Mildot Holds
by Marshall Bowen on February 06, 2012
In our last blog we mentioned Mildot Holds. In this blog we will talk about a drill you can do to get accurate data for future operations. Why is this important? If you have your elevation set at 6 and you need to take a split second shot at a target 300 yards away, is it faster to adjust your turrets or use a Mildot Hold? For 99.9999% of people a Mildot Hold is faster.
THE DRILL
Place multiple targets at 100,200,300,400,500, and 600 yards from your position. You can place the targets at any range, these are just suggestions. Next, set your elevation at 3 (300 yards). The first shot you should take is at the 300yard target to make sure your elevation is correct. Once this is confirmed continue to shoot at random targets while keeping your elevation set at 3(300 yards). Make sure to account for wind if necessary.
More Distance=Higher Mildot Hold, Less Distance=Lower Mildot Hold. Keep in mind that you will not always have to make a large adjustment with your point of aim. For example, if you have your elevation set at 3 (300 yards) and you can hit a target at 300 yards, you should be able to aim center mass on a target 400 yards away and still hit. The round will most likely be slightly lower on the 400 yard target but not by much.
Here are some examples from my data book.
Elevation set at 3 (300 yards)
-Hold 3.5 mils high from center mass for 600 yard target
-Hold 1 mil low from center mass for 200 yard target
-Hold 2.3 mils high from center mass for 500 yard target
Elevation set at 1 (100 yards)
-Hold 1/2 mil high from center mass for 200 yard target
-Hold 1.5 mils high from center mass for 300 yard target.
-Hold 5 mils high from center mass for 600 yard target
Keep in mind that your data will most likely be different than the data above. All data is shooter specific. If you get a chance to gather your Mildot Holds, let us know what you discovered.
-Marshall Bowen
Comments
Another great post from a True American Warrior.
Awesome post, Marshall
What seems like complicated math on the outside ends up being just simple addition. Take your time and make the shot count!
Slow is Smooth, Smooth is fast!
August 08 2012 at 02:08 PM
It’s funny, I was just going over some reading material that covered this. Simple instructions to follow and great examples. Keep up the good work brother!
August 08 2012 at 02:08 PM
I find myself going to the range and trying to implement Marshal’s teachings in my shooting. If for some reason I shot like crap that day, I go back and read the postings again.
Thanks Again for the awesome insight!!
Be safe on your future travels, Brother!
August 08 2012 at 02:08 PM
I love the idea of using Mil-dot holds. Two questions:
How can I evaluate my data book to learn what my holds are?
Is there a way to dry-fire practice this to develop my mental quickness to remember and realize the hold?
August 08 2012 at 02:08 PM
Travis,
The only way to get accurate data is to send rounds down range. Shoot your holds from multiple distances, temps, and elevations. All of these factors will effect your round. As far as dry-firing, I would recommend training your eye to see what an average human size target looks like at different distances. Another fun drill to do when you have ammo is to have multiple targets set up, then have your spotter call out random targets by their pre-designated name and distance. Start with 3-4, or as many as you can remember the holds for. If you can remember your holds this could help you in the future. Just remember to make a note of the current conditions you are in while gathering your data, because it is constantly changing.
August 08 2012 at 02:08 PM