Whether you are a beginner or a professional in long-range shooting, it’s no secret that several factors affect your accuracy.
It’s safe to say that there is NOT one fixed solution that ensures top-tier accuracy of your aim EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Yes — reticles and optics help ONLY to some extent.
This is where the concept of HOLDOVER comes in.
If you’re wondering how it helps, if it’s effective, and how to do a handover properly — you’ve come to the right place!
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What Is Holdover Shooting?
A true sign of marksmanship is familiarity — or rather, MASTERY of holdovers.
You might be wondering, “what exactly is a HOLDOVER?”
Holdover is all about POSITIONING.
You should aim the crosshairs of your reticle (or the lines you see when you use your optic) a little HIGHER than your point of aim.
How so?
This strategy accounts for gravity’s impact on your bullet.
One way I tried seeing this for myself was to shoot from a long distance. You can try this out as well!
Even if your reticles are zeroed, you’ll notice a GAP between your point of aim and point of impact.
You’ll see that the point of hit will be LOWER than your target or the bull’s eye.
NOTE: GRAVITY keeps the bullet downwards as it travels the distance from your rifle to the target.
You can calculate or easily estimate the amount of holdover you need mainly on two factors: DISTANCE and WIND SPEED.
This can be the reason why some refer to it as “Kentucky Windage.”
Technically, Kentucky Windage is a tactic that requires one to aim into the wind to compensate for wind deflection.
But basically, the idea is the SAME.
The FARTHER you are from the target and the stronger the wind, the HIGHER the holdover will be.
Most hunters make use of the vertical line in the reticle to estimate the elevation adjustments.
The crosshairs on your reticle would need to be above the target, preferably a few MOA or MIL dots above the supposed “center.”
Complicated MATH is not required, but PATIENCE is.
Complicated math is not required, but PATIENCE is. To master this, try shooting from different distances.
- Take note of the gap from the center or target and measure the bullet drop rate.
- Adjust your holdover in increments until you can zero in on your accuracy.
Is There Such a Thing as “No Holdover at 300 Yards”?
Most experienced or professional hunters would probably tell you that there is no holdover at 300 yards.
In my experience, I would say there is some truth to this saying.
If your weapon is zeroed in at 300 yards, the bullet’s trajectory will flatten out in this range.
Here’s a simple way to think about it.
The distance of 300 yards is the point where the bullet’s trajectory FLATS OUT.
Is this always true?
In most cases — YES. But is it ALWAYS? NO.
As I’ve mentioned, there are some factors that a shooter should consider.
The range and wind speed are some factors that affect your need for a holdover. However, you must also consider the TYPE of bullet.
What Is Holdunder Shooting?
It is less popular than its counterpart, but it means you aim a little lower (below the horizontal line on your reticle) than your target.
I was confused at first as well. Why would I aim lower to compensate for gravity pulling the bullet downward?
It may run against the logic and concept of a bullet drop.
So — when do you need or use HOLDUNDER?
Instead of gravity, I use it when it comes to challenging terrain!
Many shooters opt to holdunder when the target is from a distance and is a little elevated.
You can try this technique the same way as a holdover. You can only master it through trial and error.
Are These Necessary?
The answer to this question is dependent on the shooter.
It pays to know the trajectory of the round of bullets you are firing.
It’s crucial to know if you need to adjust your aiming point when using your reticle to compensate for external factors.
In short, PRACTICE helps determine your bullet’s maximum range, projectile, as well as when it starts to fall, and when it crosses your line of sight.
You will also see if the projectile is relatively flat, meaning you won’t have to worry about estimation.
Back in the day, I used to purely rely on my optics and adjust on the fly. However, it would be good to know how to holdover or holdunder.
I always say it’s better to know it and not need it than to need it and not know it.
How Do Holdover and Holdunder Apply in Self-Defense Situations?
Aside from hunting sessions, the same principles apply when it comes to self-defense.
There are a handful of real-life instances where these techniques can come in handy.
In my case, the most practical time I’ve used it is when an animal charged in my direction.
The same goes for dire situations, such as intruders in the house. Knock on wood.
In these flight or fight situations that need urgent response or reaction — you might not have the time to “practice” or adjust your sights to a zero.
To successfully defend yourself, keep in mind three things: