ERL Scope Recommendations - 02/2022

[BIg_John]

Tiny background. I grew up reloading, shooting and hunting. I have always craved the idea of shooting ELR. Recently, I purchased an entry level gun that will have ERL potential. I've had some good 1k guns (.223, .243, 7mm & .308).... but I am now ready to really reach out.

The gun is..... Savage 110 Platform in a 6.5 PRC with a +20MOA Rail and 24" medium/heavy ported barrel.

I need some glass for it but I am on a budget, so I need some advice on a couple of fronts....

1. For 2k yards, do I need more than 24x?

2. What are your top #1 and #2 scope recommendations for me with a budget of $800-$900.

Thanks for the knowledge and wisdom in advance. I absolutely know I can probably be a little better shooter if I had a $5k gun and a $4k scope... but that isn't happening right now. Maybe in 5-10 years or so......


.......

 

[BIg_John]

Here are a few I have been pondering......


Crimson Trace 3-Series Tactical Rifle Scope - 5-25x56mm

Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 Rifle Scope

Burris XTR II 5-25x50mm

Riton X5 Conquer 5-25x50

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Hate to break it to you but 6.5 PRC is not an ELR round. 300PRC just breaks into it.

Forget about 2k except for the rare occasion you want to test the limits.
24x is fine. more important to have enough travel in elevation. 20moa rail or rings is almost a must.

Sightron and Viper PST 2 are on sale for around 600 right now either Eurooptic or Cameraland NY, can't remember.
That Burris is 599 right now on DVOR

 

[Schw15]

2000 yards is going to really stretch that 6.5 prc in a 24 inch barrel. It can happen but not going to be as good as a bigger cal. Min cal for me at that distance is 7mm. UT scope wise looked used in px. Maybe you can find a used swfa 5-20 or Athlon ares etr you are going to need a 30 mil scope with a 20 moa base prolly for that combo.

 

[BIg_John]

Hate to break it to you but 6.5 PRC is not an ELR round. 300PRC just breaks into it.

Forget about 2k except for the rare occasion you want to test the limits.
24x is fine. more important to have enough travel in elevation. 20moa rail or rings is almost a must.

Sightron and Viper PST 2 are on sale for around 600 right now either Eurooptic or Cameraland NY, can't remember.
That Burris is 599 right now on DVOR

Thanks for the scope tips.


As for the 6.5 PRC, I just ran the numbers for 6.5 PRC and 300PRC and at 2,000 yards, they are nearly identical.

6.5PRC @ 2k yards = 1,039 fps and 1,810" of drop.
300PRC @ 2k yards = 1,090 fps and 1,763" of drop.

Both outperform the 300 Win Mag.

I agree with you 100% that there are better ELR rounds, but if the 6.5 PRC can stay above 1,000 fps at 2k, I think that makes the round capable. I am very recoil sensitive after a motorcycle accident, so I will stick with the 6.5 PRC.


.........

 

[BIg_John]

2000 yards is going to really stretch that 6.5 prc in a 24 inch barrel. It can happen but not going to be as good as a bigger cal. Min cal for me at that distance is 7mm. UT scope wise looked used in px. Maybe you can find a used swfa 5-20 or Athlon ares etr you are going to need a 30 mil scope with a 20 moa base prolly for that combo.

Thanks for the tips......

I had a Rem 700 platform in 7mm Mag and I really, really miss that gun.... but I just couldn't handle the recoil, shooting it a lot.

The 6.5 PRC being ported is about my limit.

 

[HousePlant]

Of your options, get an FFP Sightron. If you hit 2 miles with the 6.5 PRC, show us.

 

[JDB55]

Brownells MPO 3-18x50 or 5-25x56 I've heard is a good optic in that $900 range. A Japanese OEM'D scope that I've heard hits above it's price point. Brownells has coupons that will get you closer to that $900 mark and they have a great warranty. Something to research.

