Leupold BALLISTIC AIMING SYSTEM, Ballistic Aiming System Boone and Crockett User Manual

COVERCOVER

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L245-0685C_BAS_Inst_Man.indd 2 10/6/05 10:13:19 AM

Table of Contents

Boone and Crockett™ Big Game Reticle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 1

Varmint Hunter’s Reticle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11

Long Range Duplex Reticle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 21

Long Range Varmint Reticle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26

Another Way to Sight In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29

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The Leupold Ballistic Aiming

System™ – Boone and Crockett™

Big Game Reticle

The goal of every hunter is a successful hunt with a clean harvest. It was with
this in mind that Leupold® created the Leupold Ballistic Aiming System™.
Because we so strongly agree with the Boone and Crockett Club’s® legacy of
wildlife conservation and ethical fair chase hunting, we have designated one
of the system’s reticles as the Boone and Crockett™ Big Game reticle, while
the other is designated as the Varmint Hunter’s reticle.

Together, the Boone and Crockett™ Big Game reticle and the Varmint Hunter’s
reticle give the hunter two very useful tools intended to bring about successful
hunts with clean and efficient harvests. Through the use of these straightforward
and easy-to-follow instructions, it is sincerely hoped that all hunters will find
their skills improved and their hunts more successful.

1

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The Leupold Ballistic Aiming System provides a series of aiming points to
improve your ability to shoot accurately at longer ranges. The first aiming
point (the intersection of the Duplex® reticle) is designed to be used at 200
yards with most common cartridges or at 300 yards in several flatter shooting
cartridges designed for longer range use.

The Leupold Ballistic Aiming System provides you with two different power
selector positions, indicated by large and small triangles located within the
magnification level indicators. These are provided to allow you to select the
hold points best suited to the cartridge you are using. In some cases, the smaller
triangle setting can be used to accommodate your slower, heavier bullet load,
while the larger triangle can be used to accommodate a faster, lighter bullet
load in the same rifle. The reticle assumes bullets of similar spitzer shape will
be used throughout.

An Overview of the Leupold

Ballistic Aiming System

2

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As an example, a 30-06 with a 180 gr spitzer bullet and 2700 fps muzzle velocity
would require the use of the smaller triangle mark. A 30-06 with a 150 gr
spitzer bullet at 3000 fps muzzle velocity would use the larger triangle mark.
We have designated three sets of cartridges to be used in conjunction with
the large and small triangles and sight-in distances of either 200 or 300 yards,
described as Group A, Group B, and Group C:

• Group A cartridges will use the large triangle and a 200 yard zero

• Group B cartridges will use the small triangle and a 200 yard zero

• Group C cartridges will use the large triangle and a 300 yard zero

Be sure to verify the aiming points by practicing at the actual distances at
which the points are intended to work. Ballistic performance of your rifle
and cartridge can vary somewhat from ammunition manufacturer data
due to rifle barrel length, actual ammunition performance and various
atmospheric conditions.

3

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(48-58 inches of drop at 500 yards)

(Less than 35 inches of drop at 500 yards)

(35-45 inches of drop at 500 yards)

4

Boone and Crockett™ Big Game Reticle Cartridge List

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General Instructions

For the Use of the Leupold

Ballistic Aiming System

5

SIGHTING-IN

The Boone and Crocket™ Big Game reticle is sighted-in by zeroing the rifle at
the intersection of the Duplex® reticle at either 200 yards (Group A and B), or
300 yards (Group C). For Group C cartridges sighted-in at 300 yards, the lower
aiming marks will be correct at 400, 500, 550, and 600 yards. Be sure to verify
the aiming points by practicing at the actual distances at which the points are
intended to work. Ballistic performance of your rifle and cartridge can vary
somewhat from ammunition manufacturer data due to rifle barrel length,
actual ammunition performance and various atmospheric conditions. See the
Owner’s Manual for detailed sighting-in instructions.

