Hello All, I have a question to put forward to you guys with way more experience than I. I have recently upgraded my rifle scope on my Tikka T3 African Hunter 30-06 Limited Edition. I have put a Leupold 4.5 - 14 x 40 ( no CDS ) on with the Varmint Hunters Reticle. My question is : There are 2 size triangle settings for use when using the longer distance hold over points. Leupold has a few graphs to guide you on which triangle to use, but I cannot find anything that is close to my ammo. The ammo I am using is Federal Premium 180gn Trophy Bonded Tip, about 2700 fps at the muzzle. I am guessing the smaller triangle !!! Would I be wrong ? I do realise the 200 yard, 300 yard, 400 yard will not be exact, but I do want to know ( time for the range ) what the distances will be for mora accurate hunting. I will convert/ set up in metres as we use Metric system. THANKING ALL WHO ANSWER IN ADVANCE. REALLY APPRECIATED.
There is no substitute for testing at the range. That said https://www.leupold.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Ballistic-Aiming-System-Manual.pdf states small triangle for 45-55 drop at 500 and out of your Tikka with a 570mm barrel @ 2650 you will drop 60.5" @ 500yds approx 450M. You can screw around with magnification and zero range to better tune it to your load but as you can see the 3006 isn't listed. Lighter bullets will get you closer to the calibrated reticle.
BTW hornady (if you believe their velocities) makes a 150gr interbond that will just get you under the 55" mark @ 500yds, Remington 150gr Sirocco similar. If you handload then a Barnes 130gr will get you in at 46".
