Rifle Scopes ?? Reticle Question for New Rifle

[Aquatic_Robotic]

I have done my "due diligence", but have a few questions.

I am going to shoot paper, steel, and hogs at 600-1000 yds with this new LR 300 WM rifle. I have decent Leupold (M1 3.5-10x40, M3 6.5-20x50, Mark 4 8.5-25 x 50) glass on several AR platform guns that I am considered putting on this bolt gun. I have decided to go with FFP higher end scope PH or S&B.

I am used to mil dot and do not plan to do much "scope " ranging with the rifle optics, but will use range finder most of the time. Some of the other reticles are somewhat confusing to me.

Question 1

If I am rarely ranging with the scope, are there any scenarios where these other reticles may prove superior to the standard mil dot, for the applications I have described?

Question 2

I see no advantage in my applications to lighted reticles. Am I missng anything here?

Question 3

Any time frame on the S&B MSR reticle? This one appears not as "busy" to me as PH Gen 2 XR and others.

I am not a patience person and that has gotten worse with the aging process.

My new 300 WM from Woody at X-Ring Acuracy should be here at the end of the week. I want to complete the decision making process and get new glass on it ASAP.

Thanks in advance for your comments and answers.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: ?? Reticle Question for New Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aquatic_Robotic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have done my "due diligence", but have a few questions.

I am going to shoot paper, steel, and hogs at 600-1000 yds with this new LR 300 WM rifle. I have decent Leupold (M1 3.5-10x40, M3 6.5-20x50, Mark 4 8.5-25 x 50) glass on several AR platform guns that I am considered putting on this bolt gun. I have decided to go with FFP higher end scope PH or S&B.

I am used to mil dot and do not plan to do much "scope " ranging with the rifle optics, but will use range finder most of the time. Some of the other reticles are somewhat confusing to me.

Question 1

If I am rarely ranging with the scope, are there any scenarios where these other reticles may prove superior to the standard mil dot, for the applications I have described?

<span style="color: #FF0000">There are more to Mil reticles than just ranging. Hold unders, overs, and wind hold-ffs, just using your reticle is made easier with the finer reticle graduations. 1/2 MIL increments vs whole Mil increments. </span>

Question 2

I see no advantage in my applications to lighted reticles. Am I missing anything here?

<span style="color: #FF0000">Yes, in low light situations, you can lose the reticle well before you lose sight of your target in the scope. A lit reticle is very valuable at those times.

The PH comes standard with lit reticule, with S&B you do have that option. </span>

Question 3

Any time frame on the S&B MSR reticle? This one appears not as "busy" to me as PH Gen 2 XR and others.

<span style="color: #FF0000">The regular Gen 2 reticle is not busy at all, IMHO. Neither is the S&B P4.</span>

I am not a patience person and that has gotten worse with the aging process.

My new 300 WM from Woody at X-Ring Acuracy should be here at the end of the week. I want to complete the decision making process and get new glass on it ASAP.

Thanks in advance for your comments and answers.
</div></div>

 

[dcjs]

Re: ?? Reticle Question for New Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aquatic_Robotic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Question 1

If I am rarely ranging with the scope, are there any scenarios where these other reticles may prove superior to the standard mil dot, for the applications I have described?</div></div>
Holdovers/holdoffs or generally speaking making corrections after the fist shot. Whether you use holds depends on your personal preferences (holding vs. dialing), but in order to correct for the second shot, you need to spot the first one accurately, and that's where finer than 1 mil graduations help.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aquatic_Robotic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Question 2

I see no advantage in my applications to lighted reticles. Am I missng anything here?</div></div>
This depends on the light conditions you plan to shoot in. Illumination can allow you to use a finer reticle and still be able to used it in poor light conditions. If you are looking at the 5-25x scopes, both of the alternatives you mentiones have illumination anyway, but the reticles are different. You also have to decide whether you want just the center crosshair illuminated or keep more of it usable in low light.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aquatic_Robotic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Question 3

Any time frame on the S&B MSR reticle? This one appears not as "busy" to me as PH Gen 2 XR and others.</div></div>
If you are more into "traditional" mildots and don't necessarily want the finest crosshairs possible, you might also want to look at the "standard" Gen2Mildot. Crosshairs marginally thicker than the MSR and the least "busy" of the bunch.

