Rifle Scopes Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

[Wildwillalaska]

So I have two GAP built guns in route, a 308 and 300wm. I am selling a WcWhorter 300 RUM and taking the 4.5-14 Leupold LR scope off it that has B&C reticle.

Ultimately, I want turret scopes on both rifles I believe, but think I will put the Leupold on one of the rifles.

What I am considering for experience and comparison sake, it buying a S&B PMII fixed 10x scope to put on one rifle, and then in a couple months or when the McWhorter sells, buying a NF 5.5-22 to put on the other. Figured I would put the 10x on the 308 as it mainly be used under 600 yards and the Leupold, then NF on the 300wm, since I plan to play with it well out to and past 1000 yards. (That's my hope--local range dead ends in tree line at 750 yards).

Sound plan or whackadoo idea? If suggest different set up, please advise and share why. Very green at this complex glass stuff, so looking for input from those with more experience than I. Don't mind dropping good money on a good scope, but would rather not drop a couple grand only to wish I had selected differently. With my location in Alaska, I can't put my hands on and eyes through that many different options currently considering.

Thanks fellers.

 

[sib1948]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

I would get a Leupold MK 4 SFP or in expensive SWFA SS scope without BDC reticle with more than 10X magnification for you 308, since you should be able to get out to as much as 1200 yds with it for practice using cheaper ammo. If you're getting into LR shooting, would recommend buying the Magpul Precision Rifle video for great shooting tips.

 

[Graham]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sib1948</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would get a Leupold MK 4 SFP or in expensive SWFA SS scope without BDC reticle with more than 10X magnification for you 308, since you should be able to get out to as much as 1200 yds with it for practice using cheaper ammo. If you're getting into LR shooting, would recommend buying the Magpul Precision Rifle video for great shooting tips. </div></div>First, I wouldn't buy an inexpensive high-magnification scope; second, I wouldn't get a SWFA SS in higher than 10x; third, 10x is more than enough for a .308 to 1000 yards; fourth, don't waste your time 'practicing' with 'cheaper ammo'; and fifth, Caylen's contibution to the Magpul video is worth a look, otherwise watch the rest not 'for great shooting tips', but only when you have enough experience to discern and to source what is being offered.

 

[steve123]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

If I were to guess, you will be wishing for more than a 10x fixed scope after a few outings. I did.

Any interest in a FFP scope? Need illumination? Is weight a concern? Will these rifles be used for short range hunting too? Get all these questions answered first before you order.

Which rifles trajectory matches the reticle better? "One size fits all" BDC reticles. Not the best idea for the precision minded.

 

[wdebo]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

I would do more than a 10 power on your 308. Every time people are lined up shooting to a 1000 yards or beyond no one is using a 10 power scope.

Graham I am guessing he means cheaper ammo buy the cost factor between 308 and 300 wm

 

[sib1948]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wdebo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would do more than a 10 power on your 308. Every time people are lined up shooting to a 1000 yards or beyond no one is using a 10 power scope.

Graham I am guessing he means cheaper ammo buy the cost factor between 308 and 300 wm </div></div>

Exactly!!!

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

Pick up 2 Bushnell HDMR 3.5-21 scopes and be done with it

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

good advice +1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Kirk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pick up 2 Bushnell HDMR 3.5-21 scopes and be done with it</div></div>

 

[Bradu]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Kirk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pick up 2 Bushnell HDMR 3.5-21 scopes and be done with it</div></div>

After hearing all the praise this scope gets, I wish they would have that scope in moa.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

Not worried about weight, both are going to be fun/range guns--not saying I wouldn't take the 300WM Rock out on a hunt, but that's not its intended purpose. I typically hunt with a 338wm or 375HH up here. Both are way too big for caribou, but never know when you'll get a chance or need to stop a brown bear. This year I took my bull moose at 437 yards. There was a brown bear on the kill site within 2 days and stayed on it until his demise several days after. Both the 308 and 300 more than capable of killing big bears, but prefer the larger caliber and weights bigger bullets provide.

The BDC Leupold LR scope would just be a temp mount until I purchased the second dedicated appropriate scope. If the PMII 10x isn't the path for either rifle, I will likely just pick up two NF's. Once I jump up to the variable S&B PMII's we are going past what I am willing to spend on one scope presently. I have a bit of a custom single action addiction, so once we get to the price range of a custom Linebaugh or Bowen, I start questioning my thinking. After I get lined out on the full potential of these scopes I will likely change my mind, but cannot justify $3,000+ on one scope right now. Trying to stay btw $3-3,500 for both scopes.

I will load for both cartridges, so should make shooting a bit cheaper. Should be easier on me too--I often go and shoot 60+ rounds through my hunting 338wm wish is deadly accurate with my handloads producing ragged little hole at hundred yards and not much bigger at 300, and dessert plate size at 600. But it's pretty light rifle and no break, so longer range sessions bruise me up pretty good.

Love shootin long range and a lot--so to say i am excited about the new sticks is an extreme understatement. Should have done it years ago.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

Know this is a scope question in the optic topic area, but cannot help but share. Here the bear we got, my buddies since he didn't get a moose, but helped contribute backup shot. It was on the moose kill site and had dug up all the roots and soil within several yards and piled it on top of the boned outshine, hide and gut pile. That's all that's underneath the VW sized pile of earth.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

Couple more.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

Vantage point and shooting position for both my moose and his bear. No photo' of my moose as we didn't have a camera ready but my bud got some of it on video. Parted him out and first pack back in the dark. Bear was in the morning and made for far better photo's--and we were more prepared with camera.

Both animals received three vital shots and quick dispatch.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

Sorry to digress. Back to scope talk--you have to keep me on task or my shooting discussions can quickly slip into hunting discussions. Most the areas I hunt have far too much hiking for me to take a 14lb rifle along. We typically spend a couple weekends each year up in the mountains for black bears where we can take four wheelers up and only hike last 1.5-2 miles and can certainly see bringing the 300WM along one some of those trips.

 

[sib1948]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

Now that I know your price range would consider the March F 3-24 42mm. Non-illuminated version $2260 from Kelby Rifles. Check out their reviews here on the Hide. 2/3 rds the length and weight of other premium scopes. Matching reticle and turrets,FFP, great tacticle turrets and zero stop. I have both the 3-24 and the 5-40. Both have been dependable and rugged. Eye box seems a little small to some, but I have not noted a significant problem.

 

[Bluejazz]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

I would put a 2.5x10-32mm NXS on the 308
and a 5.5x22-50mm NXS on the 300 WM
Nightforce on both rifles

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Re: Tippy Toe into Turrets -- S&B fixed before NF?

Well thats all settled. Grabbed a 2nd hand 5.5-22x56 here on in the forums and a brand new 5.5-22x50 with moa/MOAR and zero stop new from local dealer--even got a discount.

300 Rock is here, but waiting on brass and need rings. The 308 brass has arrived, but waiting in the rifle. Pieces are arriving, puzzle almost complete.