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The Boone and Crockett™ Big Game reticle offers:

• a Duplex central aiming point (sighted-in at 200 or 300 yards) as well
as CPC-style hold points calibrated to 300 and 400 yards, and additional
aiming features for targets at 450 and 500 yards for Group A and Group B
cartridges (add 100 yards for Group C cartridges)

• a 10 mph windage hold point at both the left and right ends of the 300 and
400 yard CPC-style hold points

• the traditional VX®-III range estimating feature between the Duplex central
aiming point and the top vertical heavy post (consult the Leupold Riflescope
Owner’s Handbook)

Specific Instructions for the

Use of the Boone and Crockett™

Big Game Reticle

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7

NOTE: When using a cartridge in Group C and sighting-in at 300 yards, add 100

to all of the above yardage indicators.

Range

Power Selector Values

10 MPH Drift

Large

Bullet Drop

Small

Bullet Drop

200 yd MOA

— — —

200 yd Inches

— — —

300 yd MOA

2.19 2.74 2.16

300 yd Inches

6.88 8.61 6.79

400 yd MOA

4.80 6.00 3.03

400 yd Inches

20.11 25.13 12.69

450 yd MOA

6.26 7.83 —

450 yd Inches

29.50 36.87 —

500 yd MOA

7.82 9.78 —

500 yd Inches

40.95 51.18 —

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In order to use the Boone and Crockett™ Big Game reticle, you must determine
which of the three groups (Group A, Group B, or Group C) your cartridge and
load fits into.

DETERMINE POWER SELECTOR SETTING

First, determine which of the triangles on the power selector is the correct
one to use with your particular rifle caliber, bullet weight and muzzle velocity.
Refer to the tables of Group A, Group B, and Group C cartridges on page 4.

Using the Boone and Crockett™

Big Game Reticle

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9

Once you have determined which triangle is the correct one for your rifle caliber,
bullet weight and muzzle velocity, always remember that is the position to which
you must set the power selector when using any of the hold points on the
Boone and Crockett™ Big Game reticle.

DETERMINE THE RANGE TO THE TARGET

Determine the range to your target using a laser rangefinder such as a
Leupold RB800 or RX™ Series rangefinder, or utilize the traditional VX-III range
estimating feature using the space between the Duplex central aiming point
and the top vertical heavy post. For more information about how to use this
feature, consult your Leupold Riflescope Owner’s Handbook.

AIMING

The Boone and Crockett™ Big Game reticle is a hold point reticle. For targets
judged to be 300 yards away, hold directly on the 300 yard hold point. For 350
yard targets, hold directly between the 300 and 400 yard hold points. For your
convenience, a 450 yard hold point has been included between the 400 and
500 yard hold points.

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10

WIND COMPENSATION

The left and right edges of the 300 and 400 yard hold points may be used as
10 mph wind compensators. To correct for a wind speed of 10 mph, place the
edge of the hold point for the distance of the target directly on the target
when aiming.

CONCLUSION

This concludes the instructional portion of the Boone and Crockett™ Big
Game reticle.

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The Leupold Ballistic

Aiming System –

Varmint Hunter’s Reticle

The goal of every hunter is a successful hunt with a cleanly made harvest.
Whether a hunter is pursuing big game or varmints, it is imperative that he or
she strive to make a quick, humane kill. It is with this in mind that Leupold has
introduced the Varmint Hunter’s reticle, a tool intended to allow shooters to
make solid hits and clean kills at longer ranges on varmints.

Together, the Boone and Crockett™ Big Game reticle and the Varmint Hunter’s
reticle give the hunter two very useful tools intended to bring about successful
hunts with clean and efficient harvests. Through the use of these straightforward
and easy-to-follow instructions, it is sincerely hoped that all hunters will find
their skills improved and their hunts more successful.

11

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An Overview of the

Leupold Ballistic Aiming System

12

The Leupold Ballistic Aiming System provides a series of aiming points to
improve your ability to shoot accurately at longer ranges. The first aiming
point (the intersection of the German #4 reticle) is designed to be used at 200
yards with most common varmint cartridges or at 300 yards in several flatter
shooting cartridges designed for longer range use. See page 14 for cartridge
group tables.

