In the past, utilizing most commercial hunting optics for shots beyond 200 yards necessitated placing the center of the crosshair at different positions on an animal’s body to account for longer distances.
While mil-dot systems and other hashed reticles have proven effective, they often require estimation since they are fixed and not tailored to individual bullet/load combinations.
This is not to undermine their effectiveness; however, applying the same hashed reticle style to a .30-06 versus a .375 H&H yields significantly different results.
Leupold VX-3i CDS 30mm Riflescope
Recently, Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) has gained traction, particularly among long-range shooters.
Tip: The Leupold® VX-3i CDS 30mm Riflescope incorporates the Leupold Custom Dial System (CDS), enabling users to quickly and easily adjust elevation for various sight-in ranges based on their ammunition’s specific ballistics.
Understanding the Leupold Custom Dial System
Leupold VX-Freedom FireDot Rifle Scope
When a shooter acquires a CDS scope, they provide Leupold with load data and relevant environmental factors. Leupold then crafts a dial tailored to each specific load the scope will accommodate.
Tip: The Leupold VX-Freedom FireDot CDS Rifle Scope features an illuminated aiming point that excels in both bright sunlight and low-light conditions.
Once the dial is affixed to the scope and zeroed to the rifle, the shooter is prepared to engage targets.
Leupold VX-3i CDS ZL Rifle Scope
Upon determining the target’s distance, the user simply adjusts the dial accordingly and aligns the crosshair with the target.
Tip: The Leupold VX-3i CDS ZL Rifle Scope delivers exceptionally bright, clear images across a versatile magnification range, making it ideal for hunting various big- and small-game species.
The Leupold VX-3i CDS ZL features a reticle with a crosshair aiming point, providing super bright, clear images with razor-sharp resolution.
No more guessing or holding over the target; the confusion of which hash or dot to use at specific ranges is eliminated.
To ensure the dial is customized to the exact specifications of the load and the user’s specific scenario, follow these steps:
Steps to Customize Your Leupold Dial
1. Choose a load or multiple loads for the specific caliber to create a matching dial. Typically, having two or more dials for each scope allows users to switch loads, such as from an elk load to a bear load.
2. Utilize a chronograph to measure the muzzle velocity of each load for which a dial will be custom-built.
3. Document the weight, brand, type, and ballistic coefficient of each bullet option.
4. Assess the average elevation and temperature where the load will be employed. For instance, if hunting mule deer early in the season at high elevations, consider conditions like 8,000 feet and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Conversely, for elk during the third season, adjust for 30°F and 5,000 feet. While precision is not mandatory, use informed judgment.
5. Measure the scope height, defined as the distance from the center of the bore to the center of the scope.
Once these values are compiled, send them to Leupold to have a custom dial manufactured, ensuring optimal long-distance accuracy tailored to your specific load data.
Watch video: Leupold 101: Custom Dial System