If you’ve been in the shooting scene for a while, you’ll know that “MOA” is constantly thrown around like a punctuation mark in hunting conversations and gun talks.
But it’s okay to admit that you don’t really understand what MOA is.
It can be complicated, but we’ll explain it in simple terms – before you progress to understanding MOA deeper.
You can stop pretending now! At least until the end of this article.
Contents
What Is MOA (Minute of Angle)?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle. Don’t confuse “minute” with the concept of time; it has nothing to do with it!
But like what we know about minutes, it correlates to the number 60 (a minute = 60 seconds). In the context of MOA, a minute refers to the 60th of a degree.
But a degree of what?
That’s where the term “angle” comes in. The angle is a circle, and a minute of angle is 1/6oth degrees in a circle. It’s a small angle but powerful for precision!
It is crucial to understand that shooting accuracy isn’t a linear measurement.
Furthermore, it’s only by understanding the angular measurement that you can maintain consistent accuracy.
How to Calculate 1 MOA Size at Your Distance
Before anything else, remember that every minute of angle is approximately equal to one inch at 100 yards (1 inch = 100 yards) and so on:
- 2 inches = 200 yards
- 3 inches = 300 yards
- 4 inches = 400 yards
Note: Regardless of increments, all these are considered one MOA.
The exact measurement is 1.047 inches at 100 yards, but people generally simplify it to calculate faster.
If you want to ensure the accuracy to the dot, you can use the exact numbers.
1. Take Note of the Certain Distance
To use MOA adjustments accurately, your first consideration should be the given distance you are shooting from.
For example, let’s say you’re working at 300 yards.
We know from the list above that one MOA at 300 yards is equal to three (3) inches.
- 1 MOA = 300 yards = 3 inches
Use this as a basis to control your MOA adjustments. Think in increments of four (4).
2. Check How Low Your Bullet Drops
Still using the above example, measure HOW LOW your bullet moves from the target.
If you notice that it’s 3 inches lower from the target, you need to adjust 1 minute of angle (3 inches) to come back up.
If you’re 6 inches lower, you need 2 MOA adjustments, and so on.
As you calculate MOA adjustments, think of it as compensating for the missed gap from the target.
How many MOA do I need to hit the bull’s eye or target?
MOA adjustments are just a lot of basic mathematics. It’s helpful to take notes first so you won’t have to keep counting as you fix the scopes!
Why Understand MOA (Minute of Angle) While Shooting?
You’re probably thinking, can’t your scope do the work for you? Do you really have to memorize these?
While that’s true, understanding MOA adjustment concepts allows you to shoot at different distances.
You don’t have to worry about how far the target is because you already know the adjustment needed!
First, let’s understand the behavior of your bullet as it leaves your rifle. The bullet moves in a trajectory and eventually falls due to gravity.
How to Calculate the Bullet Drop and MOA
Experience makes you more familiar with the bullet drop at a given distance. All rifles are different, so it helps to observe how yours work.
Let’s use an example set.
- At 100 yards, the bullet hits the spot. No MOA adjustment is needed.
- At 200 yards, the bullet drop is 4 inches low = 2 MOA adjustment
- At 300 yards, the bullet drop is 15 inches low = 5 MOA adjustment
- At 400 yards, the bullet drop is 28 inches low = 7 MOA adjustments
Reading MOA Turrets on Scope
Now, the bullet drop is also impacted by the elevation of your rifle. Most scopes have an elevation turret that enables you to adjust how high you’ll shoot.
And now that we’re on the topic of turrets, we’ll explain what it is and how they can h