The Leupold Ballistic Aiming System provides you with two different power
selector positions, indicated by large and small triangles located within the
magnification level indicators. These are provided to allow you to select the
hold points best suited to the cartridge you are using. In some cases, the smaller
triangle setting can be used to accommodate your slower, heavier bullet load,
while the larger triangle can be used to accommodate a faster, lighter bullet
load in the same rifle. The reticle assumes bullets of similar spitzer shape will be
used throughout.

L245-0685C_BAS_Inst_Man.indd 12 10/6/05 10:13:37 AM

As an example, a .223 Remington with a 40 gr V-max® bullet and 3800 fps
muzzle velocity would require the use of the larger triangle mark. A .223
Remington with a 55 gr V-max bullet at 3240 fps muzzle velocity would use
the smaller triangle mark. We have designated three sets of cartridges to be
used in conjunction with the large and small triangles and sight-in distances
of 200 yards, described as Group A, Group B, and Group C.

• Group A cartridges will use the large triangle and a 200 yard zero

• Group B cartridges will use the small triangle and a 200 yard zero

• Group C cartridges will use the large triangle and a 300 yard zero

13

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14

(30-40 inches of drop at 500 yards)

(Less than 30 inches of drop

at 500 yards)

(45-55 inches of drop at 500 yards)

Varmint Hunter’s Reticle Cartridge List

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15

General Instructions

For the Use of the Leupold

Ballistic Aiming System

SIGHTING-IN

The Varmint Hunter’s reticle is sighted-in by zeroing the rifle at the intersection
of the German #4 reticle at 200 yards for Group A and Group B cartridges.
For Group C cartridges, sight-in at 300 yards and the lower aiming marks will
be correct at 400, 500, and 600 yards. Be sure to verify the aiming points by
practicing at the actual distances at which the points are intended to work.
Ballistic performance of your rifle and cartridge can vary somewhat from
ammunition manufacturer data due to rifle barrel length, actual ammunition
performance and various atmospheric conditions.

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The Varmint Hunter’s reticle offers:

• a fine-lined German #4-style central aiming point (sighted-in at 200 yards in
most cases) as well as cross-wire hold points calibrated to 300, 400, and 500
yards for most cartridges

• 10 and 20 mph windage hold points at both the left and right ends of the
300, 400, and 500 yard cross-wire hold points

• 10, 20, and 30 mph windage hold points along the German #4-style central
aiming point line

• a prairie dog range estimator between the 500 yard and bottom vertical
heavy post

Specific Instructions

For the Use of the Varmint

Hunter’s Reticle

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17

Range

Power Selector Values

10 MPH Drift 20 MPH Drift 30 MPH Drift

Large

Bullet Drop

Small

Bullet Drop

200 yd MOA

— — 1.77 3.54 5.31

200 yd Inches

— — 3.71 7.41 11.12

300 yd MOA

1.81 2.26 2.86 5.72 —

300 yd Inches

5.69 7.10 8.98 17.97 —

400 yd MOA

4.13 5.16 4.09 8.17 —

400 yd Inches

17.30 21.61 17.13 34.22 —

500 yd MOA

7.02 8.78 5.49 10.99 —

500 yd Inches

36.80 46.00 25.87 51.79 —

*Brackets a prairie dog at 300 yards. If the prairie dog is smaller than the bracket, then it is more than 300 yards away.

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In order to use the Varmint Hunter’s reticle, you must determine which of the
three groups (Group A, Group B, or Group C) your cartridge and load fits into.

DETERMINE POWER SELECTOR SETTING

First, determine which of the triangles on the power selector is the correct
one to use with your particular rifle caliber, bullet weight, and muzzle velocity.
Refer to the tables of Group A, Group B, and Group C cartridges on page 14.

