Vortex EBR-1 MOA Reticle
The Vortex Razor HD 5–20x50 riflescope is equipped with the Vortex EBR-1 MOA reticle.
Designed to maximize long distance shooting and ranging abilities, the EBR-1 reticle can be used to effectively determine ranges, holdovers, and windage corrections. Ultra precision laser etching on the glass
reticle ensures that MOA specifications can be kept to the tightest tolerances possible. The fine center crosshair subtensions on the EBR- 1 reticle were carefully chosen to provide the optimum balance between precision aiming and low light visibility.
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MOA Subtensions
The EBR-1 reticle is based on minute-of-angle (MOA) subtensions. Many shooters
are very familiar with the MOA system used in hunting
riflescopes. MOA measurements are based on degrees and minutes: 360 degrees in a circle, 60 minutes in a degree for a total of 21,600 minutes. These angular measurements are used to estimate range and correct for bullet trajectory drop in riflescopes. 1 MOA will
correspond to 1.05 inches at a 100 yard distance, 2.1 inches at 200 yards, 3.15 inches at 300 yards, and so on.
When used in a first focal plane
riflescope, such as the Vortex Razor HD riflescopes, the MOA subtensions of the EBR-1 reticle are valid at all magnification levels. This means the shooter can use the
magnification level most appropriate for the situation and still have effective holdover and windage reference marks. This is extremely valuable in a high-stress situation because
the shooter does not have to remember to set the scope to one particular magnification to get valid holdovers—an action necessary in the more common second focal plane reticles.
Fine Crosshair
Heavy Crosshair
EBR-1 Reticle Subtensions
2 MOA subtension marks |
Crosshair thickness |
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Fine: .2 MOA |
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Heavy: 5 MOA |
5 MOA subtension marks |
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Ranging
MOA measurements are very effective for ranging using a simple formula. To use this formula, the shooter needs to know the size of the target or nearby object in inches.
MOA Ranging Formula
Target Size (Inches) x 95.5
= |
Range (Yards) |
Measured MOAs
Using either the vertical or horizontal MOA scale, place the reticle on a target of known dimensions and read the number of MOAs spanned. You will obtain
maximum accuracy in ranging by calculating exact MOA measurements. MOAs should be estimated in 1/4s if possible. To help calculate fractions of MOAs, the inner crosshair line thickness can be used as a reference. All inner line thicknesses subtend 1/5 MOA.
Accurate measuring will depend on a very steady hold. The rifle should be solidly braced using a rest, bipod or sling when measuring. Once you have an accurate MOA reading, use the formula to calculate the distance.
Example
Ranging a 6-foot target stand (72 inches) at 12 MOAs yields 573 yards.
72 x 95.5 = 573 Yards
12 MOA
Note: In the MOA ranging formula, a shooter may substitute 100 for 95.5 in the interest of speedier calculations. Be aware that this will produce a five percent over-estimation error of the yardage distance obtained.
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