Vortex Dead-Hold BDC Reticle - Vortex Optics

RETICLE MANUALDEAD-HOLD BDCWITH HASHMARKSVortex Dead-Hold BDC ReticleYou have purchased a Vortex riflescope equipped with theVortex Dead-Hold BDC reticle. This exclusive reticle has beendesigned to minimize the need for guessing bullet hold-over atlong distances. By selecting the appropriate reticle hashmark,a shooter will have the correct bullet-drop reference for allreasonable distances. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle can be usedeffectively with a variety of firearms, including high poweredrifles, rimfire rifles, black powder rifles and slug shotguns. Thisreticle also provides reference marks which can be used tocompensate for bullet drift in windy conditions and even rangedistances.Be sureto consultyour Vortexriflescopeowner’s manualfor properscope mountingtechniques.Dead-Hold BDC Reticle with Drop Hashmarks1

RIFLESCOPE ADJUSTMENTSUsing the Reticle for Bullet Drop CompensationStandard TechniqueRifle/ammo combinations are put into ballistic classes where bulletdrops will be predictable within 2–4 inches (there will still be slightvariation between individual rifle and load ballistics and the Dead-Hold reticle). Begin by choosing one of the listed Firearm/Rangeclasses. If your firearm/range doesn’t fall exactly into one of theseclasses, select the class which is most similar. Use the Vortex on-lineLong Range Ballistic Calculator (LRBC) to compare your bulletdrop numbers to the ones listed below—available at vortexoptics.com. For most hunters, the ballistic differences amongst most popularhunting loads within classes using this Standard Technique will beacceptable. If you require greater accuracy from the Dead-Hold BDCreticle, use the Precision Technique detailed in next section.After selecting a class, sight in the main crosshair to therecommended zero range for that class. Consult the main riflescopeowner’s manual for information on sighting in the main crosshair.Once the rifle has been sighted in, the lower hashmarks can then beused as aiming points at the corresponding distances listed. For mostpopular rifles and loads, the hashmarks will provide accuracy within1–4 inches of your aiming point.Each of these classes will use a different corresponding range toeach crosshair hashmark depending on ballistic performance. It isalso important to understand that the Dead-Hold BDC reticle willonly work for different ranges at the highest magnification settingof each Vortex riflescope that it is offered in. The main crosshairand its corresponding zero distance can always be used at ANYmagnification.Class A)High Power Big Game Rifle | Moderate Ranges(100–400 yards) Use 100 yard zero on main crosshair.Bullet Drop1st Hashmark - 200 yards - 3-inch drop2nd Hashmark - 300 yards - 13.5-inch drop3rd Hashmark - 400 yards - 30-inch dropTop of Bottom Post - 500 yards - 55-inch dropClass B)High Power Big Game and Magnum Rifle | Extended Ranges(100–600 yards) Use 200 yard zero on main crosshair.Bullet Drop1st Hashmark - 300 yards - 4.5-inch drop2nd Hashmark - 400 yards - 18-inch drop3rd Hashmark - 500 yards - 37.5-inch dropTop of Bottom Post - 600 yards - 66-inch dropClass C)High Velocity, Small Caliber Varmint Rifle | Extended Ranges(100–600 yards) Use 200 yard zero on main crosshair.Bullet Drop1st Hashmark - 300 yards - 4.5-inch drop2nd Hashmark - 450 yards - 18-inch drop3rd Hashmark - 550 yards - 37.5-inch dropTop of Bottom Post - 650 yards - 66-inch drop23

Class D)Modern Blackpowder Rifle | See note below(50–200 yards) Use 100 yard zero on main crosshair.Bullet Drop1st Hashmark - 125 yards - 2-inch drop2nd Hashmark - 200 yards - 9-inch drop3rd Hashmark - 225 yards - 17-inch dropClass E).22 LR Rimfire Rifle | Extended Ranges(25–140 yards) Use 50 yard zero on main crosshair.Bullet Drop1st Hashmark - 60 yards - 1-inch drop2nd Hashmark - 90 yards - 4-inch drop3rd Hashmark - 120 yards - 9-inch dropTop of Bottom Post - 140 yards - 16-inch dropClass F)Slug Shotgun and Traditional Black Powder Rifle | See note below(25–150 yards) Use 50 yard zero on main crosshair.Bullet Drop1st Hashmark - 75 yards - 1-inch drop2nd Hashmark - 100 yards - 4.5-inch drop3rd Hashmark - 125 yards - 9.4-inch dropPrecision TechniqueIf you wish to get the very best accuracy from the Dead-HoldBDC reticle, you can custom match yardages to the drophashmarks of the reticle based on the exact ballistics of the loadyou are shooting. To do this, use the online Vortex Long RangeBallistic Calculator (LRBC) located at vortexoptics.com.|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||Visit vortexoptics.com for the VortexLong Range Ballistic Calculator.Input your load and environmentalconditions data and then open the “Reticles” tab. Selectingthe “Dead Hold” reticle will then allow you to graphicallydisplay custom yardage numbers matching your load andconditions. To help remember these custom yardagenumbers in the field, we have supplied small, sticky backeddecals which may be affixed to the scope or rifle.Follow this up with a day at the rifle range to confirmthe accuracy of the yardage numbers you have obtainedthrough the LRBC. You will then be confident in havingthe most accurate possible Dead-Hold BDC reticle.Note: Due to the tremendous differences in currently availableblack powder and shotgun slug loads, these numbers should beviewed as only a representative sample. It is very important to learnthe ballistics of the particular loads that you use and match up thecorrect drop MOAs and yardages.45

