Top Tier Scope for 6.4# .300 PRC

O

Opti12206-01

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Minuteman
Jul 23, 2014
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#1
I am looking for a top tier piece of glass to complete my custom 6.4# .300 PRC built on a Defiance AnTi action. This rifle will primarily be used for backpack elk hunting in the mountains. I just purchased a ZCO 5-27 intending to put it on this rifle. While the scope is awesome, it is way too big and heavy. I'm going to return it and try something else. I am currently waffling between a NX8 4-32 or an S&B PMII 3-20. The NX8 is lighter, cheaper, and has better magnification range. Presumably, the S&B has better glass and has a smaller form factor. Is it worth an extra 4 ounces for the S&B? They likely both have bomb proof reliability. Which of those scopes would the Hide recommend and what other options should I be looking at? Is the March 4.5-28 a viable alternative? My ideal list of requirements is below.

Weight- <32 ounces
Ideal mag range- 5-25x
FFP
Target turrets with capped/ lockable windage
Illumination is required
Reticle that allows me to hold for wind

Resized_20240718_181825_1721348353232.JPEG
 
#2
I have no experience with the S&B but have heard great things. I had an NX8 2.5-20 and really liked everything except the turrets that did not lock. I've some like the 4-32 better than the 2.5-20 as well
 
#3
I have a 300 WM that does the same task for me and it wears a ZCO420 which I very much like. It barely busts your weight limit, but is relatively compact, so doesn't move the weight forward and screw up balance.

On the March, I don't run that one but do have the 1.5-15 and it is great, but not as easy to get behind as the ZCO.
 
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#4
Can I ask why you want so much magnification? Magnification = weight and bulk. I put a mark V on my 6lb mountain rifle, but I've recently pulled it off and purchased a VX-6, 3-18. I think it only weighs about 22oz. I'll shoot that scope to 1k without hesitation, so an 800y or less shot on an animal is well within its capability.
 
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#5
Hecouldgoalltheway said:
Can I ask why you want so much magnification? Magnification = weight and bulk. I put a mark V on my 6lb mountain rifle, but I've recently pulled it off and purchased a VX-6, 3-18. I think it only weighs about 22oz. I'll shoot that scope to 1k without hesitation, so an 800y or less shot on an animal is well within its capability.
Click to expand...
This gun is intended to be somewhat of a crossover rifle where it's primary purpose is hunting, but I also want to practice with it out to 1 mile. I thought having a bit more magnification might help for the longer range practice. There are tons of light weight scopes on the market, but most of them don't dial repeatedly and aren't robust enough. I'm not knocking your Leupold, but based on the various reviews and my personal experience they aren't nearly as robust as NF.
 
#6
Opti12206-01 said:
This gun is intended to be somewhat of a crossover rifle where its primary purpose is hunting, but I also want to practice with it out to 1 mile. I thought having a bit more magnification might help for the longer range practice. There are tons of light weight scopes on the market, but most of them don't dial repeatedly and aren't robust enough. I'm not knocking your Leupold, but based on the various reviews and my personal experience they aren't nearly as robust as NF.
Click to expand...
Why not the NX8 in 2-20?
 
#7
hseII said:
Why not the NX8 in 2-20?
Click to expand...
Everything I have read suggests that the NX8 4-32 performs much better than the 2-20. There is basically no difference in weight either. I also already have a 4-32 on another rifle and it has been great thus far. I was mostly wanting to step up to a higher level of glass quality. If NF made a higher tier version of the 4-32 with upgraded glass I'd be all over it.
 
#10
Leupold MK5 HD fits all those bills of the requirements.
Just making sure though, your requirements only state that the windage turret is to be capped/lockable, not ele. On the MK5, windage is capped, elevation is not capped but has a hard zero stop that requires a button push to unlock it, but either way that shouldn't matter because the requirements were only for windage.
 
