Ballistic BDC reticles: Do they work? (Ruger American Ranch 5.56 with Vortex Strike Eagle)

Riflescopes with ballistic or “BDC” (Bullet Drop Compensating) reticles are popular, especially among shooters who might not be aware of their limitations. I call these “subjective” reticles, as they require a number of specific conditions to be met in order to work – if they work at all. Unlike “objective” reticles whose hashmarks are based on a unit of angular measurement (either MRAD or MOA), these ballistic reticles are based on units of distance measurement, typically yards. Their appeal is obvious. Shooting 300 yards? Use the 300 yard hashmark and you’re good to go. That’s the theory, but does it work? We also field test the Tactacam 5.0 and FTS (Film Through Scope) system in this episode.