How To Set Up the BDX System

The SIG SAUER Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) system is an innovative method to quickly and accurately strike targets at a distance. The system is composed of a smartphone app, a rangefinder, and a rifle scope. You can use the rangefinder or scope independently or combine all 3 for the ultimate capability.

Once you set up the smartphone app with your cartridge specifics, you can pair it to the rifle scope to create accurate hold points for known distances or you can pair it with the rangefinder to get accurate turret adjustments for unknown distances. Using the rangefinder and the scope allows you to dominate both known and unknown distances.

Setting Up the App

You can download the app from the Google Play or Apple app store. Once you open the app, you want to setup a ballistic profile by selecting "New Profile" in the upper right corner under the "Profiles" section. The app will ask if this is for a firearm or crossbow, as the BDX system can be used with either. Select the appropriate option, and then name the profile and input the projectile data.

Bullet diameter, bullet weight, and the ballistic coefficient are needed for a firearm profile. There is a "Library" preloaded with some of themost common calibers and loads. Select the bullet caliber, followed by the manufacturer, and then the specific projectile. If the load you intend to use isn't in the library, you can manually enter the info which is typically found on the ammo box or the manufacturer's website. The muzzle velocity, zero range, and sight height over bore is also needed. If you have muzzle velocity at a specific temperature, you can input that as well. The app uses all of this information to calculate the precise settings for your rifle scope so that you can take the most accurate shots possible.

For a crossbow, arrow speed and weight are needed, as well as the zero range and sight height.

Setting Up the Scope

Mount and zero the scope like any other optic, using the turrets to adjust the point of impact until it matches the point of aim. A 100yd zero should be sufficient for most setups, but if you plan to regularly shoot over 600 yards, then a 200yd zero may be a better choice. Regardless of what distance you zero at, you want to make note of it and input it into the BDX app.

When you turn on the illumination, you can then pair the scope to the app using the "Pairing" section. Scan for devices and follow the app prompts. Once they are paired, you can setup the "HUD mode" to have hold points either for a given drop or distance. Due to the digital focal plane of the scope, similar to a first focal plane reticle, you might not be able to see some hold points at maximum magnification.

Setting Up the Rangefinder

Power on the rangefinder by pushing the range button and then under the "Pairing" section, scan for devices and follow prompts to pair the device with the app. Once paired, you can open the Rangefinder HUD in the app and fine-tune variables like temperature and muzzle velocity. The rangefinder can be configured for Angle Modified Range (AMR) which gives the equivalent horizontal range or Line of Sight (LOS) which gives the raw distance and the angle measurement. ABU mode pairs the rangefinder with the BDX app to give you a shooting solution based on the selected profile out to 800 yards. When paired with the Sierra3 riflescope as well, the shooting solution is given as an active hold point on the reticle.

You can also pair a Kestrel 5700 with the Kilo Rangefinder to provide a shooting solution past 800 yards. By switching the Rangefinder to ABX mode and pairing with the Kestrel, the ranging data is sent to the Kestrel to provide a shooting solution (this information is not transferred to a Sierra3 riflescope, but you can manually dial the shooting solution or create hold points).

Each component of the BDX system can be used independently, but when combined together, they create an efficient and accurate way to hit targets at both known and unknown distances.