#11
FieldGaugeFailure said:
Leupold MK5 HD fits all those bills of the requirements.
Just making sure though, your requirements only state that the windage turret is to be capped/lockable, not ele. On the MK5, windage is capped, elevation is not capped but has a hard zero stop that requires a button push to unlock it, but either way that shouldn't matter because the requirements were only for windage.
Click to expand...
Huge selling point for the Leupold 5-25 mk V. The NF 16x also has that style top turret, and I agree its near-perfect. Also with the Mk V alot of people say they do well challenging dawn/dusk conditions,. something about the lens coatings beings designed/optimized properly.
 
#13
FieldGaugeFailure said:
Leupold MK5 HD fits all those bills of the requirements.
Just making sure though, your requirements only state that the windage turret is to be capped/lockable, not ele. On the MK5, windage is capped, elevation is not capped but has a hard zero stop that requires a button push to unlock it, but either way that shouldn't matter because the requirements were only for windage.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, based on the many internet reviews and my own personal experience I don't trust Leupold scopes to hold zero and track reliably. As a result, I've crossed Leupold off the list of acceptable brands.
 
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#16
I would probably stick to a NF on a 6lb magnum. That will have a very sharp and hard recoil impulse. Of the choices listed nx8 4-32 but I much prefer the 4-16 ATACR on my light rifle.
Also do not skimp on the mount / rings.
A heavy scope on a light, hard recoiling rifle is a prime opportunity for broken mounts and shifting under recoil.
 
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#17
Opti12206-01 said:
Unfortunately, based on the many internet reviews and my own personal experience I don't trust Leupold scopes to hold zero and track reliably. As a result, I've crossed Leupold off the list of acceptable brands.
Click to expand...
The mk5 is by far the most popular winning prs optic. Over half the top shooters run them for one reason or another. If they didn't track and wernt reliable they wouldt be dominating the podiums.

Now optically they have some limitations but for a lightweight optic, it's hard to beat. There is not much out there in that weight class that competes.
 
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#18
I run a mk5 and an nx8 2-20 on my elk hunting rifles. No issues with either one.

Sweet rifle though so I understand your desire to go with a top tier optic. I assume my mountain rifles and the scopes will get dinged up so I have no desire to go higher quality.
 
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#19
Opti12206-01 said:
Everything I have read suggests that the NX8 4-32 performs much better than the 2-20. There is basically no difference in weight either. I also already have a 4-32 on another rifle and it has been great thus far. I was mostly wanting to step up to a higher level of glass quality. If NF made a higher tier version of the 4-32 with upgraded glass I'd be all over it.
Click to expand...
A little back story on what I am about to suggest…..I am in SE Alabama and a far shot whilst hunting in most of our areas is 200 yards. And 500 yards is LONG. We just generally don’t have the open areas and game animals that require such ranging. With whitetail deer, so long as you can figure out patterns, trails, and wind, one can always get closer. And pigs….well avoid the nose and you can just about knife them.

That being said. In the woods with ambush type hunting tactics, the low mag scope at 2x almost is a requirement in our area. If you are hunting elk in timber, I’d think it’d be similar circumstances.

And I (deep breath) have begun the process of leaving my Fudduckary in the rear view mirror and have recently acquired a NX8 2-20x Mildot C for one of my rifles to serve as a bridge between these needs. With training, my plan is I will be able to pop a pig or deer close range in the woods. Or, be able to learn this reticle dial and holdover wind dope stuff, to be able to pop one out at longer ranges…..at least by our standards.

The glass on the NX8 is very nice. And that is compared to my Fudd S&B options…..being a Klassic, Polar, and Meta.

Take this info for what it is…..and there are folk on this forum and even in this thread who are far more knowledgeable than I will ever be…..but my point being……for a primary end use hunting scope (in non open range territory) consider a low end mag to mate with good glass and higher end magnification. If you are in areas that both allow short and long range opportunities I think you will be more satisfied than focusing (literally) on a scope that only meets mid-longer range needs. The NX8 2-20x so far appears to do that.
 
