Log In

Blog Posts

Korth Group Outdoor Education, MOA VS MRAD

Korth Group Outdoor Education, MOA VS MRAD

When it comes to precision rifle shooting, understanding the differences between MOA (Minute of Angle) and MRAD (Milliradian), also referred to as MILs, is a critical element in deciding on what “language” you are going to speak as a shooter. These two measurement systems serve as the foundation for adjusting optics, calculating holdovers, and estimating target distances. While both achieve the same goal by helping shooters place accurate shots at varying distances, their origins, usage, and applications differ. A simple way to look at it is like driving a car going 100 km/h versus 60 miles/hour. You are still going the same speed just in a different unit of measurement. This correlation can be applied to shooting MOA versus MRAD. On this edition of Korth Group Outdoor Education we are going to explore some of the history behind each, their core principles, and how they are used in modern rifle shooting.

HISTORY
MOA and MRAD stem from different measurement systems. MOA is rooted in angular measurements commonly used in the United States and aligns with the imperial system. It divides a full 360-degree circle into minutes (1 degree = 60 minutes). MRAD, on the other hand, originates from the metric system and divides a circle into radians, a fundamental unit in trigonometry. One radian equals the angle formed when the arc length equals the circle’s radius. A full circle has 6.283 radians, or approximately 6,283 milliradians (MRAD).
 
The adoption of MOA in rifle optics is largely historical, as the imperial system dominated U.S. military and civilian shooting practices. MRAD gained traction through its adoption by European militaries and later spread globally, especially among precision rifle shooters who appreciate the simplicity of metric calculations. Today, with the popularity of extended distance shooting competitions like PRS and NRL matches, MRAD seems to be the preferred method of measurements.

KEY PRINCIPLES
Minute of Angle (MOA)

  • MOA divides a degree into 60 minutes, creating a small angular unit of measurement.
  • At 100 yards, 1 MOA equals approximately 1.047 inches. For simplicity, many shooters round this to 1 inch at 100 yards.
  • The system’s scaling means 1 MOA corresponds to 2 inches at 200 yards, 3 inches at 300 yards, and so on.
  • Adjustments on MOA scopes are typically in 1/4 MOA increments, translating to 0.25 inches of movement per click at 100 yards.

Milliradian (MRAD)

  • MRAD divides a radian into 1,000 milliradians. At 100 meters, 1 MRAD equals 10 centimeters, or roughly 3.6 inches.
  • This system’s scaling makes 1 MRAD correspond to 20 centimeters at 200 meters, 30 centimeters at 300 meters, etc.
  • Most MRAD scopes adjust in 0.1 MRAD increments, equating to 1 centimeter per click at 100 meters.

The primary difference lies in their scaling and the measurement systems they align with. MOA is easier for shooters accustomed to yards and inches, while MRAD simplifies calculations for those using meters and centimeters.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Both MOA and MRAD are equally effective for precision shooting. The choice often comes down to personal preference and the intended application. Understanding the fundamentals behind either will allow you to apply them in the field when shooting targets or hunting game. Here are a few points to better understand where these applications can be useful:
 
1. Adjustment in Optics
Scopes designed for MOA or MRAD offer precise reticles and turret adjustments for elevation and windage. Shooters can use either system to correct for bullet drop and wind drift. MRAD scopes, with their 0.1 MRAD clicks, often provide slightly coarser adjustments compared to the finer 1/4 MOA clicks.

2. Estimating Range
Both systems allow shooters to estimate distances to targets using reticle subtensions (numerical values within the reticle). For MOA, the formula involves converting inches to yards, while MRAD simplifies calculations by using metric units. For instance:

  • MOA formula: (Target size in inches × 95.5) ÷ MOA size in reticle = Distance in yards.
  • MRAD formula: (Target size in centimeters × 10) ÷ MRAD size in reticle = Distance in meters.

Below are two real world calculations for both MOA and MRAD to put these formulas to the test. These are taken in a 100 yard range to help prove this formula provides fairly accurate results.

3. Compatibility with Ballistic Calculators
Modern ballistic calculators accommodate both MOA and MRAD, making it easier to generate drop and drift tables for specific rifles and ammunition. These tools have minimized the gap between the systems in terms of user-friendliness.
 
4. Preference and Training
Shooters often choose a system based on what they’re trained in or the environment they’re shooting in. Hunters in the U.S. may favor MOA due to familiarity with yards, while military and competition shooters worldwide often lean toward MRAD for its metric simplicity.

Ultimately, MOA and MRAD are tools and neither is inherently superior over the other. The key is consistency. A shooter should choose one system and stick with it to develop a firm understanding so it can be applied quickly in timed or stressful situations. It’s also worth noting that mixing systems, such as using an MOA dial with an MRAD reticle, can complicate calculations and should be avoided.
 
MOA and MRAD represent two different paths to the same destination. Remember the correlation with driving in km/hour versus miles/hour. Understanding these principles can help shooters make informed decisions when selecting optics and refining their shooting skills. Whether you’re a hunter, a competition shooter, or a military marksman, mastering either system will enhance your accuracy and confidence the next time you are pulling the trigger.