I'm wondering what are some good options for me to get started in long-range shooting. Using a 308, I would like to know what people recommend in regards to reticles, mag. power, mag. range, parallax adjustment, among other things. I've done as much research as I can up to this point so I'm just going to list some things I think I know and some questions, and y'all can just correct me or add your .2 if you feel the need. Hoping to get out to the max effective range of the 308/7.62x51 nato. Mostly using factory hunting loads, a decent amount of bulk ammo for plinking/practice, and occasionally match grade when I can find good prices. 1 MOA avg is fine for me.
-As I understand it, the super high end/$$$$ scopes cost that amount due to the accuracy and consistency of the work that goes into making the adjustments as mathematically perfect as possible, as well as glass quality and some other things like mag. range. (but for example: S&B PMII is like $3,800, but only goes from 3-12). Whereas, the more affordable scopes gear their appeal towards reticles and holdover methods of ranging?
-Is it better to have a few decent scopes that each serve a distinct purpose, or get a really nice one that 'does it all'?
-what system (reticle vs dialing) would be better for me to learn ballistics, wind calls, and ranging on?
-what system is best for quickly switching between targets of varying range?- for example starting with 350, 600, 200, 750, then 100
-how important is my decision on focal plane?
-are there pros and cons to the Milrad vs MOA system when it comes to range, target size, speed, and ease of use? I understand the military uses M-rads. Is that because it was developed for human-type targets?
notes:
-budget is between 600-2000$ with flexibility, meaning I'm willing to go a little above or below if its the right decision.
-I will be getting a 6.5 cm barrel/rifle in the future, so please don't tell me to 'skip' the 308. I like the cartridge and shooting it keeps my fundamentals in check
-weight is of no concern to me
-I prefer not to go above 4x for my bottom range, but I don't know what max power I need- considering that I'd appreciate the ability to shoot past 1000 in the future (with a diff caliber), I'm not totally opposed to the 7-30+ range of scopes, knowing I almost never dial my current scope down from 9 power, and hardly ever shoot closer than 100 yds. Additionally, I can always offset or top-mount red dot/irons if I need to take shots between 5-60 yds
-not shooting in total darkness, but definitely in lowlight early morning/dusk
-for reference, I've been learning on a $200 Nikon prostaff 3-9 BDC with my Ruger American 270, which has allowed me to get out to 500 yds pretty easily, with 130 grain factory hunting rounds (remington core-lokt, federal powershok, herters, winchester super x)- I'm not a snob when it comes to optics, but I'm ready and willing to make a big investment
-As I understand it, the super high end/$$$$ scopes cost that amount due to the accuracy and consistency of the work that goes into making the adjustments as mathematically perfect as possible, as well as glass quality and some other things like mag. range. (but for example: S&B PMII is like $3,800, but only goes from 3-12). Whereas, the more affordable scopes gear their appeal towards reticles and holdover methods of ranging?
-Is it better to have a few decent scopes that each serve a distinct purpose, or get a really nice one that 'does it all'?
-what system (reticle vs dialing) would be better for me to learn ballistics, wind calls, and ranging on?
-what system is best for quickly switching between targets of varying range?- for example starting with 350, 600, 200, 750, then 100
-how important is my decision on focal plane?
-are there pros and cons to the Milrad vs MOA system when it comes to range, target size, speed, and ease of use? I understand the military uses M-rads. Is that because it was developed for human-type targets?
notes:
-budget is between 600-2000$ with flexibility, meaning I'm willing to go a little above or below if its the right decision.
-I will be getting a 6.5 cm barrel/rifle in the future, so please don't tell me to 'skip' the 308. I like the cartridge and shooting it keeps my fundamentals in check
-weight is of no concern to me
-I prefer not to go above 4x for my bottom range, but I don't know what max power I need- considering that I'd appreciate the ability to shoot past 1000 in the future (with a diff caliber), I'm not totally opposed to the 7-30+ range of scopes, knowing I almost never dial my current scope down from 9 power, and hardly ever shoot closer than 100 yds. Additionally, I can always offset or top-mount red dot/irons if I need to take shots between 5-60 yds
-not shooting in total darkness, but definitely in lowlight early morning/dusk
-for reference, I've been learning on a $200 Nikon prostaff 3-9 BDC with my Ruger American 270, which has allowed me to get out to 500 yds pretty easily, with 130 grain factory hunting rounds (remington core-lokt, federal powershok, herters, winchester super x)- I'm not a snob when it comes to optics, but I'm ready and willing to make a big investment
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