#21
I think you would be much better served by a lightweight hunting rifle and a second heavyweight long range target rifle to avoid a "jack of all trades and master of none" situation. With that said, I do think that the March 4.5-28 would work well for you as it does check off all your boxes.

Full disclosure - I currently have a March 4.5-28 for sale in the classified section.
 
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#23
Opti12206-01 said:
I am looking for a top tier piece of glass to complete my custom 6.4# .300 PRC built on a Defiance AnTi action. This rifle will primarily be used for backpack elk hunting in the mountains. I just purchased a ZCO 5-27 intending to put it on this rifle. While the scope is awesome, it is way too big and heavy. I'm going to return it and try something else. I am currently waffling between a NX8 4-32 or an S&B PMII 3-20. The NX8 is lighter, cheaper, and has better magnification range. Presumably, the S&B has better glass and has a smaller form factor. Is it worth an extra 4 ounces for the S&B? They likely both have bomb proof reliability. Which of those scopes would the Hide recommend and what other options should I be looking at? Is the March 4.5-28 a viable alternative? My ideal list of requirements is below.

Weight- <32 ounces
Ideal mag range- 5-25x
FFP
Target turrets with capped/ lockable windage
Illumination is required
Reticle that allows me to hold for wind

View attachment 8466738
Click to expand...
I’d been pondering a similar optic for a similar rifle, problem was I can’t seem to fall in love with a rifle… ugh
BUT
I did fall in love with a scope. The new Kahles 3-28. Very cool. Little chunky and 4oz heavier than your goal but worth a look non the less.
For frame of reference I’m an S&B and Nightforce guy for the most part. Am a big fan of the NX8 4-32’s for gas guns. Very happy with them. The new Kahles seems like an NX8 on roids.
www.sportoptics.com

Kahles K328i 3.5-28x50 - LSW

Shop Kahles K328i Rifle Scopes and get a great price, FREE shipping & 5-star service! Click or call (800)720-9625
www.sportoptics.com www.sportoptics.com
 
#24
I like to have fairly nice glass on a hunting rifle for discernment against brush and antler ID, but once it’s at a certain level I don’t need more. Frankly you have the wrong gun to play crossover with. You have a hunting rifle, buy a hunting scope. That gun is going to suck doing long practice sessions with. I have a 6.5lb (no scope/can/ammo) 7mmPRC, almost an identical build to your rifle, and even with a can I have a headache after 10 rounds from the recoil. Putting alpha glass on that rifle isn’t worth it in my opinion.

Regarding scope durability, my primary factor with that rifle would be simply getting a scope that lives with the recoil. Guys say they trust X brand over others because it handles bumps in the field better, but I’ve had very well loved ‘durable’ scopes lose zero several times from drops in the field. Bumping a tree with rifle in hand won’t make a scope lose zero. Dropping a gun will make almost any optic setup lose zero. You just cannot rely on any scope to be perfect if you drop a gun. I carry a small target and extra ammo and have rezeroed in the field.
 
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#25
Strictly a hunting setup top of the line, best guess is Swarovski z6. Make really good glass and good reputation. Never looked through a tangent theta or zco so don't know what to say about that. My fist "high end" optic was a zeis, then Swarovski (entry level models) now a nightforce atacr. If you can , get hands on some high end glas and look through it to help with your decision.
Side note: eye relief!!!!!! Ultra lightweight magnum is probably going to try and kick your teeth out, or give you scope eye 👁
 
#27
Rex_Allen said:
Can you post the build specs?

I’d do the zco 4-20. It’s what I’m planning to get for my 300 prc hunting rifle.
Click to expand...
It’s a Defiance Anti action with a Proof sendero 20” barrel in a manners pro hunter stock. The suppressor is a TBAC Ultra 5. A TriggerTech trigger rounds it out. It should be sitting right around 9# all in ready to hunt.

Keep in mind the ZCO 4-20 still weighs 37 ounces and it is HUGE as a result of the 36mm tube. Based on my brief time handling the 5-27 they are amazing scopes though. I hate that it didn’t work for my application.
 
