You have no doubt noticed the series of round circles in the lower vertical section of the BDC reticle (Metric). These circles are positioned to enable accurate placement of shots out to 365.76 or
548.64 m (400 or 600 yds), depending on the caliber of your rifle. The NIKON BDC reticle (Metric) system is user-adjustable. The shooter can actually tailor the performance of the reticle to his
particular rifle and load.
Nikon suggests the use of a laser rangefinder to ensure accurate distance determination for longer shots. Nikon offers a complete line of rangefinders that are optimized for hunting. We must know
the distance to our target for correct hold-offs.
There are two challenges for accurate placement of shots-bullet drop and wind drift. Wind drift is the most difficult since wind speed and direction are infinite variables. At 457.2 m (500 yds) a
sixteen kilometer (10 mi) per hour cross-wind can drift a bullet up to 0.61 m (2 ft) depending on velocity and bullet design. There is only one way to learn to shoot in wind and that is getting out
there and shooting in windy conditions. Keep notes on wind speed and wind direction in relation to bullet travel because this information is easily forgotten.
Trajectory is much easier to handle since gravity affects our bullets quite uniformly. The Nikon BDC reticle will become your partner as you prepare for the eventuality of long shots. Close shots are
recommended but some game species and habitats require longer shooting. Shots past 228.6 m to 274.32 m (250 to 300 yds) require hold-offs with most popular hunting cartridges.