Originally Posted By: bullshopWhat rifle is it on? Several over time and several scopes
How far are your shots? Rarely over 600 yards
Handloads or factory fodder? Handloads
Do you chronograph the loads to get exact velocity? Yes
What ballistic program are you using? Sierra infinity
Any Leupold scopes I have used that were supposed to have .25" clicks were closer to about .33" on average through the adjustment range.
Shooting a box has never come back to zero. I have never used the top end Leupold scopes just the vari-x models. I may not have extraordinary shooting ability but going by the group center regardless of how small or large the group is should tell me if the adjustments are working correctly or not. Not using individual shots but groups of shots for testing.
What I see are changes in click value depending on where you are in the adjustment range.
I doubt but may be wrong that LE of Military are using the low end offerings of whatever brand of scope they use. I also doubt that you get the same precision in a Leupold MK-4 as in a vari-X-1 or 11 or 111.
Click values don't change at different parts in the adjustment range. It can't, it all runs off the same threaded screw.
Very, very few people can shoot consistently enough (with the exception of maybe BR shooters) to discern any information based on the center of one group to the center of another group while shooting a box test. There's just too many variables. Most guys that try it shoot one bullet in each corner and still it will only be consistent if you and your rifle are capable of very to extremely good accuracy.
I used to use Sierra's program years ago, it was good but not great. I had so-so luck with it. Try this one from JBM, its free and I've found it to be very good. I've also started using the G7 profiles for BC's instead of the old standard G1's and its helped a little more. I think it gets you a better overall average of BC rather than what's at the muzzle or a B&C for a given velocity, It makes a difference down range.
http://www.jbmballistics.com/ballistics/calculators/calculators.shtml
Leupold discontinued the vari-x series of scopes several years ago. While they were ok the new VX series of scopes are much better. The glass in the new ones is far improved and the turrets are precise and return to zero. I put a 6-18 VX2 with turrets on my sons 223 and its been a very consistent scope for us. Its not top of the line but it does adjust accurately and return to zero without a problem. It fit the budget we had for his first scope too, they can be had for under 500 bucks.
The bottom line is this. If you've had problems with all these scopes then its time to take a look at something besides the scope. Maybe the math ain't working out, loads are not consistent enough, maybe the rifle just isn't up to the task.