How to Calculate Distances With a Mil Dot Rifle Scope

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Binocular and periscope Mil Dots are not the same as rifle scope Mil Dots.

   They measure the same type of angular distance, but is actually 10 Mils instead of only one, which is more suited for marksmen use.
2. 2

   Step 2: A Mil is 1-6

   But to simplify calculations, the U.S. military calculates them as 1-6283 of a circle (previously 1-6400 on older scopes).
   
   Russian-based scopes are set to 1-6,000 of a circle.
   
   This means there is up to a 3% error in distance calculations., Each dot is .2mil and the space between the dots is .8mil for the round army type mil dot reticle. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: 175 of a circle.

4. 4

   Step 4: When looking at Mil Dots through a scope

5. 5

   Step 5: one Mil is the distance from the center of one dot

6. 6

   Step 6: to the center of the next dot (not the space between the dots).

7. 7

   Step 7: Mil distances on rear-plane cross hairs on a variable-power scope usually are only accurate at the highest power.

Detailed Guide

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