CDS dial on Leupold VX5-HD

This is my second CDS dial from Leupold. This one is on my Tikka CTR all stock, no modifications, Warne rings. I had shot this gun with this ammo for a couple of seasons. I gave Leupold 2740 as muzzle velocity for this 20" barrel. My 200 yard shot was from a cultivated field. Elevation was good, but the wind picked up so I covered my shot and moved to the river for the 300 yard test. I was able to get my target on a great line from my bore and there was zero wind. The 300 yard shot was almost touching the 200, both held dead on and the CDS dialed to the range. [img]https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/...6_8605659192458[/img]
[img]https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/...6_4216339886054[/img]

I love those things!!! Technology has made the VERY accurate. I just called the guy at Swarovski and gave him all my data. They will build a new BDC turret for me. Then I will head to Jason's and see if mine will be accurate.

Jason may not let me on his place with a BDC though.

As mentioned, this is my second one. I've tested both, and they got it right for me on both. Testing on the river bed works well. No wind, flat, I can lay prone on this sand and take a nap when I'm done.

I didn't chrono, but had a very good idea of velocity from shooting and measuring drop at 200 and 300. I ended up giving Leupold 2740, which is 100 less than Hornday put out. The CTR is 20", makes sense. I've read that you loose about 25 fps for every inch of barrel. Hornady data is based on 24" barrel.

Ah, yes, the always needed nap!!!

What load are you using with your CTR?

Going out to 300 yards, the velocity can be off over 100 fps in either direction, and it won't matter. The difference from 200 fps at 300 yards with a 140 grain is only 2.46" (1.23" for 100 fps). That's not much. Further out is when you will see the difference. Laying on the sand with the sun over head will have a much greater change than the velocity or CDS will. When the mirage starts to boil or reflect off the sand, it will raise your POI more.

2740 fps
Range Elev
(yards) (inches)
0 ---
100 0
200 -3.43
300 -12.67
400 -28.45
500 -51.59

2640 fps
Range Elev
(yards) (inches)
0 ---
100 0
200 -3.85
300 -13.97
400 -31.18
500 -56.39

2840 fps
Range Elev
(yards) (inches)
0 ---
100 0
200 -3.06
300 -11.51
400 -26.01
500 -47.3

I sight in all my CDS dials at 200 yds. I do not see the point in a 100 yd zero when you'll only be max 2" high.

I don't hand load. Off the shelf Hornady Superformance, 165 gr. SST Bullet. I've hunted with that ammo for 3-4 years. I really like it, great performer on deer and hogs. It's a killer.

I can move up a few feet, but it's hard to ride back and forth to the target.