MOA vs MRAD for a rimfire scope: reticles, click values and which to pick for .22 LR
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What are MOA and MRAD, in plain numbers?
Both are angles, so the size they cover grows with distance. One minute of angle (MOA) is 1/60 of a degree and covers 1.047 in at 100 yd. One milliradian (mil or MRAD) covers 3.6 in at 100 yd, so 1 mil is about 3.44 MOA [1]. Rimfire shooters work mostly at 25–100 yd, where the clicks get small:
| Distance | 1 MOA | 1/4 MOA click | 1 mil | 0.1 mil click |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 yd | 0.26 in | 0.065 in | 0.9 in | 0.09 in |
| 50 yd | 0.52 in | 0.13 in | 1.8 in | 0.18 in |
| 100 yd | 1.05 in | 0.26 in | 3.6 in | 0.36 in |
| 200 yd | 2.09 in | 0.52 in | 7.2 in | 0.72 in |
Values are straight geometry from the definitions above. Typical turret values (1/4 MOA or 0.1 mil per click) are as printed in scope manuals such as Vortex's [2]. Always check your own turret markings.
Does one system shoot better?
No. The bullet doesn't care. The differences are practical:
- Resolution: a 1/4 MOA click (0.26 in at 100 yd) is slightly finer than a 0.1 mil click (0.36 in). At rimfire distances both are finer than the dispersion of most .22 LR ammo.
- Dialing range: .22 LR needs a lot of elevation past 100 yd. Published tables show a 40 gr load needing roughly 3.8 mil (about 13 MOA) at 150 yd and about 6.3 mil (21–22 MOA) at 200 yd from a 50 yd zero [3] [4]. Mil turrets usually show more travel per revolution, so you're less likely to lose count on a long dial.
- Communication: NRL22 and PRS rimfire squads, apps and data cards mostly use mils. If your spotter says "hold 0.4 left," you want a mil reticle.
- Familiarity: hunters who think in inches at 100 yd often find MOA intuitive.
First focal plane or second focal plane?
In a first focal plane (FFP) scope the reticle grows and shrinks with magnification, so its marks are correct at every power. In a second focal plane (SFP) scope the reticle stays the same size, so the hash marks only equal their stated value at one magnification (often maximum). For NRL22-style stages where you change power and hold for wind or elevation, FFP removes a source of error. For a hunting or plinking rifle on one fixed power, SFP is fine and often cheaper.
Which reticle style suits rimfire?
| Reticle type | Good for | Example scopes we link |
|---|---|---|
| Duplex / V-Plex | Plinking, small game, youth rifles | Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire ($129) |
| Simple hash-mark (SFP) | Hunting with known holdovers | Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40 (Rimfire MOA) |
| FFP mil tree / grid | NRL22, PRS rimfire, ELR22 | Arken EPL-4 4-16x44 FFP, Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44 FFP (MIL), Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 FFP (MRAD) |
| FFP MOA tree | Shooters who prefer MOA | Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x50 FFP (MOA) ($288.99 seen) |
| Premium FFP mil | Open division, high-end builds | Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56, Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 F1, Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 |
Prices change daily; follow the links for current figures. For NRL22 Base, remember the rifle plus scope MSRP cap is $1,650 for the 2027 season [5].
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
Matching turrets and reticle
The most common beginner mistake is a mil reticle with MOA turrets, or the reverse. It works, but every hold has to be converted in your head under time pressure. Buy "mil/mil" or "MOA/MOA." Most modern FFP target scopes are sold that way; some budget SFP scopes mix them, so read the spec line.
Parallax and rimfire distances
Many centerfire scopes are parallax-free at 100–150 yd and can't focus closer than 25–50 yd. For rimfire you want side-focus (adjustable parallax) down to 10–25 yd, or a rimfire-specific scope set for 50 yd like the Crossfire II Rimfire. The reticle choice matters less than getting a sharp, parallax-free picture at the distances you actually shoot.
How to choose in five questions
- Will you compete or shoot with a group that uses mils? Pick MRAD.
- Do you mostly hunt or plink at one distance? SFP duplex or simple MOA hash marks are enough.
- Will you change magnification and hold for wind? Pick FFP.
- Does it focus close? Look for parallax adjustment to 10–25 yd.
- Does it fit your budget and division? For NRL22 Base, check the rifle plus scope MSRP total [5].
Mounting and verifying your clicks
- Level the scope to the rifle with a Level-Level-Level and torque rings to spec with a F.A.T. Wrench. Our optics mounting guide has the steps.
- A 20–30 MOA canted base (about 6–9 mil) helps keep dialing room for 200 yd and beyond.
- Verify clicks with a tall-target test: dial a known amount at 50 or 100 yd and measure the shift. If 1 mil doesn't move 1.8 in at 50 yd, your app needs a correction factor.
- Record dope for your ammo lot; see .22 LR drop and wind charts.
Wind holds: where mils earn their keep
Wind is the biggest error source with .22 LR. Published tables show about 1.5 mil (roughly 5–6 in) of drift for a 10 mph full-value crosswind at 100 yd with a typical 40 gr load [3] [4]. With a mil tree you hold that directly; with a duplex you're estimating. That's why match shooters prefer a grid reticle. More in PRS rimfire, ELR22 and wind reading.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying for maximum magnification: 24x and above magnifies mirage at rimfire distances; many match shooters run 10–16x.
- Ignoring weight: a heavy target scope can unbalance a light 5 lb sporter.
- Assuming SFP holds are correct at every power: they aren't.
- Skipping a tracking check: budget scopes vary unit to unit.
The bottom line
If you're unsure, buy an FFP mil/mil scope that focuses to 10–25 yd. It's the most common setup at rimfire matches, it pairs with almost every ballistic app, and the 0.1 mil click is fine enough for .22 LR. Stick with MOA if you already use it on your centerfire rifles and want one system across your safe.
FAQ
Is MRAD or MOA better for .22 LR?
Neither is more accurate. MRAD is more common in NRL22 and PRS rimfire matches and in ballistic apps; MOA is fine if you already think in inches. Match the reticle and turrets.
How much is one click at 50 yards?
A 0.1 mil click moves about 0.18 in at 50 yd; a 1/4 MOA click moves about 0.13 in.
Do I need a first focal plane scope for rimfire?
For competition where you hold over at different magnifications, yes. For hunting or plinking at one power, a second focal plane scope is fine.
What parallax setting do I need for rimfire?
Look for adjustable parallax down to about 10–25 yd, or a rimfire scope fixed at 50 yd.
Sources
- LongRangeShooting.org: MOA and mils explained
- Vortex Viper PST manual (click values)
- Ballistic Buddy .22 LR drop table (50 and 100 yd zero)
- AmmoSight .22 LR trajectory table (G1 0.125, 1,235 fps)
- NRL22 2027 Rules (valid May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · contact@rimfirebuilds.com