Different Reticles for Different Application Scenarios

SCFF-31 34mm Continental x6 1-6x28 FFP Riflescope 

LPVO optimized for close to mid-range shooting

The horseshoe-shaped center ring and the center dot in this reticle are both illuminated, offering enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions.

Since this is a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle scales with magnification. At lower magnification levels, the reticle appears smaller, which can make the center aiming point harder to see. That’s why illuminating the center dot is highly recommended—it helps maintain fast target acquisition and aiming precision, especially in low light or rapid engagement scenarios.

This combination of FFP functionality and selective illumination ensures clarity and usability across the full magnification range.

You can use the hashmarks and the center ring on the reticle to estimate target distance. The horizontal hashmarks are spaced 9.2 mils apart, and the dot next to each hashmark represents a windage hold point.

For example, if your target has a known width of 45 cm (such as a standard silhouette), you can compare its size against the mil spacing to calculate distance using the following formula:

Distance (m) = Target Size (cm) ÷ (Mil Reading × 10)

This method allows you to make quick range estimates and apply windage holds effectively without adjusting your turrets.

BDC Calibration and Effective Range Estimation

According to the reticle manual, the Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) is calibrated for both .223 and .308 rounds, with a 100-yard zero. You can use the A, B, C, and D holdover points on the reticle for rapid and accurate target acquisition at extended ranges.

For distance estimation, if a 45 cm wide target aligns with hashmark 4, this indicates the target is approximately 400 yards away. As previously mentioned, a well-designed reticle not only provides aiming references but also helps you determine the maximum effective range for your setup.

In this case, the reticle supports accurate shots out to 800 yards. Thanks to the First Focal Plane (FFP) design, the reticle’s holdovers remain consistent across all magnification levels—allowing for precise shooting throughout the full distance range.

SCOC-44 Continental 1-6x24i Fiber Tactical Rifle Scope

This is G4 with simple MIL dot and fiber center dot.

• G4 crosshair for rapid target acquisition

• Fiber center dot benefits the shooting under the strong sunlight condition

• Using Mil Dots for Range Estimation and Holdover

As outlined in the manual, the reticle can be used to estimate range and calculate holdover points based on your bullet’s trajectory.

If you're zeroed at 200 meters with a .308 bullet, you’ll need to understand how much the bullet drops beyond that point to apply accurate holdovers using mil dots.

Here are some key reference conversions:

1 mil = 10 cm at 100 meters

0.5 mil = 10 cm at 200 meters

2 mil = 50 cm at 250 meters

2.9 mil = 87 cm at 300 meters

So, if your bullet drops 87 cm at 300 meters, you can use the third hashmark (2.9 mils) on the reticle as your BDC reference for 300m.

By learning the specific drop values for your ammunition and distances, you can accurately apply the corresponding mil holdover points for effective long-range shooting.

SCOL-58 Sentinel-X Pro10-40x50 Center Dot Rifle Scope

COM-25M Reticle — Precision for 25m Benchrest Shooting

The COM-25M reticle is specifically designed for benchrest shooting at 25 meters. The center dot measures 1.5 mm in diameter and is calibrated for use at 40x magnification, ensuring it doesn’t obscure a 2 mm bullseye, allowing for precise aiming.

Additionally, the reticle includes mil dots, which can be used for distance estimation if needed. For a detailed guide on how to estimate range using mil dots, please refer to our previous blog post. 

SCOL-57 Orion Pro MAX 3-18x50 HD SFP Rifle Scope

According to the reticle manual, the 0.3 MOA center dot is your primary aiming point for precision shooting at 18x magnification. At this setting, the dot covers just 0.31 inches (8 mm) at 100 yards, allowing you to aim at small targets without obstruction. This makes it ideal for small game hunting, where hitting the vital zone precisely is critical.

The 0.3 MOA size is true only at 18x. At lower magnifications, the dot appears larger relative to the target.