MATCH PRECISION OPTIC (MPO) 3-18X50MM FFP ILLUM. RIFLE SCOPE | Brownells

The Brownells 3-18x50mm Match Precision Optic® rifle scope gives you key features found on high-end scopes at a surprisingly modest price. We started with fully multi-coated, edge-blackened Japanese glass for maximum light transmission. The turret...

www.brownells.com

MATCH PRECISION OPTIC (MPO)5-25X56MM FFP ILLUMINATED RIFLE SCOPE | Brownells

The Brownells 5-25x56mm Match Precision Optic® gives you the critical functions found on a high-end target rifle scope - without the high-end price. We wanted to incorporate many recent innovations in optics, while pricing it ideally for Productio...

www.brownells.com

 

[Schw15]

Thanks for the tips......

I had a Rem 700 platform in 7mm Mag and I really, really miss that gun.... but I just couldn't handle the recoil, shooting it a lot.

The 6.5 PRC being ported is about my limit.

Get a pva brake or area 419 or suppressor. With those brakes makes my 7mm-300 win mag with 197 feel like nothing

 

[Schw15]

Thanks for the scope tips.


As for the 6.5 PRC, I just ran the numbers for 6.5 PRC and 300PRC and at 2,000 yards, they are nearly identical.

6.5PRC @ 2k yards = 1,039 fps and 1,810" of drop.
300PRC @ 2k yards = 1,090 fps and 1,763" of drop.

Both outperform the 300 Win Mag.

I agree with you 100% that there are better ELR rounds, but if the 6.5 PRC can stay above 1,000 fps at 2k, I think that makes the round capable. I am very recoil sensitive after a motorcycle accident, so I will stick with the 6.5 PRC.


.........

What are the numbers you are using and bullets?

 

[BIg_John]

Ballistic Calculator
INPUT VARIABLES
Ballistic Coefficient:.697Velocity (ft/s):2910Weight (GR):147Maximum Range (yds):2000Interval (yds):200Drag Function ():G1Sight Height (inches):1.5Shooting Angle (Deg.):0Zero Range (yds):100Wind Speed (mph):0Wind Angle (Deg.):90Altitude (ft):0Pressure (hg):29.53Temperature (F):59Humidity (%):78


Ballistic Calculator
INPUT VARIABLES
Ballistic Coefficient:.777Velocity (ft/s):2810Weight (GR):225Maximum Range (yds):2000Interval (yds):200Drag Function ():G1Sight Height (inches):1.5Shooting Angle (Deg.):0Zero Range (yds):100Wind Speed (mph):0Wind Angle (Deg.):90Altitude (ft):0Pressure (hg):29.53Temperature (F):59Humidity (%):78

 

[JDB55]

SOLD - TRACT TORIC 4-20x50 moa FFP and nightforce shv5-20x56 moar reticle

30mm main tubes. Great scopes and tract comes with throw lever and tenebrex flip cap on front vortex on rear. Nightforce has flip covers on lens. Glass is scratch free. Pics to comes later $1000 per scope. Shv is second focal plain and no rings included

www.snipershide.com

You could also try and get this Tract Toric from the used forum. It's a great scope as well. Japanese made.

 

[BIg_John]

Is there no love for the Burris XTR II 5-25x50mm?


SPECIFICATIONS
LENGTH 16.31in
RETICLE SCR MOA
MODEL 201052
TYPE Rifle Scope
EYE RELIEF 3.50–4.25in
FOV100 21-4.3ft
MAGNIFICATION 5-25x
OBJECTIVE DIAMETER 50mm
COLOR Matte Black
ADJUSTMENT 1/4 MOA
FINISH Matte
FOCAL PLANE First Focal Plane
ILLUMINATED RETICLE Yes
MAX ELEVATION 90 MOA
MAX WINDAGE 55 MOA
TUBE DIAMETER 34mm
WEIGHT 32.1oz

 

[JDB55]

Is there no love for the Burris XTR II 5-25x50mm?