If you want to use extensive holdovers, MSR/Gen2XR/P4F would be the ones to look into. It really depends on what <span style="font-weight: bold">you</span> want in a reticle, don't expect other people to be able to make up your mind. Not that there won't be people who will tell you exactly what you should want, but that's not necessarily what you'd be most happy with in actual use.

Also, there's more differences between the scopes you mentioned than just reticles.

 

[YN*Dotte]

Re: ?? Reticle Question for New Rifle

You answered alot of your own questions in ur post really, find what you will be using the scope for (in ur case, hunting, steel and paper punching) and then pick what you need. For hunting or even early morning/dusk shooting I seriously recommend a lit reticle, it makes seeing where you are aiming much much easier, also if you are not going to be ranging with the scope why do u want FFP?? It makes the reticle very hard to see on the lower powers and almost useless when hunting, especially hog hunting where lower powers will be desirable.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: ?? Reticle Question for New Rifle

A R ,

the 8.5 leupold you state you got is a tad touchy on the eye relief

lit reticules are a good thing....IF you got the technology, bring it....you WILL find yourself in a hunting scenario that you will thank yourself later for jocking up a quality chunk of glass

the .300wm will allow the long shots along with the short range laser shots on the porcine runners.....


mildot, love it learn it, live it

 

[Aquatic_Robotic]

Re: ?? Reticle Question for New Rifle

Good stuff guys. I really appreciate it.

I know I often answer at least part of my own questions, because I do try to give it a lot of thought before I ask.

Ok, I see the advantage of a lighted reticle!!

Ok,I see the advantage of finer gradients!!

I think what really I need before I can make the correct decision, is to actually utilize a couple of these different reticles. I am going to check with a buddy of mine I don't see to often and see what he has mounted up. I know he has been into the LR shooting for quite some time. I know he has a PH 3-15x50, just not sure what reticle.

I am basically a hunter with some moderate range hunting experience. I don't mind spending the money on good equipment. I find it always pays to get the best you can afford.

I am not a wealthy guy and "work hard for the $$", but I can afford to "invest" in quality optics for this gun. I know it will be PH or S&B, now just need to gets my hands on a couple and try them on for size.

Thanks again for the comments.

 

[Aquatic_Robotic]

Re: ?? Reticle Question for New Rifle

David,

I appreciate your comments. I know everyone has an opinion about which "brand" is the best and that is not my question to you. You stated that there is more difference in PH and S&B than just reticle. I have neer used either so I am uneducated in these matters, so tell me what differences you see that are significant.

I am asking for yor opinion not so you can justify it, but so that I can gain insight and learn from others experiences.

Maybe I misundertood your comments. Maybe you mean there is more than reticle differences in Leupold vs PH or S&B. If that is what you mean then I understand and agree.

Thanks

 

[Rthur]

Re: ?? Reticle Question for New Rifle

I had the opportunity to see the mlr2 on a rifle last week. If you are spending that much coin I would seriously check out the NF f1 with the new reticle. As far as the illuminated ret. It is easy to lose your ret. on black targets in midday light let alone at dawn and dusk. By the way I watched a premier trip on its dick last week.

Rthur

 

[notquiteright]

Re: ?? Reticle Question for New Rifle

I do most my hunting at first and last light.

The heavy crosshairs outside the mildot area push-in as the power is lowered and makes a good aperture sight for lowlight hunting.

I have noticed fine line reticles like the TMR can get lost on dark targets, my genII doesnt.

The Trijicon uses non electric fiber optic day dot in the center of the reticle and an isotop dot in lowlight.

Not a bad system that requires no battery.

But I've never wished for a glowing dot in my scope as I hunted.

As far as even having a mildot system in your scope unless you are unable to select a new point of aim, like head of coyote instead of chest, 8 ring instead of Xring, can put the crosshair half a body length ahead you might not need the system.

I use the mildot system, but lots of very good hunters do not, and they have mighty impressive walls in their mancave.