BDC and Windage Features

The reticle's evenly spaced holdover points can be used for Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) after confirming the drop values for your specific load during range practice.

Windage references alternate between dot – dash – dot – dash, making it easier to count accurately during rapid engagements, compared to dot-only systems.

Pro: Faster windage estimation.

Con: The dash may slightly obstruct your view, especially under low magnification.

Distance Estimation

The dense horizontal dots serve a dual function for distance estimation.

You can also apply the BDC with:

.223 zeroed at 200 yards

.308 zeroed at 100 yards

SCFF-67 Continental x6 2-12x44 CTR Rifle Scope

The reticle is combined with three parts, christmas tree, mil dot and target distance estimation. it is especially useful for long-range shooting and precision applications.

Benefits of the Christmas Tree Reticle

Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC): The grid-style holdover points allow for quick elevation adjustments without touching the turret.

Rapid Follow-up Shots: The structured layout helps you track and correct your misses immediately, improving speed and accuracy between shots.

Distance Estimation for USPSA Targets

The upper portion of the reticle is optimized for target ranging, particularly suited for USPSA target silhouettes. This allows shooters to quickly estimate distance and apply appropriate holdovers—crucial in both competitive and practical field shooting.

SCFF-59 Orion Pro MAX 4-16x44 HD Rifle Scope

FFP Reticle – Designed for Long-Range Precision

This scope features a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle with 0.08 mil dots, meaning each dot measures 8 mm at 100 meters, allowing for fine aiming without obscuring small targets.

The reticle includes a T-style mil-radian ranging scale, which provides precise measurements for both distance estimation and bullet drop compensation (BDC). As magnification increases, the reticle scales proportionally—this means:

Under 16x magnification, the stadia lines gradually fade, keeping the sight picture uncluttered.

At higher magnification, reticle markings extend toward the edge, giving the shooter full use of the MIL scale for holdovers and corrections.

This design is ideal for long-range shooting, where accurate ranging and precise shot placement are essential.

SCFF-70 Continental x6 6-36X56 FFP PRS Rifle Scope

Versatile Reticle Layout for Precision and Speed

The main body of the reticle features a Christmas tree design, ideal for long-range shooting with precise holdovers and windage adjustments.

The upper right section is dedicated to fast ranging, allowing shooters to quickly estimate target distances.

The lower portion is optimized for rapid target acquisition, making it effective in dynamic shooting scenarios where speed and accuracy are critical.

This well-balanced reticle supports both precision shooting and fast engagement, making it highly versatile for a range of shooting environments.

SCOL-53 Continental x6 3-18x50 ARI Tactical Lock Riflescope

Christmas Tree Reticle – Precision Meets Speed

The Christmas tree reticle is designed for rapid target acquisition, featuring a dense grid of dots that allows for quick and precise windage and elevation adjustments—especially useful during follow-up shots.

Both the upper and lower sections of the reticle can be used for distance estimation, helping shooters make fast range calculations in the field.

As a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle, distance estimation is accurate only at the specified magnification, usually the highest power setting. Under this magnification, the scale and subtensions are calibrated correctly for ranging and holdovers.

This reticle layout balances speed, accuracy, and rangefinding capabilities—ideal for long-range and dynamic shooting situations alike.

SCOM-30 Hugo 3-12x44SFP Rifle Scope

VOW-10BDC Reticle – Built for Long-Range Precision

The VOW-10BDC reticle is purpose-built for close to mid-range precision shooting with small-caliber, high-velocity rifles.

The central aiming point is typically set at the zero distance of 200 yards, serving as the primary point of aim.

Each horizontal line spans 8 MOA, with 2 MOA gaps between hash marks for accurate holdover and windage adjustments.

The BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) is calibrated for:

.223 Rem with a 200-yard zero

.308 Win with a 100-yard zero

For proper use of holdover points and ranging, please refer to the reticle manual for detailed guidance.