Gone are the days where a standard crosshairs is the default for hunting reticles. Technical reticles, originally pioneered in the military and competition spaces, have become prevalent in hunting scopes. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which reticle is best for you. Here are some considerations when selecting a reticle for your next riflescope.
Focal Plane
One of the first aspects to consider is the focal plane of the riflescope. Years ago I published an article that compares first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) scopes for hunting. The topic is covered in much more depth in that article. However, the brief overview is that in general, SFP reticles are better for close range shots in poor lighting, dense timber, and wet conditions while FFP reticles shine on longer shots in open terrain.
Generally, FFP reticles are more technical, allowing for holdovers and windage holds at any magnification level. SFP reticles tend to be simpler, heavier reticles. Additionally, on most SFP scopes the hashmarks only apply at max magnification.
Magnification Range
The next important thing to look at when selecting a hunting reticle is the magnification range of the scope. For FFP reticles I typically look at what the magnification ratio is. For hunting purposes, a 3-4x magnification ratio is better than a higher ratio. This is because it is difficult to make a reticle that is usable at max magnification but is still visible at 1/8 of it’s size at minimum magnification. This is a challenge with high magnification ratio optics like the Nightforce NX8s.
For SFP reticles I am more focused on the maximum magnification range of the scope. Personally, ideal top end magnification for hunting is in the 9-12 power range. This is because if I need to hold for wind I can only use the hashmarks at maximum magnification. Having a top end magnification of 9-12 power means you can have accurate hashmarks without shrinking the field of view like a higher magnification scope would.
Hunting Areas
Finally, when selecting a hunting reticle it’s important to consider where the rifle system is going to be used. For example, if the rifle is never going to be used beyond its maximum point blank range get a heavy, easy to see SFP reticle and forget it. On the other hand, if you’re hunting open sage country and a 450 yard shot isn’t unusual you should have a way to hold wind precisely.
Another aspect that many don’t consider is the moisture content of the are that you will be hunting. In coastal Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska getting wet is inevitable. Heavy, second focal plane reticles are much easier to see if there are rain droplets or condensation on the scope. Fortunately, high moisture areas also tend to have heavy cover with shorter shot opportunities.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, picking the right reticle depends on possible shot distances, shooters abilities, and the hunting area. In general, for closer range hunting or for potentially fleeting shot opportunities, simple SFP reticles are optimal. On the other hand, for mountain hunting or hunting big country out west FFP technical reticles allow for precise holdovers and wind calls. For a do-all optic a more technical reticle in SFP with a low max magnification level is also a solid option. Either way, a lot of reticle selection is personal preference. Try out some different scopes and find what works best for the areas you hunt.