The extra weight is sure to come in handy when firing those 28 gauge shells, though.
It comes in blue and stainless steel, and has a 6 1/2-inch barrel.

Personally, I think this is gonna be a hit. I'm not one to quickly jump on the bandwagon of new guns, but since shot-pistols are obviously in demand, why not make one that actually stands a chance of delivering an effective shot charge? I had a .45 LC/.410 pistol for awhile, and was very underwhelmed. The shot pattern was less effective than my handloaded .45 Colt shotshells as fired from my 4 5/8-inch Blackhawk. At .55 caliber though, a 28 gauge may just have the bore capacity to do some real work. Slugs are another option. The weight of a .410 slug limits its ability to bring down deer-size game. But a 28 gauge round ball weighs 250 grains. And like the .410 pistol, this 28 gauge revolver is rifled, so it can handle much heavier bullets than a smoothbore would be able to shoot with any accuracy. A .410 pistol can handle a 300 grain bullet. Using the same aspect ratio, the 28 gauge Raging Judge should be able to handle an 830 grain bullet! Load that in some brass shells, and think of the possibilities. I would think 800 fps would be easy to achieve, if you can stand behind it.

Katadyn Hiker - The Secret Behind Great Outdoor Adventures

By David B Miller

Any individual that is planning on spending an extended period of time in the great outdoors should consider making the Katadyn Hiker a permanent part of his outdoor equipment. This handy little water filter is the perfect accessory for any outdoor activity, especially hiking. Its portable nature makes it the perfect personal water filter and it can easily go long on any excursion. In fact, it may very well be the most important thing that you bring with you if you are going to be spending a great deal of time away from the comforts and safety of civilization.
The Katadyn Hiker comes equipped with some of the most useful features available on any water filtration system available in the market today. A hiker can easily get a drink without ever breaking stride by using the 3 foot hose. The process of filtering water could not be easier and requires only that an individual pump it through the system. It takes less than a minute to have a liter of clean, purified water. The filter in this device can last for an incredible 200 gallons depending on how clear the water being filtered is. Dirty water will cut down on the filter's life somewhat but the result will always be refreshing and drinkable water.
One of the most serious issues that can befall any individual enjoying a vigorous or strenuous activity outdoors is dehydration. Staying well hydrated is one of the most important parts of staying alert and healthy while going on a difficult hike. We all love the great outdoors in the summertime, but the warm summer weather makes it and an especially dangerous time for heat exhaustion.
The Katadyn Hiker is the convenient and easy way to make sure that you always have fresh, safe drinking water readily available. It is definitely a better option than trying to pack in the gallons and gallons of water that you would need to keep yourself hydrated while enjoying the wilderness. Since the bodies of water that a hiker or outdoor enthusiast is likely to encounter are full of harmful microorganisms, drinking from these sources is never a good idea. The only sure way to know that the water you were consuming is safe to drink is to run it through a high quality portable filtration system.

To view more information and videos on the Katadyn Hiker visit http://www.MidwestOutdoorSupply.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_B_Miller

5 Tips for Hunting Deer From the Ground

By Tim E Brian

Whether you are just starting out deer hunting or you have been hunting for as long as I have, I know you can benefit from these 5 tips for hunting deer from the ground. Hunting on the ground can be just as effective as hunting from a tree stand but it is a bit more tricky. If you use these tips I assure you that you will be successful.
1. Using wind direction to determine where to hunt
When choosing where to sit on the ground, you must always find a place with the wind in your face as to not allow the deer to wind you. If a deer winds you then you might as well go back to camp because they will definitely not come around. Which leads us to our next step.
2. Wear the correct cover scent
It is very important whether hunting from the ground or a tree stand that you wear the correct cover scent for the area that you are hunting. You definitely don't want to smell like an apple orchard in a pine forest!
3. Prepare your site
When you first arrive at your site, preferably a half hour before daylight, take a few minutes to clear the area of all twigs or dead leaves to eliminate any chance of making noise. There is nothing worse than seeing your trophy buck come into range only to be frightened away by the snap of a twig or a rustling of dead leaves!
4. Hunt behind sufficient cover
Do your best to find some kind of cover to sit or stand behind such as a brush pile or maybe even a portable blind to hide any movements. Deer are able to see movement from a lot greater distance than we can. They get just as jumpy as we do when we see movement!
5. Be alert!
Every second that passes is an opportunity for a deer to come into view. Don't be caught day dreaming or napping while hunting. The most depressing sight that I have ever seen is a white tail waving to me as it is going in the opposite direction!
I hope that I was able to teach you or refresh you with my 5 tips for hunting deer on the ground. I am looking forward to hearing all your success stories! Good luck!

Tim E. Brian is an avid hunter and has enjoyed passing on his knowledge of the sport for many years. I also operate a website at http://www.fishinandhuntin.com. It is dedicated to helping all of you outdoor nuts to be able to choose your best deal on all your outdoor needs. One visit and you will see why I call it the everything you need in one site - just one click away! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_E_Brian