Rifle Scopes Which nightforce scope to get?

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Minuteman
Jun 23, 2009
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Flagstaff AZ
Hey guys my names Jon, and I'm new to forums. I'm shopping for a scope for my sako trg in 338lm. I've narrowed down my choices to the nightforce 5.5-22x56 or the 8-32x56. Will the 5.5-22 have high enough magnification for shooting to at least 1700 yards? If the 8-32 scope was zeroed at 100 yards would the scope have enough moa adjustment to reach 1700 yards? I have a 30 moa scope mount. Is there Any other info on the pros and cons of either choice?

Thanks,
Jon
 
Re: Which nightforce scope to get?

Get the 5.5-22. It has more than enough magnification to get to 1700 yards. I shot a couple on different 408 Chey Tacs to 2000 yards on an MOA sized target and had no problems seeing the target. Also I had the scope on about 18x.

Also the 5.5-22 has more internal elevation so that you will be able to reach out farther with the 338.

P1010610.jpg
 
Re: Which nightforce scope to get?

Just because you are shooting beyond a 1000 yards doesn't mean you need a crap ton of magnification to effectively see and hit the target. In many cases having a lot of magnification can more of a hinderance than a blessing for several reasons. A scope with a lot of magnification will mean the effects of mirage will be more pronounced, the image quality may not be the best, and over all internal travel will be greatly reduced compared scopes with less magnification. I'd recommend you go with a scope that offers a generous amount of internal adjustment, magnification in the 20-25X range, and matching reticle and adjustments.
 
Re: Which nightforce scope to get?

I like the np-r1 reticle with .250 moa adjustments, I've read that the moa measurements on this reticle is set up for 22 power?

Oh and that's an awesome picture and rifle Rob.

Thanks,
Jon
 
Re: Which nightforce scope to get?

Thanks but not mine. Wish it was but it was just a loner while we were training out there.

Good choice on reticle if you are going MOA. Yes the reticle will subtend correctly at 22x.
 
Re: Which nightforce scope to get?

Jon,

Welcome to the 'hide. Flagstaff is very near my hometown. Good place. There is more than one 'hide member there too.

I like to have as much magnification as I can get, and still have enough MOA to get to the target. We've been to 1800 yards, with a 20 moa base and a 42x Nightforce, on a 338LM. Remember, you can always turn the power down if mirage is an issue. But when you really want more, it's hard to turn a 22x up.

What bullets are you shooting. Any idea how fast they are flying?

-Chris
 
Re: Which nightforce scope to get?

At the moment I'm using sierra 250g HPBT match bullets, with 84 grains of some extra IMR-4350 powder that I had. I can't find my sierra ballistics program off hand, but the reloading book says the velocity is 2900-2950. I plan on working up an accurate load with sierra match bullets and probably lapua scenars, depending on price. That would be a waste right now though until I purchase a better scope. Any recommendations on powder?

-Jon
 
Re: Which nightforce scope to get?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jrocker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey guys my names Jon, and I'm new to forums. I'm shopping for a scope for my sako trg in 338lm. I've narrowed down my choices to the nightforce 5.5-22x56 or the 8-32x56. Will the 5.5-22 have high enough magnification for shooting to at least 1700 yards? If the 8-32 scope was zeroed at 100 yards would the scope have enough moa adjustment to reach 1700 yards? I have a 30 moa scope mount. Is there Any other info on the pros and cons of either choice?

Thanks,
Jon</div></div>

I have both scopes, and I don't think you can go wrong with either. Mag is fine either way. I have never shot that far, but I don't think the elevation will be an issue, especially if you are using a 30 MOA base. But call Nightforce and ask them for a sure answer. Dudes out there in Idaho are super friendly and have sick knowledge about glass and shooting.
 
Re: Which nightforce scope to get?

o man, 22x is plenty imo I think your gonna run into lowered image quality, and more critical exit pupil and, mirage might get pretty rough too.