Vari-X 3 ranging zoom

USMA84DAB

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CPT, Cavalry - US Army, Retired
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These Leupolds have a ranging feature. 1/2 of the site reticle (start of thicker portion of the duplex to the crosshair) = 16".

Does anyone have the approximate sizes of back to belly for African critters. The 16" ranging size for Whitetails in the US is a bit small for most of them I bet. However, maybe several come close the doubling this to 32"?

Specifically I would like to know the sizes for:

Kudu
Gemsbok
Wildebeast
Zebra
Impala
Eland
Giraffe

Thanks!
 
I draw on sheet of paper 1 inch marks then look at through the scope at 100 yards using the lead sled to keep steady. Then I take note of the distance between the crosshairs and the tip of the duplex. For example on my Vx 2 3x9 9 power is 3 inches 7 power is 4 inches and 5 is 5 inches if you know the size of your target you could range it like that but I just zero 2.5 or 3 inches high at 100 and I can point blank a milk jug to 300 yards so I abandoned dealing with that. I did about what you described in my Leupold manual but I found it confusing ( yes my method is too)
 
I tried a redfield with stadia wires, and a leupold duplex method, and measured many gout shot.
the goats were all different measurements, and that was only nannies no billies included.
bruce.
 
These Leupolds have a ranging feature. 1/2 of the site reticle (start of thicker portion of the duplex to the crosshair) = 16".

Does anyone have the approximate sizes of back to belly for African critters. The 16" ranging size for Whitetails in the US is a bit small for most of them I bet. However, maybe several come close the doubling this to 32"?

Specifically I would like to know the sizes for:

Kudu
Gemsbok
Wildebeast
Zebra
Impala
Eland
Giraffe

Thanks!
I wouldn't worry too much about ranging those critters. You should expect to be within point blank range most of the time and a good PH will tell you if you need to aim a bit high or low. My first PH had Range finding binoculars.

However of those, Impala is going to be close to whitetail. Kudu pretty close to elk size. Wildebeest close to elk but perhaps a bit bigger or smaller depending if blue or black. Zebra are always fat and probably again in that elk category. Gemsbok have a big hump that can throw you way off, always aim low in proportion to their body. Eland are just plain huge and giraffe even bigger. But you will very likely be under 100 yards. The only African critter I remember having a long shot on was springbok. Those things can humble you;)

Especially with such a variety of sizes, my best advice to you is forget the whole idea of trying to mess around ranging these critters with your scope reticle. If you are honestly concerned, ask your PH if he has a rangefinder and if not buy one and take it with, hand it to him the first morning. Nowadays you can get a decent one for $100.
 
Action Bob - your words make sense/jive with all of the other things I hear on the board here.

I still would like to be able to use it (the ranging feature), but agreeing with your assessment, the real focus would be use on an elk here stateside in the future. Got any measurements there?
 
Data I have collected over the years. Hope this gives you a bit of help in what you’re looking for.
Best


Animal Size Measurements:


North America:

Animal Measurement

Shoulder to brisket

Elk 24"

Sheep 22"

Black Bear 18"

Deer 18"

Antelope 14"

Mountain Lion 12"

Coyote 9"

Woodchuck 18" full length

Prairie Dog 9" full length





African Plains Game:


Animal Grnd @ Weight Horn

Shoulder lbs Length

Giraffe 216" (18') 3,300

Zebra 54" 700

Eland 67" 1,300 43"

Kudu 59" 600 47"

Gemsbok 48" 440 40"

BlueWildebeest 53" 550 33"

Nyala 41" 286 33"

Impala 35" 145 26"

Hartebeest 53" 300

Bushbuck 35" 170

Warthog 30" 154-220

Jackal 16" 22
 
Ridgewalker - thank you very much! I likely won't do any ranging in South Africa, but hope to do so in North America!
 

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