MIL vs MOA: Key Differences for Long-Range Accuracy #longrangeshooting

#MILvsMOA #LongRangeShooting #PrecisionShooting #ShootingAccuracy #ScopeAdjustment
*MIL vs MOA: Key Differences for Long-Range Accuracy*
In this video, Bob Ramo from Shooter's Long-Range School provides an in-depth explanation of two essential concepts in precision shooting: MIL (Milliradians) and MOA (Minutes of Angle). If you've ever wondered about the difference between these two methods of measurement and how they apply to your shooting accuracy, this video is a must-watch. Bob breaks down these concepts with clear examples and practical advice that will help you improve your long-range shooting skills.

*Understanding MIL vs. MOA:*
The video begins with Bob explaining that one of the most common questions he encounters is the difference between a Minute of Angle (MOA) and a Milliradian (MIL). He clarifies that while both are units of angular measurement, they differ in scale and application. An MOA is approximately one inch at 100 yards, whereas a MIL equates to 3.6 inches at 100 yards. Bob demonstrates how these measurements are used to adjust your scope for elevation and how understanding the difference can significantly impact your accuracy downrange.

*Practical Applications for Shooters:*
Bob then walks through practical scenarios where knowing whether to use MIL or MOA can make a difference. He uses clear examples to show how dialing your scope using these measurements affects bullet impact at various distances, such as 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards. For instance, dialing up one MOA at 200 yards results in a 2-inch elevation, while dialing up one MIL at the same distance results in a 7.2-inch elevation. This part of the video is particularly beneficial for shooters who are looking to fine-tune their long-range accuracy.

*Key Takeaways for Better Accuracy:*
Understanding the relationship between these measurements and how they affect your shooting is crucial. Bob emphasizes that while both MIL and MOA are effective, the key is understanding how to apply them based on your equipment and shooting needs. Whether you prefer the finer adjustments of MOA or the broader scale of MIL, mastering these concepts will give you the confidence to make precise shots at long distances.

[Dmmj]

Holy shit, this is by far the simplest method of explaining it!!! Thank you Sir!!

[UncleDoug]

Generally, the finer the gradations, the more accurate the would you prefer to use a ruler graduated in inches or in 3.6 inch increments? Since almost all Americans have an accurate mental picture of 1/4", rather than 1/10 of 3.6", it would seem that the MOA reticle would be preferable. Example: You are shooting 1/2" below your target at 100 yards. Would you rather adjust up two MOA and be on dead center, or up either 1 or 2 MIL and be either below or above dead center?

[charlesludwig]

Great video. It indeed is pretty easy; yet some commenting here seem to be very confused about it all. That's to say, they don't know that they don't know. Here's the whole shootin" match (mil and MOA formulas) for sight adjustment, range estimation, and wind counters:

MOA (minute of angle) and mil (mil-radian) are angular units of measurement. A MOA equals 1.047 inches per 100 yards, while a mil equals 3.6 inches per 100 yards. Sights and scopes move in MOA or mils and scopes may have a reticle scaled in mils or MOA, which is a means to estimate distance to target and use the reticle for a bullet drop compensation function. Common to all functions, the amount of sight movement in mils or MOA describes the distance in inches the sight adjustment will make at target distance. For example, a 1 MOA sight adjustment would move bullet impact approximately 1 inch at one hundred yards, 2 inches at two hundred yards, 3 inches at three hundred yards, and 10 inches all the way out to one thousand yards.

Mathematical formulas must be processed to find the amount of MOA or mil sight movement needed for line of sight and bullet path to intersect at target distance. Here’s the simple in-head MOA formula to determine up/down sight adjustment needed; and, doing the math again, determine left/right sight adjustment needed.

1. First, think what the value of 1 MOA is at target distance:
Distance to Target in Meters / 100 = Value of 1 MOA in Inches at Target Distance
2. Next, think how many of those MOAS will fit into inches of needed movement: Inches of Movement Needed / Value of 1 MOA in Inches at Target Distance = MOA Adjustment
3. Finally, figure out how many clicks to sight for needed movement: MOA Adjustment / Sight MOA Click Value = Clicks to Sight for Needed Movement


So, let’s say you have set your target out to 100 yards, and you have produced a group which is 2 inches low and 3 inches right of the target’s center. In this scenario your scope’s windage and elevation adjustment controls have a .25 MOA value per click.

First, figure out adjustment needed to sight control up/down movement:
1. 100 yards / 100 = 1 Inch
2. 2 Inches / 1 = 2 MOA
3. 2 MOA / .25 = 8 click turn of elevation control in up direction for needed vertical movement of grouping on target

Now, repeat steps to figure out adjustment needed to rear sight drum controlling left/right movement:
1. 100 yards / 100 = 1 Inch
2. 3 Inches / 1 = 3 MOA
3. 3 MOA / .25 = 12 click turn of windage control in direction to move group left for needed horizontal movement of grouping on target

Now, when Mils and MOA are scaled to a scope’s reticle, the reticle will have a bullet drop compensation function and can be used to discern target distance through range estimation formula.

Here’s the MOA range estimation formula.