Using the Varmint

Hunter’s Reticle

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19

Once you have determined which triangle is the correct one for your rifle
caliber, bullet weight and muzzle velocity, always remember that is the
position to which you must set the power selector when using any of the hold
points on the Varmint Hunter’s reticle.

DETERMINE THE RANGE TO THE TARGET

Determine the range to your target using a laser rangefinder such as a Leupold
RB800 or RX Series rangefinder. Or you may
determine whether a prairie dog-sized
target is 300 yards or closer by setting
the power selector on the large triangle
and fitting the target in the space
between the top of the bottom post
and the 500 yard aiming line. If the
target is larger than this space, it is
closer than 300 yards. If it is smaller,
then it is farther than 300 yards.

Farther than

300 yds

Closer than

300 yds

NOTE:

You must have your power selector ring positioned on

the large triangle to make a proper determination of range.

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AIMING

The Varmint Hunter’s reticle is a hold point reticle. For targets judged to be 300
yards away, hold directly on the 300 yard hold point. For 350 yard targets, hold
directly between the 300 and 400 yard hold points, for 450 yard targets hold
directly between the 400 and 500 yard hold points.

WIND COMPENSATION

The left and right edges of the 300, 400, and 500 yard hold points may be used
as 10 mph wind compensators. To correct for a wind speed of 10 mph, place the
edge of the hold point for the distance of the target directly on the target when
aiming. To correct for a 20 mph wind, place the small square to the right or left
of the appropriate 10 mph hold point directly on the target when aiming.

CONCLUSION

This concludes the instructional portion of the Varmint Hunter’s reticle.

20

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The Leupold Ballistic

Aiming System –

Long Range Duplex Reticle

To use the Long Range Duplex reticle, zero your rifle at either 200 yards for
Group A cartridges or at 300 yards if your rifle is chambered for one of the
Group C cartridges from the Long Range Duplex table on page 22. Zeroing
should be undertaken at the scope’s highest magnification setting in every
case. If you are using a Group A cartridge, this will make the dots below
the horizontal crosswire be zeroed for 300, 400, and 500 yards. If you are
using a Group C cartridge, this will make the dots below the crosswire be
zeroed for 400, 500, and 600 yards. The scope must then be set to its highest
magnification setting to properly use the ballistic compensating feature.

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22

(Less than 35 inches of drop at 500 yards)

(35-45 inches of drop at 500 yards)

Long Range Duplex Reticle Cartridge List

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23

Reticle Feature MOA @ High X MOA @ Low X

Fine Line Width (Line Width)

0.41 1.08

Heavy Line Width (Thick Section)

1.26 3.32

Picket to Picket Space (Thin Opening)

19.77 52.13

Dot Diameter

1.24 3.27

300 Yard Dot (Distance from Center)

2.19 5.77

400 Yard Dot (Distance from Center)

4.80 12.66

Center to Bottom Picket Tip Spacing (500 Yards)

7.82 20.62

Long Range Duplex Reticle

2-7x Models

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24

Reticle Feature MOA @ High X MOA @ Low X

Fine Line Width (Line Width)

0.32 0.84

Heavy Line Width (Thick Section)

0.97 2.56

Picket to Picket Space (Thin Opening)

15.24 40.19

Dot Diameter

0.95 2.51

300 Yard Dot (Distance from Center)

2.19 5.77

400 Yard Dot (Distance from Center)

4.80 12.66

Center to Bottom Picket Tip Spacing (500 Yards)

7.82 20.62

Long Range Duplex Reticle

3-9x Models

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25

CONCLUSION

This concludes the instructional portion of the Long Range Duplex reticle.

