Leupold CDS 2025 ballistic turret:
Customised Accuracy and New Generation VX-5HD and VX-6HD
The great challenge of every hunter and sport shooter is the compensation of ballistic drop at different distances. Leupold revolutionised this with its Custom Dial System (CDS), a custom elevation turret that replaces MOA or MIL adjustments with engraved markings in metres or yards. In 2025, the brand has gone a step further with the new VX-5HD Gen 2 and VX-6HD Gen 2 scopes, which integrate the CDS-SZL2 SpeedSet, a more intuitive and faster system that allows custom dials to be exchanged without tools.
What is the CDS turret?
The CDS® is a system that matches your Leupold scope to your ammunition, rifle and shooting environment. It is custom built with your ballistic data, so instead of adjusting clicks, you simply rotate the turret to the actual distance to the target and shoot straight through. Data required to manufacture your CDS turret: Calibre and cartridge (e.g. .30-06 Springfield) Bullet type and weight (e.g.: 180 grains SP)Ballistic Coefficient (BC) Actual muzzle velocity (ideally measured with chronograph) Sight height (sight-to-barrel axis) Zero distance (100 or 200 m/yds) Average altitude and temperature of use With these parameters, Leupold calculates the exact drop and engraves a turret that shows you 100, 200, 300, 400 m/yds rather than abstract settings.
New 2025 generations: VX-5HD Gen 2 and VX-6HD Gen 2
Leupold has revamped its most sought-after ranges to incorporate improvements with the real shooter in mind: VX-6HD Gen 2 Introduced in 2025 with six configurations (from 1-6×24 to 4-24×52). CDS-SZL2 system with SpeedSet®, which allows ballistic turrets to be changed in seconds, without tools. ZeroLock® double-turn locking system with instant return to zero. Electronic Leveling: an electronic level that warns of unwanted tilt. Motion Sensor Technology (MST): turns off the illuminated reticle after 5 minutes of inactivity and reactivates it at the slightest movement. HD lenses with Guard-ion coating, water, dust and grease repellent. VX-5HD Gen 2 Launched in August 2025 in six models (1-5×24, 2-10×42, 3-15×44/50/56, 4-20×52). Includes a free CDS dial, built with your ballistic data. SpeedSet® system with ZeroLock®, just like the VX-6HD range. Race-style precision adjustments. Longer tube travel and ultra-tough construction. Both lines are designed to offer speed, simplicity and robustness to hunters and shooters who want maximum confidence in every shot.
Both lines are designed to offer speed, simplicity and robustness to hunters and shooters who want maximum confidence in every shot.
Customisation Times
Officially, Leupold officially states a lead time of 4-6 weeks to manufacture and ship your custom turret. In practice, based on user experience, lead times typically range from 3-5 weeks in Europe, with some cases faster (1-2 weeks). Each CDS scope includes a free dial and additional dials can be ordered for different loads or environments (cost approx. 80 USD).
Ordering and installation process
Ballistic data collection: we help you collect key information about your cartridge and rifle. Technical validation: we check that the BC, velocity and zero data are correct. Processing with Borchers: we manage the order of the customised dial from the official Leupold distributor in Spain. Manufacture and delivery: the dial arrives laser engraved within the weeks indicated. Installation and zeroing: we replace the standard turret with the CDS and check the ZeroLock and the impact point.
Advantages for hunters and shooters
.Speed in action: aim without calculations, without complicated reticles or drop tables. Versatility: additional dials can be ordered if you change ammunition, weather or altitude. Safety: ZeroLock prevents accidental adjustments. Practical innovation: With Gen 2 comes improvements such as SpeedSet, Electronic Leveling and motion sensors. Durability: All Leupold visors carry a lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
.Can I order the turret in metres? Yes, you can choose metres or yards when ordering. What happens if I change ammunition? You will need a new dial for that load. Does it work in any environment? It is calibrated for the altitude and temperature you specify. If they change a lot, you should order a new dial. Can I install it myself? Yes, installation is simple and comes with instructions, although we at Carbin Store will do it and check it for you.
Carbin Store: your Leupold CDS® turret service
.At Carbin Store we offer you a complete service to make your Leupold rifle scope work like a Swiss watch: Personalised advice to collect your ballistic data accurately. Comprehensive order management with Borchers and Leupold. Professional installation of the custom turret on your rifle scope. Field verification to check that your zero and dials match reality.
Conclusion
The Leupold CDS turret is much more than an accessory: it is the way to turn your rifle scope into a natural extension of your rifle and ammunition. With the new VX-5HD Gen 2 and VX-6HD Gen 2 generations, the system becomes even more intuitive, faster and more reliable. At Carbin Store we help you make this technological leap so that your next shot is no longer an unknown, but the certainty that every turn of the turret takes you straight to your target.
