Rifle Scopes Optic selection for precision hunting rifle

[MJY65]

I have a Rem 700P in 300WM that I'm setting up for a precision hunting rig. My personal limit on live game is 500 yards, so I guess it doesn't qualify as true long range. I'd say the smallest targets might be pronghorn or a stray coyote, no prairie dogs or small varmints with this rifle.

I really like the NF NXS 5.5-22 that I have on my TRG, but am thinking it might almost be too much magnification on the low end on the chance that an animal presents itself at close range. Would you drop down to the 3.5-15 or stick with the 5.5-22? Not much size, weight or price difference, so those aren't factors.

Thanks for your suggestions,
Mike

 

[K2Ballistics]

I recommend dropping down. I have rigs set up for similar purpose. I run the 3.5-15 FFP and have been very happy.

If I want more mag, I run the Razor 5-20, BTW

 

[Chemguy]

Tagged. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[RHutch]

Something in the 12x to 16x top end with a useable low end of 3-4x would be my recommendation.

 

[Crosshair]

I would recommend lockable turrets for any hunting rifle that has exposed turrets. I learned the hard way with my Leupy, especially since the model I have dosent have rotation-count marks. Needless to say, I ended up one whole rotation off on my windage (6mils) after it wiggled and rubbed around on my pack for a few miles. I still got the animal, but turned an easy opportunity into an all day affair. I claim operator error, but one less thing to screw you would be nice when under stress in the field.

 

[calling4life]

March 2.5-25, leupold vx6 3-18 or 4-24.
I'm using the Bushnell xrs 4.5-30, there's a 3.5-21 as well, though these are ffp.

 

[The_FNG]

I'm using a Premier Hunter 3-15.

 

[JB02]

If your limit is 500 yds, what's wrong with the Vortex 2.5-10x32 PST? It's illuminated and has FFP for convenient ranging at at power. Can't beat the price point. If you want more top level power when why not the SWFA 3-15 FFP?

 

[Bbob]

zeiss conquest hd 3-15 850$ z600 @ cameraland

 

[Supergyro]

If you get a scope that has a zero stop that lands on your zero you wouldn't necessarily NEED a turret lock, though it can be convenient. Just spin the turrets back to zero.

I would recommend lockable turrets for any hunting rifle that has exposed turrets. I learned the hard way with my Leupy, especially since the model I have dosent have rotation-count marks. Needless to say, I ended up one whole rotation off on my windage (6mils) after it wiggled and rubbed around on my pack for a few miles. I still got the animal, but turned an easy opportunity into an all day affair. I claim operator error, but one less thing to screw you would be nice when under stress in the field.

 

[EasternNChunter]

I like 2nd Focal Plane for hunting. I have decided on a Swarovski Z6 2.5-15x56. It can be had with ballistic reticle or ballistic turrets. They also offer a 3-18x50.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

I'm pretty happy with my Leupold VX-6 2-12x42 on my primary hunting rifle.

 

[Name Enough]

zeiss conquest hd 3-15 850$ z600 @ cameraland

That's my first choice - I currently run Conquest 3x9 z600 on my four hunting rifles and will upgrade one by one to these.
Also Zeiss has a $5o rebate this month.
The Z600 reticle works very well. No calculating or adjusting - know your range - aim and shoot.

 

[Doc Mongo]

I'm looking for the same thing, sort of. I'm using a Winchester Model 70 in 7mm Mag. I would like to get a good scope on it for long range hunting as well as target shooting (I think 600 yds is a good start - haven't shot past that yet).

Only problem is I'm working on a really limited budget. I know you need to spend as much as possible for quality optics, but realistically, $400 to $450 is my limit, unless I want to wait another year or so to buy something, unless I get a better job tomorrow.

Is there anything you guys could recommend that would fall within that range?

Don't mean to hijack the thread, just didn't think I should start a whole new one.

Thanks!

 

[rhildy77]

I ran a vortex viper LR is 4-16. Great optic for the price never had a issue with on top I my 300. It has the ballistic reticle and you can also order the ballistic turret to match your load so you just range dial and shoot.

 

[D Baker]

I have Swarovski Z6 scopes on a few of my hunting rifles. The 2-12x50 and 2.5-15x44 are both excellent in all respects. Having said that, it depends on your needs as it relates to reticles, turrets, weight and cost. Cost is probably the limiting factor with some people as the Z6's are not inexpensive. For hunting I like to have a low end magnification of at least 4 and prefer 2-3 with a high end in the 12-15 range. Magnification of 12-15 on the high end is plenty for shooting out to 500 yards. More than that and you typically loose too much FOV for my liking.

 

[ZiaHunter]

Swaro makes great glass but their reticle options are limited. The NF 3.5-15x50 would be a good choice for a precision hunting rifle and have one mounted on one of my rifles. Take a good look at the MOAR reticle. IMHO a SFP would be a better choice for hunting since the reticle is more visible at lower power settings.

 

[Chemguy]

If your limit is 500 yds, what's wrong with the Vortex 2.5-10x32 PST? It's illuminated and has FFP for convenient ranging at at power. Can't beat the price point. If you want more top level power when why not the SWFA 3-15 FFP?

That PST is what I just went with for my hunting rifle. Has all the nice features, yet is still compact and not too heavy.

 

[Rockhopper]

i would take a good look at the new vortex hs-t