Leupold CDS Dial Problems, Things To Be Aware Of!

Leupold has been in the optic-making business for over 100 years now. There is no way you haven’t heard of their optics and custom dial system. Even with their 100+ years of experience, they still make mistakes.

In this post, I will try to go over some of the most common Leupold CDS dial problems. I will also try to provide basic fixes that should help you if you were to face any of the problems.

Some Of The Most Common Problems With CDS:

Here are some of the most common problems that you might face with CDS or someone else faced previously. I will also try to brush over the solution a bit.

Issues with The Muzzle Velocity

The muzzle velocity of a gun plays an important role in how far it can shoot and how much energy it will pack while flying. With a CDS system, Leupold will ask you about the muzzle velocity of your weapon.

It’s normal to send them the data of your average muzzle velocity based on the ammo maker. But you shouldn’t do this. Every gun is different and they have their own tolerance and gun barrel parts. This affects muzzle velocity.

To fix these issues, you will need to use a chronograph measurement system to get the actual muzzle velocity of your weapon. Providing the wrong muzzle velocity to Leupold makes your weapon lose accuracy at a distance.

Incorrect Ammo Data

When you first get your custom dial system for your calibrated ammo, you will face no issues. In weeks, months, or years even. But the moment you try to change your ammo, you will start to notice slight issues.

At first, it will seem like nothing and just the wind messing up with you. But it happens due to your CDS is not being calibrated with the new ammo you are using. Even if it’s the same specification, the ammo doesn’t have the same material tolerance as the one you used at first.

To fix this issue, you will need to send your CDS back and get it tuned to your new ammo. Or you can go back to your old ammo. If neither appeals to you, then you will need to get a new CDS for your new ammo.

Problem With The Height

You will need to make sure to note the height right. If the height of your sight isn’t calibrated to your CDS, then you will have a problem with the line of sight. When you are measuring the height of your scope, make sure to measure from the center bore of your scope. And finish the measurement to the center bore of your rifle.

If you don’t do it, your accuracy will be hampered and you will have a hard time adjusting the gun every time you shoot. To prevent that, you will need to make sure to send the right measurement to Leupold.

Wrong Ballistic

This problem is actually more common than you think. In most scenarios, you should go by using the G1 Ballistic coefficient. However, Leupold doesn’t provide clear instructions on what kind of coefficient you should use.

There have been situations where shooters accidentally use G7 coefficients. Well, it will make your accuracy non-existent. Make sure to talk with the rep from Leupold thoroughly and clear up what kind of ballistic coefficient they want.

The Dial Is Stuck

Ever so often, I have heard people complain that their CDS turret is stuck. This is a rare issue and it has to do with Leupold. The Leupold CDS stands for custom dial system. It’s a custom-made turret made by Leupold to accommodate their users.

Leupold takes a ton of critical information from the shooter builds up this turret on their scope and then sends them. While it’s cool and all, Leupold isn’t a deity. Ever so often they might send a unit that suffers from the issue of random stuckness. If this is the case for you, then I suggest you seek help from Leupold. They should provide you with a warranty when they change the CDS system for you.

Issues with The Base

Last but not least, the base of all problems. Pun intended. Jokes aside, the base of the scope sometimes has issues where it doesn’t grip the scope tight enough to stick it in a place. If that happens, you might want to try out a different base.

Another problem that can occur from a faulty base is the shaky aim. Every time you shoot, the scope might change a bit, if this is the case for you, then you should change the base for something else.

Zero Your Scope

If you are an impatient kid in the toy store like me, who can’t wait to take off the cover and just shoot, you will find your new CDS to be everything but accurate. You should get rid of this habit.

Always zero your scope. If you don’t zero your scope and calibrate with your weapons, the scope won’t work the way it was intended to. So, make sure to zero your scope before you start to shoot. This is more of an advice than a problem.

What Information Do I Need To Give Leupold For A CDS?

Here is a bunch of information that you will need to provide Leupold before they start working on a CDS for you.

• The caliber of your rifle.
• The type of ammo you use.
• Your ballistic information including coefficient and drag.
• Muzzle velocity. Make sure to use the right graph based on your ammunition.
• Sight height.
• And everything else Leupold might ask you.

Conclusion

The CDS is a wonderful system created by Leupold to ensure “you” the shooter get the best experience possible. CDS makes it feel like the scope is made specifically for you. This is a feeling that you will not find in any other scope.

But CDS is not a saving grace. It’s not without fault. I tried to give you a small insight into what those faults might be and how you can get rid of them. Hopefully, this guide was helpful to you and you had fun reading it as well.