The Differences Between Using Your Reticle or Dialing for Elevation with a Second Focal Plane Optic

For shooters and hunters, understanding how to adjust for elevation on a rifle scope can significantly impact accuracy, especially at long distances. With a second focal plane (SFP) optic, the choice between using the reticle for holdover or dialing for elevation offers specific benefits and nuances. This article will explore these two methods, their ideal applications, and key considerations for using an SFP optic to achieve maximum accuracy on the range and in the field.

Understanding Second Focal Plane (SFP) Optics

Before diving into reticle holdover versus dialing, it’s essential to understand what makes an SFP optic unique. In an SFP scope, the reticle remains the same size regardless of magnification, meaning that the subtension values (the measurements used for holdover and windage) apply accurately only at a specific magnification, typically the maximum power setting. At lower magnifications, these values no longer correspond accurately to the intended measurements, a crucial detail when deciding between holdover and dialing for elevation.

Method 1: Using Your Reticle for Holdover—Fast, Flexible, and Effective

Using the reticle for holdover is a quick, efficient way to make elevation adjustments without touching the turrets. This technique is especially valuable when multiple targets are spread across various distances, allowing for faster target acquisition.

How to Use Reticle Holdover

1. Set the Scope to Maximum Power: Since SFP reticles are accurate at maximum power, setting the scope to its highest magnification ensures each mark in the reticle aligns with the correct measurement (often in MOA or mils).
2. Use Markings for Distance: Each mark in the reticle represents a specific elevation adjustment, letting shooters quickly compensate for bullet drop by aligning the appropriate mark with the target.
3. Ideal for Fast Engagements: Reticle holdover is perfect for quick shots at known distances. Hunters and competition shooters often use this method when speed and efficiency are crucial.

Pros of Using Reticle Holdover

• Speed: Adjusting with the reticle is faster than dialing, making it easier to transition between targets.
• Ideal for Consistent Distances: This method works well when shooting at distances with known holdover values, especially if conditions (e.g., wind) are stable.

Limitations of Reticle Holdover

• Dependent on Magnification: In an SFP scope, lowering the magnification changes each mark's value. For example, if you halve the magnification, each mark on the reticle represents double its original value. Shooters need to account for this or stick to maximum magnification when using reticle holdover.

Pro Tip: Many of our long-range shooting class attendees have found that mastering reticle holdover for shorter, varied distances has improved their speed and versatility in the field.

Method 2: Dialing for Elevation with Turrets—Precision for Long-Range Shooting

Dialing for elevation involves using the scope’s turret to adjust elevation based on the distance to the target. This method is often favored by long-range shooters who need precise, consistent adjustments.

How to Dial for Elevation

1. Calculate the Required Elevation: Determine the elevation adjustment (in MOA or mils) based on the target’s distance. For instance, at 600 yards, you might need a 13.2 MOA adjustment.
2. Adjust the Turrets: Dial the turret to the calculated elevation. This keeps the reticle on the target, with no need to adjust holdover based on subtension.
3. Precision for Longer Distances: Dialing ensures you’re hitting precisely where you’re aiming, compensating for bullet drop without relying on subtension changes due to magnification adjustments.

Pros of Dialing for Elevation

• Accuracy at Any Magnification: Dialing allows you to use any magnification level without worrying about changing subtension values.
• Consistency for Long-Range Shooting: For extreme distances, dialing provides more precision and is less susceptible to human error.

Limitations of Dialing for Elevation

• Slower Target Transition: Dialing requires time, making it less suitable for fast engagements.
• Additional Complexity: Dialing requires familiarity with turret settings and the distance to target, which can slow down shooting if multiple distances are involved.

Pro Insight: Precision shooters in our classes report that dialing for long distances lets them achieve pinpoint accuracy, even in challenging environmental conditions.

Choosing Between Reticle Holdover and Dialing for Elevation

The choice between using reticle holdover or dialing for elevation depends on several factors:

• Distance to Target: For short to mid-range distances, reticle holdover is often sufficient. At extreme long-range distances, dialing is usually preferable for greater precision.
• Shooting Speed: If fast transitions between targets are necessary, holdover is likely the better choice. Dialing suits slower, more deliberate shots.
• Magnification Requirements: Reticle holdover requires maximum magnification for accuracy, while dialing allows flexibility.
• Environmental Conditions: Wind and mirage can affect accuracy. Dialing often provides more consistent results in such conditions, as it keeps the reticle aligned without additional holdover calculations.

Practical Example: Switching Between Reticle Holdover and Dialing

Consider a scenario where a shooter is engaging targets at varying distances:

• 600 Yards: With 13.2 MOA drop, the shooter uses reticle holdover at maximum power for a quick shot.
• 700 Yards: For added precision, they quickly dial up to 17 MOA on the turret, meeting the demands of a longer range.
• 900 Yards: If more elevation is needed than the reticle provides, the shooter dials the turret and adjusts to half power on the scope to double the subtension values for a flexible shooting solution.

This approach exemplifies how a shooter can use both methods depending on distance and urgency, optimizing for speed or precision as needed.

Key Takeaways for Using an SFP Reticle and Turret Adjustment

• Know Your Subtensions: Understanding how your reticle’s subtension values change at different magnifications is crucial with SFP optics.
• Decide Based on Context: For fast, close-to-mid-range shooting, reticle holdover is effective. For long-range precision, dialing is usually preferable.
• Practice Both Methods: Gaining proficiency in both methods will prepare you for varied shooting scenarios, from quick hunting shots to deliberate long-range engagements.

Ready to Master These Techniques?
Join us for one of our long-range shooting classes, where our expert instructors provide hands-on guidance to help you refine both reticle holdover and turret dialing techniques. You’ll gain confidence, precision, and the skills you need to make every shot count.

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