How to Figure Out Declination Rangefinder? – All You need to Know with Expert Advice!

People often ask, how to figure out declination in a rangefinder?

Let’s find out!

How to Figure Out Declination in Rangefinder?

The declination setting will allow you to adjust the direction of the reticle so it aligns with the horizon. This is useful if you want to shoot at objects that are not directly above you, like buildings or trees. It’s also helpful if you want to aim at something that’s moving away from you, like a car driving down the road. If you set declination too high, the reticle may move off course and miss the target entirely.

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Bullet Trajectory Shooting Downhill and Uphill

Precision shooting is now considered an art form. Dark magic was once used to make precise shots. Now, science is being used to make precise shots as well.

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True Ballistic Distance TBR

A gun sight is an optical device used by marksmen to aim weapons such as rifles or handguns. Gun sights typically consist of two lenses, one convex and one concave, mounted in front of the shooter’s eye. This allows the shooter to see both the point of impact and the target simultaneously.

Laser Rangefinders are used by hunters to measure distances. They are also used by military personnel to determine ranges. A laser rangefinder calculates the distance to a target based on the time it takes light to travel to the target. Once the time is determined, the user then holds the gun steady until the laser beam hits the target. This allows the shooter to calculate how far away he needs to be in order to shoot accurately.

This process works on both uphill and downhill shots up to 65 degrees or so. It is the fastest way to shoot at angles.

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Angle Indicators Cosines and Calculations

A scope-mounted angle indicator (cosine) is an instrument used to measure angles. This tool is useful when aiming rifles or other weapons. You can use this tool to measure the distance to targets or to determine the direction of a target.

Angle indicators are usually attached to scopes. Some people use these tools to measure the elevation of their weapons. These devices are very expensive.

With the angle measured, you need to know the corresponding cosine, then multiply it by the distance, and use the resulting value in yards as your actual range. The accompanying charts give the reference numbers needed. For example, if the shot angle was 35 degrees, the corresponding Cosine number is 0.82. Multiply your target range say 700 yards for sake of discussion by 0,82 (Cosine rounded) and you get 574 yards. Then dial or hold with your reticule for 574 yards, then shoot. It’s effective but slow.

Cosine is a percentage of the actual angle to the target. A cosine reading of 0.9 means you’re aiming at 90% of the actual distance.

A rangefinder is used to calculate the true ballistic range. This allows shooters to accurately place bullets at any given range. To do this, shooters must know how far away their target is and then use a rangefinder to determine the correct distance to hold. In this case, the shooter holds for 95% of the actual distance. For example, if the shooter knows the distance is 1,000 feet, he/she holds for 940 feet.

A chart, courtesy of the SAFE shooting school at the FTD ranch, shows how much of an impact different angles have on bullet drop.

Angle Degree to Cosine Multiplier

You can see that until an angle gets quite acute, bullet point doesn’t affect too much. At 300 yards, you’ll need to be at a steep angle to make any difference. A quick calculation shows that if you’re shooting at a mule deer at a 30-degree angle above you, then your shoot-to distance will be 261 yards.

Long-range shooting requires a steep angle and a high degree of accuracy. Shots must be taken at close range or off target. Holding a rifle at a steep angle is difficult.

A smartphone ballistic app is an exceptionally effective way to calculate precise bullet impact, especially when shooting uphill or downhill. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep often bed down at the base of cliffs, and mule deer often bed down at the bottom of hills. These animals are hunted with rifles, and the distance is 450 yards.

You’re going to need to be more precise than that.

Your rifle sights are set up for 200 yards. At 75 yards, your point of aim is about 1.3 inches off the ground. When aimed at an angle of 80 degrees, your bullet will be pulled by gravity toward the ground. So, if you’re shooting at someone who is standing at 80 degrees, your bullet might miss them altogether.

Sighting rifles in an upward direction when shooting at targets below them is impractical. When aiming down sights, gravity pulls bullets downwards. This effect is called “gravity drop”.

The most experienced hunters know how to shoot a deer or elk. They use their skills to get close to the animal before shooting. They aim carefully and take advantage of the wind when possible. They also try to be quiet as much as possible.

A smartphone with a capable ballistics app will make all the difference when hunting. Your phone app will tell you where your rifle is sighted, plug in the angle and it will tell you where you’ll hit. When shooting at 200 yards, your target will be 13 inches above your crosshair, even if you haven’t dialed up at all.

Smartphone Apps and Angles

Shooting downhill or uphill is measured by using the ballistic app on a smartphone. You need an additional app to do this. I use the Holdover version of Ballistic, which allows you to place your phone on the flat top surface (or the flat top) of your scope’s elevation turret, and Obscene measures the angle of the bullet as it travels downrange.

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how to figure out declination rangefinder

How to Figure Out Declination Rangefinder?

Conclusion

We hope that this article answers your questions. If you have any queries feel free to reach out in the comments section below.

If you want to know more information about rangefinder click HERE.

Author

  • John Moses

    John is the Editor in Chief here at The Outdoor Stores. His area of expertise ensures that there is no one better to suggest which rifles are most suitable for your hunting experience. He is also available for you to contact him personally to discuss the types of animals you want to hunt and the terrain you will be hunting on. Feel free to read his posts for expert opinion on Rifles, Scopes, Rangefinders, Bonoculars and Monoculars.

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