Leupold CDS Ballistic Dials

The CDS (Custom Dial System) is only compatible with Leupold scopes specifically marked as 'CDS' or 'CDS-ZL' (ZeroLock). You can verify compatibility by checking the elevation turret on your scope; if it is a CDS model, the turret cap will be removable and designed to accept a custom dial.

To get an accurate dial, you need precise data, including your exact cartridge, bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and ballistic coefficient. You will also need to provide environmental variables like your typical hunting altitude and temperature, as well as your sight height and zero distance.

Yes. Because the dial is laser-etched to match the specific ballistic trajectory of a single load, changing your bullet weight, velocity, or even the brand of ammunition will render the dial inaccurate. You would need to order a new dial calibrated to your new load data.

You can easily install the dial yourself. Most CDS dials are designed for a simple, toolless installation or require only a basic hex key to loosen the set screws, allowing you to swap the factory turret cap for your custom one in just a few minutes.

Yes, the internal adjustment mechanism of your scope remains unchanged. The custom dial simply replaces the standard markings with yardage increments, but the underlying 1/4 MOA click value remains the same for any fine-tuning you might need to perform.

Significant changes in environmental conditions can shift your point of impact. While the dial is calibrated to your specific inputs, extreme deviations from your baseline altitude or temperature may require you to compensate slightly, though the dial will remain much more accurate than a standard turret.