SPECIFICATIONS
LENGTH 16.31in
RETICLE SCR MOA
MODEL 201052
TYPE Rifle Scope
EYE RELIEF 3.50–4.25in
FOV100 21-4.3ft
MAGNIFICATION 5-25x
OBJECTIVE DIAMETER 50mm
COLOR Matte Black
ADJUSTMENT 1/4 MOA
FINISH Matte
FOCAL PLANE First Focal Plane
ILLUMINATED RETICLE Yes
MAX ELEVATION 90 MOA
MAX WINDAGE 55 MOA
TUBE DIAMETER 34mm
WEIGHT 32.1oz

It's a good scope , its just if your budget is $800-900 you can get some "Japanese glass" for that or a hair more. The Brownells MPO is made in probably the second best manufacturer in Japan, that Tract Toric 4-20 is made at the best manufacturer in Japan. The Burris XTR II is made in the Philippines, not a bad scope but if you push your budget a smidge you'll get better glass and build quality and scope(generally speaking). Better glass will help you just as much at distance as more magnification, all things being equal. I would rather have a scope that went to 18x with higher optical quality then one that went to 25x with less. Just some thoughts, ultimately it's your decision

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Is there no love for the Burris XTR II 5-25x50mm?


SPECIFICATIONS
LENGTH 16.31in
RETICLE SCR MOA
MODEL 201052
TYPE Rifle Scope
EYE RELIEF 3.50–4.25in
FOV100 21-4.3ft
MAGNIFICATION 5-25x
OBJECTIVE DIAMETER 50mm
COLOR Matte Black
ADJUSTMENT 1/4 MOA
FINISH Matte
FOCAL PLANE First Focal Plane
ILLUMINATED RETICLE Yes
MAX ELEVATION 90 MOA
MAX WINDAGE 55 MOA
TUBE DIAMETER 34mm
WEIGHT 32.1oz

I have one its a decent mid range scope. Glass isn't the great. If your going to push $900 suck it up and get the XTR3 for $1200. Way better.

$549 off Burris XTR3 3.3-18x SCR2 MIL, (5) Left

Hello Everyone, After getting a bunch of PMs regarding the scopes I've got left on the shelf, I made a code to use on the site: Use "shxtr3" for $549 off the XTR3 3.3-18x SCRS MIL. There are 7 on the shelf, 2 are spoken for by members here, so 5 up for grabs. These will be BARE SCOPES only...

www.snipershide.com

 

[BIg_John]

Suppose you think I'm nuts, but don't want an 18x, no matter how good the glass is. That same scope is available in 30x and that is where I would go if I wanted to spend 50% above my budget.

I want to buy local and pay cash.... So my choices are limited.

........

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Suppose you think I'm nuts, but don't want an 18x, no matter how good the glass is. That same scope is available in 30x and that is where I would go if I wanted to spend 50% above my budget.

I want to buy local and pay cash.... So my choices are limited.

........

Oh damn didn't notice it was the 18x. I have the 30x and yeah wouldn't go 18x either for the price.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Fyi this thread might be relevant to your search.
Thread 'What is better than 5-25 PST Gen 2 in $650 price range?' https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...an-5-25-pst-gen-2-in-650-price-range.7110220/

 

[Cr1775]

Is there no love for the Burris XTR II 5-25x50mm?


SPECIFICATIONS
LENGTH 16.31in
RETICLE SCR MOA
MODEL 201052
TYPE Rifle Scope
EYE RELIEF 3.50–4.25in
FOV100 21-4.3ft
MAGNIFICATION 5-25x
OBJECTIVE DIAMETER 50mm
COLOR Matte Black
ADJUSTMENT 1/4 MOA
FINISH Matte
FOCAL PLANE First Focal Plane
ILLUMINATED RETICLE Yes
MAX ELEVATION 90 MOA
MAX WINDAGE 55 MOA
TUBE DIAMETER 34mm
WEIGHT 32.1oz

Yes its a great choice i got a XTR II 4-20

 

[moosemeat]

Look in the exchange here. I just got a Bushnell XRS 4.5-30. 30 mils of adjustment. Excellent glass. Maybe a DMR, used XTRii, Athlon Ares BTR or something similar.

