Measure, calibrate, wrap
Twenty minutes of care here is what makes the label line up at 1000 metres. Do the steps in order.
1. Measure the turret
- Use a micrometer or a good vernier. Measure the diameter where the label will sit, in two directions, and use the average.
- Measure the height of the smooth band you can cover. That is your label height.
- Count the clicks in one full turn. Most 0.1 MIL turrets have 100, many 1/4 MOA turrets have 60.
- Turn the dial up and note which way it turns, seen from above.
2. Calibrate your printer
In step 6 of the app, print the test page on plain paper at 100% with no margins. Measure the across and down bars (both should be 150 mm), enter what you measure and save. Do this once per printer. Nothing else prints until it is done: the app takes you there if you try.
2b. Fit strip
Back in step 2, under the dial size, print the fit strip and cut it out. Hold the START edge on the turret and wrap firmly. Read the number over the START edge and enter it. Print again until it reads 0.
3. Check before you cut
Every printout has two 100 mm check bars, one across and one down. Measure both before cutting. If they are not 100.0 mm, set the print dialog to Scale 100% (Actual size) and Margins None, then print again.
4. Print and apply
- Print on white waterproof laser vinyl and add a clear laminate. Or order printed labels.
- Set the turret to zero on the zero stop. Clean it with alcohol.
- Line the triangle up with the index line and wrap. The join ends up at the back.
- Check a few distances against your drop chart before you trust it.
Using data from your ballistic app
- Strelok Pro: copy or share the Table screen, paste it in the app and press Clean up.
- Hornady 4DOF: download the CSV from the web calculator and use Import CSV.
- Applied Ballistics and Kestrel: use the range card or E-Dope card. A CSV imports directly.
- Vortex Fury AB, Garmin, Sig BDX: these show one solution at a time. Type the elevation for each distance.
- Your own dope book: two columns, distance and dial value. Confirmed field data always beats a calculator.
Safety
A label is a convenience, not a guarantee. Verify every label on the range at the distances you plan to shoot, and redo it when your load, altitude or scope changes.