Using the Reticle for Wind Drift Compensationand RangingThe Dead-Hold BDC reticle incorporates methods for wind driftcorrection and range estimation using the hashmarks on thehorizontal crosshair. As in using the holdover hashmarks, thescope must be set at it’s highest magnification.Correcting for wind drift is done with the hashmarks on thehorizontal crosshair. Thesehashmarks are spaced at 2 MOA,with the inside ends of the heavyhorizontal crosshairs at 8 MOAfrom center. Shooters familiarwith the wind drift numbers ofparticular ammunition can use thehashmark spacing to help estimateproper windage hold-off oncethe correct range and wind areknown or estimated. Use the online Vortex Long Range BallisticCalculator (LRBC) to learn wind drift numbers for your loads.Ranging distances is done using the following simple formula:Example: Ranging a CoyoteIn your home area, you know that a coyote runs about three feet(36 inches) in total length. While out hunting, you observe acoyote and range him with your scope set at highest power. Yousee that the coyote’s body covers about the distance from thecenter crosshair to the edge of the heavy part of the horizontalcrosshair (8 MOA). Using the simple formula, you can estimatethe coyotes distance at 450 yards.36 INCHES X 10036008 MOAS MEASURED ON RETICLE=8=Example: Ranging a Deer450 YARDSSpotting a distant buck while deer hunting, you turn your scopeto it’s highest power and range him. You see that from the topof his back to the bottom of his chest (usually about an 18-inchdepth on a mature buck) it spans the distance from the centercrosshair to the 2nd hashmark down (4.5 MOA). Using theformula, you can estimate the deer’s distance at 400 yards.18 INCHES X 10018004.5 MOAS MEASURED ON RETICLE=4.5=400 YARDSTARGET’S KNOWN WIDTH OR HEIGHT IN INCHES X 100TARGET’S WIDTH OR HEIGHT IN MOAS MEASURED ON RETICLE=RANGE IN YARDSA shooter can compare a target object of known dimension (atshooting distance) to either the vertical or horizontal hashmarkspacing and roughly estimate the range. Remember, hashmarks onthe vertical crosshair are spaced at 1.5 MOA, 4.5 MOA and 7.5MOA. The top of the bottom vertical heavy crosshair is 11 MOAfrom center. Horizontal hashmarks are spaced at 2 MOAs.This formula has been simplified slightly to allow faster calculations,and yields distance estimates which are 5% greater than actualdistance. If you desire more precise estimates, use the followingformula.TARGET’S KNOWN WIDTH OR HEIGHT IN INCHES X 95.5TARGET’S WIDTH OR HEIGHT IN MOAS MEASURED ON RETICLE=RANGE IN YARDS67

THE VIP WARRANTYWe build optics based on our commitment to your absolute satisfaction.That’s why Vortex products are unconditionally guaranteed. Vortex pledgesthis Very Important Promise to you—a Very Important Person.Our VIP unlimited, unconditional warranty coversyour riflescope and reticle in the event it requiresservice. No matter the cause, Vortex Optics willrepair or replace the binocular at no charge to you.Call vortex Optics at 800-426-0048 for prompt,professional, and friendly service.Vortex Optics2120 West Greenview DriveMiddleton, WI 53562service@vortexoptics.comVisit Vortex Optics at vortexoptics.com for more information.Vortex Optics believes strongly in responsible, ethical hunting and a wordshould be said about long range shooting at game. Although reticles like theVortex Dead-Hold BDC can make long distance shots much easier, there arestill many other variables such as wind affecting every shot. It is importantfor hunters shooting at long distances to learn their personal effective range,particularly in windy conditions, and not shoot beyond those distances atgame. Be responsible—the keys are knowing your rifle, ammunition and yourown abilities!© Vortex Optics usa8