When multiple-aiming-point reticleS (MAPR) first hit the market, I simply didn't see the need. I believed that, with a muzzleloader, any ethical shot could easily be accomplished with a standard crosshair. To some extent, I still believe that. However, after using MAPR scopes on several hunts, I've been dragged, kicking and screaming, into becoming a supporter.

In broken country, shots can be long. Riflescopes featuring reticles with multiple aiming points make sense in this situation.

Every optics company has reasons why its particular system is "the best," but they're all very similar. Each reticle design has multiple aiming points located on the descending crosshair, which allow precise aiming at longer distances by compensating for bullet drop. I'm most familiar with the Swarovski TDS, the Nikon BDC and Leupold's LR Duplex reticles. But the concept is the same with any design.

Of course, it must be kept in perspective. "Long range" for a muzzleloader falls within much different parameters than it does for centerfire cartridges. Any shot approaching 200 yards should be considered long range with a muzzleloader. This distance might be stretched a bit under certain circumstances, but I cringe when I hear anybody talking about shooting 300 or 400 yards with a front stuffer. At 400 yards the average modern .50-caliber muzzleloader bullet will drop more than 100 inches and retain only about 500 ft-lbs of energy. It's completely unethical to shoot at any big game animal under those circumstances. Even the best muzzleloader bullets drop below the 1,000 ft-lbs minimum often cited as required for deer at about 200 yards.

If you're going to use an MAPR scope on your muzzleloader, there's only one way to get the full benefit from it--and that is by shooting. The first step is to find an accurate load for your muzzleloader. If your gun is not capable of shooting a two-inch or smaller three-shot, 100-yard group every time, forget long-range shooting.

Carefully zero the center crosshair at whatever distance you prefer. One hundred yards is probably best. The problem with picking a longer range as your primary zero is that the arc of the bullet at midrange can become too high above the line of sight, causing you to shoot high on a closer shot.

For example, a three-pellet 150-grain powder charge will propel a Hornady 250-grain SST bullet from a twenty-six-inch barrel at about 2,100 fps measured at the muzzle. This is one of the most popular combinations for long range hunting. But, we must remember that the trajectory of even the flattest shooting load is about the same as a .30-30 centerfire rifle, so with a 200-yard zero this load will be more than five inches above the line of sight at mid-range. MAPR scopes are designed to help alleviate this problem, and when viewed within the context of a 100-yard primary zero, they make sense.