Can I use a Leupold CDS scope with the factory turret or do I need to send in my load info and have a custom one made??? Thanks
Question about Leupold CDS
- Thread starter prhunter
- Start date
You can use the factory turret, as long as you know your come ups in clicks/moa etc. Best to base that on dope you collect from shooting. I had thought the first custom turret was free. What I've done is use a general average for conditions/altitude and ballistics, so one turret can work for multiple loads/bullets to 600 yards or so, usually with in an inch or less. Some work for similar loads for different calibers. I shoot 25-06, 270 and 280 quite a bit, many loads I use are very similar from a trajectory standpoint.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Tim is correct...But you'll need to spend a lot of time shooting at the different ranges you want to use to establish each point of impact. Then know the number of clicks at each range to accomplish your zero. Difference in wind, temp and humidity could cause variations in POA. The new turret will have all of this included (except wind) as a mathematical calculation during manufacturing.
Bonecollector
Veteran member
If you can chrono the bullet speed 10 ft after leaving the barrel and get the MOA at 200 yds, these 2 variables should give you what you need to develop your drops.
Horsenhike
Very Active Member
Leupold is retro fitting a VX3 with the standard dial as we speak. We shoot enough to figure out our own MOA.
tim
Veteran member
Hilltop
Veteran member
It would get you in the ball park but... The data listed on the box is typically not exactly what a hunting rifle will produce. Manufacturers use long barrels and controlled environments so they can list the highest numbers possible. It is best to do the work so you know exactly what your gun/load is producing.
I definitely recommend doing your own velocity testing on loads or ammo before having a turret made. There can be a big variation between what the box reads and what the ammo does in real life. Also barrel length has a big impact on velocity as was mentioned.
Another route I have read about but not tried personally is the stickers that go on a standard turret. They are cheaper than having a custom one made and easier to swap if you change loads. Here is a link:
http://customturretsystems.com/
Another route I have read about but not tried personally is the stickers that go on a standard turret. They are cheaper than having a custom one made and easier to swap if you change loads. Here is a link:
http://customturretsystems.com/
JimP
Administrator
I would also second the shooting at distances to come up with what your rounds are going to do.
I even checked some of my reloads shooting them at a distance against a good ballistic program and while the ballistic program was close it was still off a little. And when you are shooting at 500 yards that little bit can result in a complete miss.
I even checked some of my reloads shooting them at a distance against a good ballistic program and while the ballistic program was close it was still off a little. And when you are shooting at 500 yards that little bit can result in a complete miss.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I have the custom Leupold Turrets on 3 rifles/scopes. All of the scopes are VX IIIs. The rifles calibers are .300 Wby, 30-06 & 25-06. I have pet loads for each of them.
.300 Wby is a custom rifle that I use for elk & moose. My load uses 180 gr Nosler Partition bullets.
.30-06 is a sporterized 03 Springfield for deer. My load uses 150gr BT Sierra SportKing bullets.
.25-06 is a Ruger M77 for deer & antelope. My load uses 117 gr BT Sierra SportKing bullets.
I only use these loads in the rifles and all have been chronographed during load development. I have shot all of them at 100, 200,300,400 & 500 yards and all loads are sub minutes of angle. I am totally satisified with the ease of use and repeatability of the custom turrets. For me they are worth the $$$ and I wouldn't change a thing.
Just sayin................
.300 Wby is a custom rifle that I use for elk & moose. My load uses 180 gr Nosler Partition bullets.
.30-06 is a sporterized 03 Springfield for deer. My load uses 150gr BT Sierra SportKing bullets.
.25-06 is a Ruger M77 for deer & antelope. My load uses 117 gr BT Sierra SportKing bullets.
I only use these loads in the rifles and all have been chronographed during load development. I have shot all of them at 100, 200,300,400 & 500 yards and all loads are sub minutes of angle. I am totally satisified with the ease of use and repeatability of the custom turrets. For me they are worth the $$$ and I wouldn't change a thing.
Just sayin................
I've used them. They work as advertised, if you apply them correctly, which is not hard. The max range I have used them for is 600 yards. It was spot on. I'd have to check, but for the $25 ish they send you 3? labels and an angle/windage compensating decal. I'll use them again. I have engraved turrets too, for known locations with favored loads, where I hunt often. The labels are good for specific hunts IMO, but based on how high quality the labels are, they hold up to abuse well so far, I am considering using them more.
marshmstr
Member
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I've been reloading for over 50 years and really don't remember when I shot the last factory loads for my centerfire rifles. If someone is serious about getting the best performance from their stuff, this is the only way to go. I have been using a chronograph for probably 25 years. Before they got the prices down so you can afford one, I basically guessed at the performance other than moa and bullet drop. Using the tools available now, we can tailor make loads for everything we shoot (and hunt). I regard these custom turrets as another tool in my arsenal which can make me a better shot/hunter.
tim
Veteran member
I am not a detail oriented enough to load my ammo. I just don't have the desire, skill or want. So I am a factory ammo guy.
I own a furniture store and am big picture guy, those pesky little details bog me down.
you have all heard measure twice, cut once. I measure 3 times and take an average.
I own a furniture store and am big picture guy, those pesky little details bog me down.
you have all heard measure twice, cut once. I measure 3 times and take an average.
Hilltop
Veteran member
I completely get that tim- I'm similar but change my thinking when it comes to hunting as I feel we owe the animals that extra little effort. I don't reload but I do buy same number lots of the Hornady ammo I shoot so I eliminate as many variables as I can. I then practice enough to make sure I know my ballistics and capabilities.
Horsenhike
Very Active Member
JimP
Administrator
There is some very fine factory ammo out there right now and if you have the time and the money to buy enough of it to find what works best in your rifle then that is fine. I like to reload just to save money, not to mention a little bit more accuracy out of my rounds. My .340 Weatherby loves to shoot expensive ammo at around $115 a box of 20. I can reload the same round for around a $1.50 each or $30 for 20 a savings of $85 which allows me a lot more shooting for the same price.