Target Height in Inches X 95.5 / Target Height in MOA = Yards to Target

Shooting at a target 44 inches in height appearing to be about 4.2 MOA the equation would look like this:
44 X 95.5 / 4.2 = 1000 Yards

Now, here are the mil formulas:

Target Height in Inches X 27.78 / Target Height in Mils = Yards to Target, or Target Height in Yards X 1000 / Target Height in Mils = Yards to Target

Shooting at a target 36 inches in height appearing to be about 1 Mil the equation would look like this:
1 X 1000 / 1 = 1000 Yards


Finally, the MOA Wind Constant formula is a means to understand sight adjustment or hold needed to counter wind. After the shooter has appraised wind value, for example, a 10-mph wind from a quartering direction would be said to have a 5-mph value, a simple formula will allow the shooter to adjust for the distance that the wind displaces the bullet, when the MOA constant for the cartridge/distance has been gleaned from a ballistics calculation.

Distance to Target in Yards / 100 X Wind Value in MPH / Constant = Bullet Drift in MOA
For Example, here’s the formula using the constant of 7 which is correct when shooting 5.56 M855 ammunition from an M16-A4 at 600 yards:
600 Yards / 100 X 5 MPH / 7 = 4 MOA Bullet Drift

To get the drift in inches the shooter will take the distance to target in yards / 100 X Bullet Drift in MOA. Shooting at 600 yards, with wind appraised as having a 5-mph value, the formula would look like this:
600 Yards / 100 X 4 MOA = 24 Inches of Drift

[punjabisole]

GOD BLESS YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO. THIS SHOULD BE PLAYED AT EVERY PHONY PRECISION SCHOOL LOL

[Just-Steve]

Most long range rifle optics are either .25 MOA/click or .1MRAD/click. AKA .25in or .36in at 100 yards and it expands from there.

If you're making shots at 1000yds do you want to make adjustments at that distance 2.5 or 3.6 inches at a time?

[NZSikahunter]

People will remain confused so long as you convert metric to imperial. Treat them as 2 systems of measurements and don't cross them over.

[legallimitoutdoors]

So what does a person zero a
Milrad radical at. And do I have to set my target up in Mills.

[rkba]

I mostly use MOA. It makes field expedient math easier FOR ME. But, I've used MIL based scopes on other guy's rifles to, in most cases, out shoot them at range. To convert MIL to MOA simply divide by 3. So, a 2.1 MIL reading divided by 3 = 7 MOA (not exact but very close. Tighter tolerance than most can hold steady or guess wind!).

[Akartavor]

I get both but still think MOA is much easier. I know MIL is more popular but I just cant figure out why. 100 yrd = 1", what could be easier?

[sportsmanslegacy]

You can go from mil adjustments to moa by multiplying by 3.6 or from moa to mil by dividing

Let’s say that your friend shoots a mil scope and you shoot with an moa scope. Y’all both shoot 6.5 creedmoor rifles using a similar or the same ammo. he hit the 400 yard target with the solution of 1.7 mils.

Take 1.7 x 3.6 = 6.12

Because most MOA scopes offer 1/4 moa adjustments and because .12 is closer to .00 than .25 you can ignore the .12 and dial 6 moa.

Obviously there are many factors in doing this that will affect accuracy the further out you go but it will get you close.

[cacinaz]

While MOA is imperial, not metric, measurement, the shooter gets a bit more precision from a scope set up in MOA when the turrets are usually 1/4 MOA per click (0.25") versus MRAD that is designated at 1/10 MIL per click (0.36"). If used for ranging purposes, It is important to note that one MOA is actually 1.047" at 100 yards, not 1.000" as Mr. Raimo illustrates. But he is generalizing to explain the concept. It's easier to use 1" versus 1.047".

[dirtrider]

I dont get the need or use for mil. Its so sloppy and more complicated. Working with 3.6 at a time can be doable if your shooting at 100, 200, 300 or so on yards but if your shooting at 50, 75, 125 or so on yards math can get way more complicated than with moa. With moa 50 yards is .5 moa, 75 is .75 moa and 125 is 1.25 moa. Its just a matter of moving the decimal with moa where you need to do math woth mil

[hoodie]

completely missed the point that a MIL is constant at all distances... eg: simply use your reticle and measure your point of impact is low by 0.5MIL you just dial up 0.5MIL no need to covert inches to MOA for a given distance

[Czmmp]

What about metric? We also buy your scopes

[josedimaano]

simple explanation. Moa 4 clicks gives you 1" of adjustment at 100 yrds while Mil 3 clicks gives you 1.08" of adjustment at 100 yrds.

[jasonnester]

So if I wanna shoot 2” high at 200 yds I gotta turn my moa click 2x this shot makes no sense

[korourke]

I thought it was 1MIL = .36” at 100 yards? And 3.6” at 1, 000 yards?
Never mind, my turrets are .1 MIL clicks, so .1 MIL = .36” at 100 yards etc etc

[JohnMichael-tocb]

Couldn't watch for entirety due to irritating and distracting moaning "music". But I did read the transcript, so thank you for your part Mr. Raimo.

[DD-gikx]

how about start with 1MOA is 1/60th of a degree...then explain what that means at 100 yards
How about explain that a mil is actually a milli radian
another terrible video that doesn't actually start with an explanation of what MOA or mrad is