#29
Zeiss conquest........yea yea, I hear all the BS.

It's going to be at least 6 ounces lighter than every scope mentioned so far in this thread.....and probably more like 10-12 ounces lighter.
Good glass, solid mechanicals, costs about a thou less.

Your call.
 
#30
Opti12206-01 said:
I am looking for a top tier piece of glass to complete my custom 6.4# .300 PRC built on a Defiance AnTi action. This rifle will primarily be used for backpack elk hunting in the mountains. I just purchased a ZCO 5-27 intending to put it on this rifle. While the scope is awesome, it is way too big and heavy. I'm going to return it and try something else. I am currently waffling between a NX8 4-32 or an S&B PMII 3-20. The NX8 is lighter, cheaper, and has better magnification range. Presumably, the S&B has better glass and has a smaller form factor. Is it worth an extra 4 ounces for the S&B? They likely both have bomb proof reliability. Which of those scopes would the Hide recommend and what other options should I be looking at? Is the March 4.5-28 a viable alternative? My ideal list of requirements is below.

Weight- <32 ounces
Ideal mag range- 5-25x
FFP
Target turrets with capped/ lockable windage
Illumination is required
Reticle that allows me to hold for wind

View attachment 8466738
Click to expand...
Not sure how much the S&B weighs, but I'd assume not much from the Kahles K318i... That is my suggestion. It's what I run on my main hunting rifle, and the slight extra weight from the scope is worth the rugged durability. That K318i is built like a tank, and the glass and FOV is phenomenal.

According to EuroOptic, the S&B PM-II 3-20x weighs in at 33.97 oz. And the Kahles K318i is 32.6 oz. So, pretty much negligible in weight, but the Kahles is slightly lighter.

www.eurooptic.com

Kahles K318i 3.5-18x50 CCW SKMR3 w-right Riflescope 10633

FREE SHIPPING on Kahles K318i 3.5-18x50 CCW SKMR3 w-right Riflescope 10633
www.eurooptic.com www.eurooptic.com
 
#32
Opti12206-01 said:
It’s a Defiance Anti action with a Proof sendero 20” barrel in a manners pro hunter stock. The suppressor is a TBAC Ultra 5. A TriggerTech trigger rounds it out. It should be sitting right around 9# all in ready to hunt.

Keep in mind the ZCO 4-20 still weighs 37 ounces and it is HUGE as a result of the 36mm tube. Based on my brief time handling the 5-27 they are amazing scopes though. I hate that it didn’t work for my application.
Click to expand...
I just finished a similar rifle 22” proof carbon sendero. ARC mausingfield. Tt trigger. Manners LRH. Leupold Mk6 is currently on it. Ultra 7. 9.4 lbs on the bathroom scale.

Headed to shoot it right now I don’t think a little added weight would be a bad thing. I carried the same rifle hunting with a steel barrel at 14 lbs. mountains of az
 
#33
I have a similar set up, just put one of these on it and after hunting season put the ZCO on it.
www.leupold.com

VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 Side Focus HTMR

The VX®-5HD 3-15x44mm is made for anything and everything. Its 3-15x magnification range lets you take full advantage of any situation. Turn the power down to 3x for thick timber hunting, crank it up to 15x for your trek across the open plains, or go anywhere in-between. This scope has the...
www.leupold.com www.leupold.com
 
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#34
It would be a mistake to think a mountain hunting 6-7lbs 300PRC rig can double as an ELR gun. That mountain gun configuration is something to be shot 2 times per session. Hopefully only once on a hunt. An ELR gun will be shot 60 + times per session and the two categories of gun couldn't be more different.

Anyway, I'd suggest the VX5 or VX6HD lines. Check all the boxes in weight, glass, and price.
I'd also suggest a look at the milk jug challenges. Don't shoot any farther than you can hit a milk jug 100% in 10-15mph wind.
 
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