Scope DOPE

Knowing your DOPE, or Data On Personal Equipment is important when it comes to shooting your rifle accurately. Since the bullet travels in an arc, the point of impact compared to your point of aim will vary with distance. As a side note...the bullet initially travels upwards before it starts heading down...this isn't due to 'aerodynamic lift' it is due to the fact that bullets are fired in a slight upward angle.

I like to use the Nikon scope calculator (located here http://www.nikonhunting.com/SpotOnRegistration/ ) to generate my STARTING ballistic curves. These values serve as starting points, and will need to be fine tuned with live fire at your shooting range.

I write these values onto a chart which i then cover with clear packing tape (to help waterproof it), and then adhere it to the inside of my scope cap, that way it's always on hand when your using your rifle.

I sight in my scope at 225 yards which keeps me within -3.65" at close range (the distance of my muzzle to scope center) and a maximum of 1.2" at 155 yards....which will keep me well within the 'vitals' for self defensive use. With my setup, the bullet passes the sight line at 80 and 225 yards.