#4: Misholding the Wind | Top 5 Reasons You Miss

Published on October 27, 2023
Duration: 1:00

This video explains a common mistake in windage holds, where shooters incorrectly apply wind corrections by moving the reticle's hash marks to the target instead of offsetting the crosshairs. It highlights how second focal plane (SFP) scopes exacerbate this issue, as hash mark spacing is only accurate at maximum magnification, leading to over-holding wind at lower powers.

Quick Summary

A common shooting mistake is misholding wind by incorrectly applying reticle hash marks. To correctly hold for wind, offset your crosshairs and count hash marks in the opposite direction of the wind. Second Focal Plane scopes require special attention, as hash mark accuracy is only guaranteed at maximum magnification, potentially leading to over-holding at lower powers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Misholding the Wind
  2. 00:03Correct Wind Hold Application
  3. 00:13Common Wind Hold Mistake
  4. 00:25Second Focal Plane Scope Issues
  5. 00:32SFP Reticle Accuracy
  6. 00:41Practical Example of SFP Error
  7. 00:53Over-Holding Wind

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common mistake when applying windage holds in shooting?

A frequent error is misinterpreting reticle hash marks. Instead of offsetting the main crosshair and counting hash marks in the opposite direction of the wind, shooters often move a hash mark directly to the target, which incorrectly shifts the main crosshair.

How do Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes affect windage holds?

SFP scopes present a challenge because their reticle hash marks are only accurate for measuring distances and windage at the scope's maximum magnification. At lower powers, the spacing between marks appears smaller, leading to underestimation of wind holds.

What is the correct way to apply a windage correction using reticle hash marks?

To apply a wind hold, for example, 4 minutes of right wind, you should physically move your crosshairs 4 minutes to the right. Then, count four hash marks to the left of your crosshair to establish your aiming point.

Why might a shooter be over-holding the wind with an SFP scope?

If a shooter is using an SFP scope at a lower magnification than its maximum, their intended wind holds will appear smaller than they actually are. This can lead to over-holding the wind because the actual windage correction needed is greater than what the reticle suggests at that power setting.

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