Rifle Scopes Long range optics that can moonlight as a deer hunting optic

[chevy_man]

Whatever you're willing to carry.

Primarily, turrets and weight.

I've used a sightron sII modified mil-dot 3-12x42 for almost 20 years now. SFP isn't ideal, but those 3x shots don't require a holdover, and I have plenty of time to get stable and use 12x for the 300+ yard shots I'll be using the mil-dots.

It has enough mag range and good enough glass to work well past what I'll actually shoot at.

25-06 shoots flat enough a 200 yard zero gives me a point blank of almost 300 yards anyways, so your mileage may vary.

 

[Burdy]

I was in this exact situation when I built my Grendel upper for hunting and long range target shooting. I went with a Weaver Tactical 2-10, which is a nice affordable FFP optic made by LOW. I wanted the 2x bottom end as most hunting here in MN is fairly close range, but beyond 500 yds it's hard to see targets. If I had to do it again I would go with the 3-15 range. The PST G2 would be a great option especially with the deals lately on 2D reticle recently. If your budget allows it, one of those LRHSi would be great.
Edit: just saw you went with the PST. Very good call.

As far as projectiles, I got two deer last year with the Nosler 129gr ABLR. One at 175 yds (end of the field pictured, not the doe shown) dropped right there. Bullet went all the way through and I never found any part of it, the bonding works apparently. MV was only 2345 fps from my 18“ but that did fine.

Ugh, that barrel velocity makes me want to rethink thinking about a 12.5 grendal.

 

[Eric_F]

Ugh, that barrel velocity makes me want to rethink thinking about a 12.5 grendal.

Yeah, it's no Creedmoor, that's for sure. It all depends what you're looking for, just be realistic and don't expect the highest velocity you've seen claimed on the internet. I've got an AA barrel, maybe it's slow, it's certainly less than most people claim but that was my velocity node. If it helps I've gotten the 107 gr SMK up to 2600 easy and only got pressure signs at 2650.

But that's all thread drift. Back to the topic at hand, ideally you'd have two rifles with a lighter low power scope like the Razor LH and then a heavy range rifle with tons of glass. The in between is a fun thing to try to optimize for, and as this thread has pointed out there are a lot of great options. We're spoiled by great optics options these days.