Swarovski Z6i

As a hunter Swarovski’s best products are their Z6 scopes with their 6 x zoom range. For example my 2-12x56, goes from x2 for driven-type use and up to x12 for longer ranges, add in the superb optics and illumination (Z6i) and you have a great all-rounder. They also re-thought the rheostat using pressure pads for +/- along with a separate, 3-position (ON/OFF, Day & Night setting) switch too. This was incorporated into a housing on top of the eyepiece bell looking not unlike a U-boat’s conning tower and a bit high in truth. My only niggle was the switch was easy to accidently operate.

NEW MK II

Now we have the Mk II version. I opted for the Z6i 2.5-15x56 II BT L, which means close distances to long range varmints. This scope also offers a ballistic turret (BT), side focus and a round 30mm body.

The rheostat pads have been re-positioned to the flanks of the much lower conning tower and the 3-position switch is lower so reducing accidental operation. This is marked with a moon (night) on the left and a sun (day) on the right to indicate the setting, OFF is in the middle. The new automatic shut-off function differentiates between day and night mode (3 and 5 hours accordingly) so reduces battery drain. As oes Swarolight, which incorporates an angle sensor that switches off if the rifle moves out of pre-set arcs - 30° from vertical and +/- 70° from horizontal.

Optics are awesome as always, and construction second to none! For me no real surprises, though I did appreciate the re-designed illumination system and eyepiece bell. However, it was the BT turret that drew my interest. As with the previous model, the windage cap holds a spare battery.

FLEXIBLE DIALLING

Reticule choice differs the non-BT 2.5-15x56 P L offers three – basic 4A 1, 4A-300-1 three range/lead bars and BRX-1 with multiple/range lead arms. The BT offers only the 4A-1 as the turret inputs hold over as required. Swarovski’s BT system uses three rings that you pre-set to your required distances from a base zero position, and provides a programme on their website. 

The ballistic turret consists of a top cap, three colour-coded range rings (green, yellow & red) and a coupling that connects to the turret and also acts as a base zero position. Swarovski includes a tool which allows you to remove the cap, once off pull the rings up and off and finally remove the coupler. Values are marked as .36” @ 100 yards and 1cm @ 100m with 50-clicks per turn. Elevation offers four full rotations = 72” top to bottom and windage two turns = 36”. The latter is a standard capped turret design.

Swarovski’s ballistic resource offers a data base of factory ammo and reload input. Select imperial or metric notation, then scope model from a drop-down menu, enter scope above bore height and the magnification you will most shoot at. As the reticule is in 2nd focal plane correction values will change given the mag you set. Then select a reticule in this case click on the BT icon.

GOING BALLISTIC

Move to the ammunition and either select a cartridge from the extensive database or click on to ‘handload’ and enter the required data: bullet weight, type, manufacturer, velocity and ballistic coefficient (BC) along with zero range. Now press calculate and you will get three drop/ring figures in increments of 50 yards/meters, plus your base zero, which is set on the coupling.

Let’s take my 6.5 Creedmoor, which is running a 120-grain Hornady V-MAX @ 2841 fps, BC 0.465. Using a 100 yard zero you get the following:

1st ring green, 150 yards, 2-clicks from zero2nd ring yellow, 200 yards, 2-clicks from green3rd ring red, 250 yards, 3-clicks from yellow

You can of course select a different zero, for this load I use 175 yards. Recalculated data shows that at 100 it shoots 1” high, with the three rings now giving 225, 275 and 325. In essence this gives four drop points plus anything between 100 -175 is point and shoot. You can use your own data and set the marker points as you see fit. For example with a 200 yard zero (+1.5” @ 100 yards) set 300, 400 & 450 on the rings. Then work out 25 yard drops inbetween these, note them and dial as required. Swarovski provides coloured stickers to suit.

With a single turn turret it’s impossible to get lost in elevation and even in low light easy enough to set your range. As barrel lengths differ as does factory ammo, it’s best to chronograph your loads to get a true figure of speed and not blindly believe what a website tells you; as it could make a significant difference as the range increases! If possible shoot all the distances to fine tune the system. If not a good ballistic programme will be able to give you your drops as required.

YOU CHOOSE

Set up is easy. Using a 100 yard zero and my 6.5 Creedmoor load remove cap, rings and coupling and use the key to zero the turret. Once set turn the lower section of the dial clockwise until it stops, which is your base (zero stop) position). If you run out of travel when zeroing rotate the lower dial anti clockwise to get more movement. All sorted, place on the coupling and line the white triangle up with the fixed dot. Then apply your first correction - 2-clicks anti clockwise and place on the green ring so it lines up with the dot, then repeat with the others. Finally put the cap on and screw it down and you’re done.

Like I said how you set up as to distance is down to you. With the Creedmoor load I had enough elevation to take me out to 500-yards.