Quick Answer
Relying solely on rangefinders for quartering shot accuracy is not recommended, as they typically don't account for bullet drop or wind deflection, and may not provide an exact shot placement solution for angled shots. However, a rangefinder can be a useful tool in combination with a ballistic calculator or a hunter's experience. A hunter should use rangefinders to estimate the distance and then apply their knowledge of bullet drop and wind deflection to achieve accurate quartering shots.
Understanding Bullet Drop and Wind Deflection
When taking a quartering shot, the bullet will drop and be deflected by the wind, making it essential to account for these factors to achieve accurate shots. Bullet drop can be significant at longer ranges, with a 300-grain rifle bullet dropping approximately 10 inches at 400 yards and 30 inches at 600 yards. Wind deflection can be just as critical, with even a moderate 10 mph wind causing a 30-inch deflection at 400 yards. To compensate for these factors, hunters need to use a ballistic calculator or their experience to estimate the bullet’s flight path and apply the necessary corrections.
Using Rangefinders and Ballistic Calculators Together
A rangefinder can be a valuable tool when used in conjunction with a ballistic calculator. By estimating the distance with the rangefinder and then inputting this data into the ballistic calculator, hunters can quickly determine the necessary corrections for bullet drop and wind deflection. This process can be repeated multiple times to fine-tune the shot placement, ensuring a more accurate quartering shot. In addition, some modern rangefinders and ballistic calculators are integrated, allowing hunters to input data directly into the calculator for a more streamlined process.
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