How to calculate ACCURATE range without having to use the stadimeter?

[Paul Riley]

As you may know,I am playing my current patrol for the first time at 100%,without the god's eye mode.In the training academy I am finding it quite difficult in getting the target courses,due to not being able to calculate range very well with the stadimeter.The stadimeter is ok for a rough range value,but in order to verify the target course you obviously need to be able to verify the precise range at each plotting mark.I need to know if there is a better,more accurate way to get range,after which I will no doubt enjoy the game more once I am proficient with map updates off.

Can you also tell me how the real captains obtained range also?,and what tools they used.I understand a lot of time it may have been guessed by visual cues only,like how big the object appears in the scope.For example,on a clear day with a distant ship just visible on the horizon you can pretty much say it is between 6-7000m.

Thanks a lot