 

[Vivacious Stallion]

I have the Burris on one of my rifles. Its a good scope, but not all that good optically after 20x. However, I don't like the Brownells MPO all that much. The 3 I have messed with have tight eyeboxes and I am not a huge fan of the reticle. I was in a squad with one of the Brownells product development guys running it on his rig while they were testing it. I shot with it for a stage and much prefer the SCR or Vortex EBR7c reticles. Build quality is very good, glass is good, turrets are very hard. I believe the MPO reticle was designed for 1000m and closer style prs shooting.

As mentioned above, the PST 2 thread is probably good to look at. PST2 glass > Burris Xtr2 glass

If you are having shoulder issues put a brake on the rifle. Porting barely does anything on these rifles in comparison to a good brake.

 

[Cr1775]

If you can get over a mil dot reticle the Sightron S III cant be beat its on sale at CameraLAND FOR 650. Otherwise the Burris XTR is a solid choice the glass is fine just not as good as a SIII.

 

[BIg_John]

If you can get over a mil dot reticle the Sightron S III cant be beat its on sale at CameraLAND FOR 650. Otherwise the Burris XTR is a solid choice the glass is fine just not as good as a SIII.

Out of stock and priced at $1,100


......

 

[BIg_John]

I live way out in the country fellas.... so I think I will drive in to the city and buy the Burris. It is in stock and I can pay cash.


Thank you all for the advice and suggestions.


.......

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

DVOR.com

 

[BIg_John]

Ok... talked me in to it..... Just ordered this....



Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50 mm Rifle Scope, 34 mm Tube, First Focal Plane, Prym1 Sand, Matte, Red SCR Mil Reticle, Mil Rad Adjustment

 

[longrange772]

Discontinued but you can still find them NIB if you look. Got one off cameraland a few months back $850.

Bushnell ELITE TACTICAL DMR II 3.5-21X50 RIFLESCOPE

 

[Cr1775]

Good choice

 

[Faith02]

I have Burris XTR II 5-25x50mm and Riton X5 Conquer 5-25x50, they really work fine .

 

[BIg_John]

I went $599 with the Sand Camo color......... Very pleased with being made aware of this deal and basically, getting a $1,500 scope for $600.

Thanks again fellas!


........

 

[Biscuits]

Ballistic Calculator
INPUT VARIABLES
Ballistic Coefficient:.697Velocity (ft/s):2910Weight (GR):147Maximum Range (yds):2000Interval (yds):200Drag Function ():G1Sight Height (inches):1.5Shooting Angle (Deg.):0Zero Range (yds):100Wind Speed (mph):0Wind Angle (Deg.):90Altitude (ft):0Pressure (hg):29.53Temperature (F):59Humidity (%):78


Ballistic Calculator
INPUT VARIABLES
Ballistic Coefficient:.777Velocity (ft/s):2810Weight (GR):225Maximum Range (yds):2000Interval (yds):200Drag Function ():G1Sight Height (inches):1.5Shooting Angle (Deg.):0Zero Range (yds):100Wind Speed (mph):0Wind Angle (Deg.):90Altitude (ft):0Pressure (hg):29.53Temperature (F):59Humidity (%):78

As you are giving a G1 BC of 0.697, I assume you have put in the Hornady 147 grain ELDM bullet. Beware that there are multiple reports of these bullets disintegrating 50 or 100m down range when pushed to 6.5 PRC velocities. They have a thin jacket. The faster they come out the barrel, the faster they are spinning and over-spin can cause them to blow up mid-flight. This is an issue with the 6.5PRC, not the 6.5 Creedmoor. I'd test them in your rifle before you go buy 1,000 of them.

 

[BIg_John]

It looks good on the gun. The clicks are sharp and crisp. Looking out the window of the house, the optics are super sharp.... love it so far... now we will see how it shoots.

 

[Cr1775]

Good deal 1000 dollar scope for half price i think you made a wise decision.