Which magnification to zero and range find at?

[ruchik]

I just recently purchased a Burris MTAC 1x-4x scope, and I believe it is a 2nd focal plane optic. What magnification should I be using to zero, and for range finding purposes? The literature provided with the optic makes no mention of this.

[Berd]

Zero the center dot at 100. Because its second focal plane any ranging should be done at 4x I believe.

[Leaveammoforme]

Doesn't matter what magnification you are at for zero. Center of reticle is center of reticle. When using BDC hashes magnification will matter. Usually 2nd plane BDC reticles are calibrated for max magnification.

[ruchik]

On a side note, does this mean that if I ever attempt to take a shot using mils, my scope should always be set at highest magnification, just as it is for range finding?

[Leaveammoforme]

After reading on optic it says 1-4x is not magnification specific on drop, but it does'nt say its FFP either. First link describes reticle, 2nd link goes more in depth on bullet drop.

http://www.burrisoptics.com/ballcq.html

http://www.burrisoptics.com/pdf/BALLPlex.pdf

[BrigandTwoFour]

On a side note, does this mean that if I ever attempt to take a shot using mils, my scope should always be set at highest magnification, just as it is for range finding?

Check your manual. Many scopes have a marking on a specific magnification level to signify where the mills are accurate. If not there or the manual, then it is most likely 4x. My Vortes 6.5-20x44 has a red dot at the 14x setting to signify that the mils are accurate at that point.

Now, that doesn't mean that your mil/holdover/range data is not accurate at any other setting, it just means you have to do math. Check around for the various formulas for multiplication and division and mil radians. But, honestly, it shouldn't really matter for your uses. I can't really think of any situation where I've used a 1-4x on any setting other than 1x or 4x. If the target is far enough to want to range and use holdovers, then its far enough to use on 4x.

[GH41]

"I can't really think of any situation where I've used a 1-4x on any setting other than 1x or 4x"

I never understood why manufacturers don't give us a short throw switch to change from 1 to 4 power. GH

[ruchik]

The literature is rather sparse for the MTAC. It does detail how many mils and all that jazz on the reticle itself, but does not tell me at which magnification the mils are accurate.

[GH41]

It should be easy to figure out at the range if the yardage is fairly accurate. GH

[Leaveammoforme]

The literature is rather sparse for the MTAC. It does detail how many mils and all that jazz on the reticle itself, but does not tell me at which magnification the mils are accurate.

If its the CQ reticle the link I provided earlier states it does not matter what power you are at for using the BDC function of the reticle. Here it is again.

http://www.burrisoptics.com/ballcq.html