Rifle Scopes Leupold VX-R reticle for 70% hunting/30% target?

[mikear]

I think I have decided on the Leupold VX-R scope for my hunting needs. Looking at the 3-9x40 hunting or patrol model. Most shots will be 25-200 yards while hunting. I will use this scope out to 250 yards at the range (for fun, no competition).

I am new to scopes in general. If you had to choose between either the #4/Duplex reticle with the custom dial Leupold offers or the TMR reticle with .1 mil turrets, which would it be? Why?

Both will have exposed turret(s) using the custom dial. Hunting in brush and woods, how hard will it be to move these turrets unintentionally?

 

[Monkeyman]

Re: Leupold VX-R reticle for 70% hunting/30% target?

I have not looked through one of these but I would caution against a reticle that may be too 'heavy' for precision work. That is based only on SWFA's website representations of the reticles.

 

[DannySeesUSMC]

Re: Leupold VX-R reticle for 70% hunting/30% target?

I would pick the #4 for mostly hunting but all would be good. Thick crosshair is good for hunting, if you are shooting something tiny at 250-300 yards just use the corner where the verticle and horizontal lines meet. Hard to see reticles are for daytime paper sniping.

ccoker has a couple good pics showing the #4 on a 2-7x half way down this page

 

[mikear]

Re: Leupold VX-R reticle for 70% hunting/30% target?

Thanks Monkeyman. I actually thought the same thing when looking at the different reticles.

DannySeesUSMC, would the illumination negate the effect of a thin reticle in low light hunting situations? As I said I'm new to scopes but why would a thick crosshair be better than a thin type? Just easier to pick up quickly? Thanks for the link, BTW.

 

[cdopson]

Re: Leupold VX-R reticle for 70% hunting/30% target?

I would go TMR and .1 mil and learn to use it. You can use various loads and it will be adaptable for other applications in the future.

It's second focal plane so the TMR shouldn't be to thick. Go with the patrol if for no other reason than versatility.

 

[mikear]

Re: Leupold VX-R reticle for 70% hunting/30% target?

Greedy,

That's what I'm looking for as I don't have funds for two specialized optics. I love shooting at the range but I also plan to use the rifle for hog/deer hunting. The rifle is a 16" LAR-8 so it will be an unconventional hunting rig. I love the rifle just not my current optic.

Thanks for the input.

 

[DannySeesUSMC]

Re: Leupold VX-R reticle for 70% hunting/30% target?

mikear, all of the vx-r reticles are good for it, just saying in general not to worry about having too thick of a reticle for a scope that is mainly for hunting. Batteries can crap out, especially in the cold, a bolder reticle is the back up. Some of the scopes people recommend regularly on here have reticles that can disappear easily in low light or with dark/busy backgrounds if the illumination doesn't turn on. Shooting bright paper/steel targets in the daytime thin is good.

 

[ccoker]

Re: Leupold VX-R reticle for 70% hunting/30% target?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DannySeesUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">mikear, all of the vx-r reticles are good for it, just saying in general not to worry about having too thick of a reticle for a scope that is mainly for hunting. Batteries can crap out, especially in the cold, a bolder reticle is the back up. Some of the scopes people recommend regularly on here have reticles that can disappear easily in low light or with dark/busy backgrounds if the illumination doesn't turn on. Shooting bright paper/steel targets in the daytime thin is good. </div></div>

Agree with this
The VXR is a little thick if you are trying to put bullets in the same hole and have a rifle capable of it.

I am going to run the patrol on a hunting rifle, a Nosler in 280AI
I can shoot .5" groups at 100 yards but no smaller

I like the VXR patrol because the glass is good, the illumination is done well, it is lightweight and I can use the reticle or dial for shots over 400 yards.
(running a 300 yard zero)

I have hit 5x5 plates at 750 with this setup and feel comfortable hunting out to 500 with it

I

 

[mikear]

Re: Leupold VX-R reticle for 70% hunting/30% target?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ccoker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DannySeesUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">mikear, all of the vx-r reticles are good for it, just saying in general not to worry about having too thick of a reticle for a scope that is mainly for hunting. Batteries can crap out, especially in the cold, a bolder reticle is the back up. Some of the scopes people recommend regularly on here have reticles that can disappear easily in low light or with dark/busy backgrounds if the illumination doesn't turn on. Shooting bright paper/steel targets in the daytime thin is good. </div></div>

Agree with this
The VXR is a little thick if you are trying to put bullets in the same hole and have a rifle capable of it.

I am going to run the patrol on a hunting rifle, a Nosler in 280AI
I can shoot .5" groups at 100 yards but no smaller

I like the VXR patrol because the glass is good, the illumination is done well, it is lightweight and I can use the reticle or dial for shots over 400 yards.
(running a 300 yard zero)

I have hit 5x5 plates at 750 with this setup and feel comfortable hunting out to 500 with it

I


</div></div>

ccoker,

I have only shot my rifle with the 1-4x scope I currently own. I know it's more capable than 1-1.5 MOA I am shooting now. That is part of the reason I am very interested in the TMR on the Patrol model of the 3-9x.

DannySeesUSMC,

I am not too concerned about the battery as I will find a way to have a new backup at all times. A compromise is in order since this will be used for two purposes that could require two different types of scopes. I believe the thickness of the reticle is where I'll make do. I will just keep the illumination up and running and hope it helps.

Thanks for all the responses thus far.

Does anyone know where to purchase one of the Patrol models?

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Leupold VX-R reticle for 70% hunting/30% target?

Jay has them @ Sport Optics. I was eyeing one the other day.
http://www.sportoptics.com/leupold-rifle-scopes-vxr-113771.aspx