Reticle Feature MOA @ High X MOA @ Low X

Fine Line Width (Line Width)

0.24 0.63

Heavy Line Width (Thick Section)

0.72 1.90

Picket to Picket Space (Thin Opening)

11.32 29.85

Dot Diameter

0.71 1.87

300 Yard Dot (Distance from Center)

2.19 5.77

400 Yard Dot (Distance from Center)

4.80 12.66

Center to Bottom Picket Tip Spacing (500 Yards)

7.82 20.62

Long Range Duplex

4-12x Models

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The Leupold Ballistic

Aiming System –

Long Range Varmint Reticle

To use the Long Range Varmint reticle, zero your rifle at either 200 yards
(Group A cartridges from the Long Range Varmint table on page 27) or
300 yards (Group C cartridges from the Long Range Varmint table on page 27).
This will zero the dots below the horizontal crosswire at either 300, 400, and
500 yards in the case of Group A cartridges, or 400, 500, and 600 yards in the
case of Group C cartridges. All zeroing should be undertaken at the scope’s
highest magnification setting in every case. Similarly, as in the case of the Long
Range Duplex, the scope must be set to it’s highest magnification level in order
to properly use the ballistic compensating feature.

26

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27

(Less than 30 inches of drop

at 500 yards)

(45-55 inches of drop at 500 yards)

Long Range Varmint Reticle Cartridge List

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28

Reticle Feature MOA @ High X MOA @ Low X

Fine Line Width (Line Width)

0.16 0.42

Heavy Line Width (Thick Section)

0.49 1.29

Picket to Picket Space (Thin Opening)

7.63 20.12

300 Yard Hash (Distance from Center)

1.81 4.77

400 Yard Hash (Distance from Center)

4.13 10.89

Center to Bottom Picket Tip Spacing (500 Yards)

7.02 18.51

Long Range Varmint Reticle

6-18x Models

CONCLUSION

This concludes the instructional portion of the Long Range Varmint reticle.

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For use with the Boone & Crocket Big Game, Varmint Hunter’s, Long Range
Duplex, and Long Range Varmint reticles. If you are using a Long Range
Duplex or Long Range Varmint reticle with a cartridge from the Group B
cartridge chart, or if you have a cartridge that does not appear in one of the
accompanying cartridge charts, the following method will provide you with a
quick and easy way to sight in.

1. Initially, sight in at 200 yards. Your point of impact needs to match your

point of aim exactly at the 200 yard intersection of the reticle.

2. Using a larger target, place the target at a 500 yard distance and shoot a

group while aiming with the 200 yard intersection; your bullets will strike
significantly below the center.

3. Using a black marker, circle the group of bullet holes and fill in the circle.

This will create a large black dot representing the bullet impact on the

Another Way to Sight In

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30

target that should be visible from the firing line.

4. While maintaining the same point of aim (hold in the center of the target

with the 200 yard intersection) adjust the magnification setting until the
500 yard holdover points in the middle of the large black dot created with
the black marker. This will create a situation where the scope is dead on at
200 yards and at 500 yards. Any variances at 300, 400, and 450 will be quite
negligible.

In order to use any of the holdover points accurately, the scope will need to be
used on the exact magnification to align the 500 yard mark with the center of
the black dot. For best results, check all aiming points and the actual distances
they are intended for.

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31

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., worked with a diverse, highly-skilled group of hunters
and shooters to develop the new Ballistic Aiming System, which includes the
Boone and Crockett™ Big Game reticle, the Varmint Hunter’s reticle, the Long
Range Duplex reticle, and the Long Range Varmint reticle. Special thanks to:
outdoor writer, ballistics consultant, and lifelong varmint hunter Steve Timm;
the Boone and Crockett Club® staff; Tim Lesser, antelope, deer, elk and varmint
outfitter, and technical service lead; and Laura Peter, who holds several silhouette
shooting championships, including the 2002 British Columbia Provincial High
Power Championship, the 2002 Bronze Medal from the IMSSU World
Championships, the 2002 Woman High Power Champion from the U.S. Nationals,
the 2003 Alberta Provincial High Power Championship, the 2004 Gold Medal
from the World High Power Silhouette Woman Championships, and the 2005
Canadian Silhouette High Power Rifle Championship. Tim and Laura are both
valued employees of Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Again, thanks to each of you, and
the entire Ballistic Aiming System development team, for your efforts. They have
truly paid off.

Ballistic Aiming System

Development Team

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BACK

COVER

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