Dead Hold BDC Vs. Vplex: Who will win

When getting the rifle of your dreams, a reticle option can even back up for a desired object size, and even ideal power range. Then again, in the same brand there are a heck lot of options to choose. 

The Vortex Dead Hold BDC and Vplex reticles fall into the same category. So, what is the difference between Dead Hold BDC Vs. Vplex? 

In short, the Dead Hold BDC has markings to compensate for the drop of a bullet, when it traverses from the barrel. On the other hand, a Vplex reticle is just a regular MOA based reticle that looks like four arrows meet in the middle. 

For us, the BDC is a better option as it can overcome errors in bullet caliber, weight, distance travel, and so on. However, Vplex reticle lacks all formal methodology to shoot longer distances. 

But hey? Don’t take our work for granted. Read more to find your top choice.

Dead Hold BDC Vs. Vplex: Comparison chart

In a hurry? We have you covered. Just go though the comparison chart below and find out your top choice: 

FactorsDead Hold BDCVortex V-Plex Reticle
Ease of shootingEasy and relaxingEasy
Different scenarios adaptivityHighly adaptiveAdaptive but with complications
Bullet drop compensationAvailableNot available 
Illuminating propertiesNoNo
Setup complicationsA bit complexNothing to worry about
Calibration timeTime consuming A simple fix and let it rip
Duplex type reticle useYesYes
Ballistic math and calculationsNo Yes

Dead Hold BDC: Everything you need to know

Trying to find a way to hit accurately at a short range? Well, you are in luck with a Dead Hold BDC reticle. The best part is, a BDC reticle can help you cope up with bullet dropping up to a maximum of 650 meter. All you need is to calibrate it to a specific caliber, bullet weight travel, and wallah. Here are some features of the Dead Hold BDC:

Easy to use

The BDC may be one of the easiest reticles to use on a rifle. Having perfect viewing markings, this reticle can help you determine an aim that is even away from the center. Follow the long range rifle scope marking and wallah. You don’t need anything fancy to use a dead hold BDC. 

Dead Hold BDC

No Ballistic math required

When you are shooting a target, knowing a little math on a projectile can make a huge difference. The crosshair center shifts every time you change the bullet weight, or the shooting distance. 

A dead hold BDC eliminates the need for ballistic math completely. Now, you can just take the rifle and enjoy it without learning any mumbo jumbo.

Flawless accuracy in short range

Due to the bullet weight, caliber, or speed, there can be problems in how the bullet will drop. A slight downward shift in your aim may just spare your prey. 

Who would want to miss a catch, right? Turns out, a dead hold bdc reticle has marking, which memic the crosshair center. With a bit of calibration, you won’t miss a simple shot.

Pros

  • No fancy math needed
  • Highly accurate marking
  • Easy to use
  • Compensates for all bullet drop reasons
  • Adaptive to nearly varying scenarios 

Cons

  • Illuminating properties not available

Vortex V-Plex Reticle: Everything you need to know

The Vplex utilizes minute-of-angle tick marks on the elevation and windage turrets to zero your rifle. It also adjusts to compensate for changes in distance and wind downrange. However, you see that its horizontal and vertical posts are a bit wider than a regular MOA-based reticle. 

V-Plex Reticle

You can literally use the darn reticle for almost all hunting or shooting projects. Here are a few features of a Vplex: 

Usable in most shooting applications

The scenario in shooting changes every time you walk. Sometimes a tree may come into your way, the distance may change or be in target shape. No matter how your shooting scene changes, a Vortex V-plex will stabilize itself for a perfect shooting. Just give the bad boy a practice shot and determine the angle and velocity before the game. 

Easy to set up

A V-plex may be the easiest reticle to setup. You don’t need to match the gun type exactly as you would in other reticles. It takes a few steps to assemble and start using. The thing about a V-plex is, you can attach it even 5 mins before the game starts.

Wider horizontal and vertical posts

Though the V-plex is a modified version of a MOA reticle, the horizontal and vertical posts are a bit wider. The center is also thinner. Thus, you will get a better control over the surroundings and shift the barrel properly for an aim. Here, you can see better for a perfect shot every time.

Pros

  • Highly versatile for all users
  • Easy to set up 
  • Good control over the hunting surroundings
  • Usable for most shooting distances

Cons

  • Bullet drop marking isn’t available

Dead Hold BDC Vs. Vplex: Head to head

If you reach this portion, chances are you are a real player. By the way, for us the dead hold BDC is the complete winner Now, let’s see what are the head to head differences between a dead hold BDC and V-plex reticle.

Dead Hold BDC Vs. Vplex

Ease of shooting (Draw)

When it comes to hunting or regular shooting, the ease of use is the first thing you need to check. Who will choose a reticle that makes a whole lot of confusion, right? In this case it’s a draw. Both the dead hold BDC and V-plex don’t stress the user nor it is confusing for the aim. 

Scenario adaptivity (BDC wins)

The dead hold BDC wins in this round. Though the V-plex gave a good fight in varying scenarios, the BDC had fine markings for a better aim. So, you can adapt to different scenarios with instant adaptivity. Just follow the markings.

Bullet drop compensation (BDC wins)

Bullet dropping can happen due to the bullet weight, speed, barrel length, and also shooting distance. Unfortunately, the V-plex doesn’t have any mechanism to compensate for bullet drops. On the other hand, a BDC reticle has all the mechanisms needed for compensating for it. 

Calibration time (V-Plex wins)

You need a bit of time to calibrate the BCD. For starters, you need to begin by practicing a few rounds and know how your bullet will hit. In the case of the V-plex you will need to do a little math first, and you are done. 

Manual calculation (BDC wins)

Due to the bullet drop compensating property of BDC, you don’t need to go through a heck of a lot of ballistic math. If you don’t want to do anything with math, go for a BDC reticle. A V-plex reticle is good and all, but for a perfect shot at long distances you need to combine a bit of math with it.

FAQs

What is a Vplex reticle?

A V-plex reticle is a standard duplex reticle where the horizontal and vertical posts are a bit wider. However, the center is a bit thinner. This type of reticle reduces obscuring the view of targets and gives better control to the user. You can adapt to all types of scenarios and get a flawless aim every time.

What is a dead hold BDC scope?

A dead hold BDC scope is a reticle that can compensate for bullet dropping, either it be for bullet weight, shape, speed, and so on. With it, you don’t have to know any fancy ballistic math to hit a bullseye. The scope’s marking will give you everything you need.

Related: Best Scopes for AR 15 Coyote Hunting

Is a BDC reticle worth it?

A BDC reticle offers fine markings, which can help as a bullet hitting center for varying distances. Sometimes, when the shooting distance is too great, you need to do tons of ballistic math to get to your target. However, BDC reticle completely eliminates the process, giving you a flawless experience. So, yeah, it’s totally worth getting a BDC reticle. 

End Note

Hope now you know the differences between a dead hold BDC and V-plex reticle. Rule of the thumb, if you don’t want a built in bullet drop compensator, go for the BDC one. Both of them will give you similar distance usability. However, the BDC reticle is the one to go by for us. 

It may cost a bit more and be a bit hard to set up. But once you are done, the shooting experience will improve for sure. 

Well, this is all for today. Let’s hit the sack. And don’t forget to ask us anything you need to know. Bye-Bye. 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *