Scope suggestions

[mmlreiner]

Here are the specs:
I shoot a TC Encore 7mm-08 that currently has a Leupold VX1 3-9x50. I am on a MLD 2 property and routinely have to take upwards of 20-30 deer not including exotics. I use Nosler Trophy Grade 140gr.
My budget is $500 with a little wiggle room.
I ROUTINELY shoot out to 200-300 yards with half of my shots being 224-235 yards last year. A couple of 400 yard shots and a couple of 100 yard shots.
Until this year I have taken all my deer with my TC Encore .270 using a Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x42 BDC and I do like the spot on program, I wouldn't be comfortable making longer shots without it. SO, I would like some suggestions on what to change this Leupold out for.

Fire away!

[Black Ice]

Here are the specs:

I shoot a TC Encore 7mm-08 that currently has a Leupold VX1 3-9x50. I am on a MLD 2 property and routinely have to take upwards of 20-30 deer not including exotics. I use Nosler Trophy Grade 140gr.

My budget is $500 with a little wiggle room.

I ROUTINELY shoot out to 200-300 yards with half of my shots being 224-235 yards last year. A couple of 400 yard shots and a couple of 100 yard shots.

Until this year I have taken all my deer with my TC Encore .270 using a Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x42 BDC and I do like the spot on program, I wouldn't be comfortable making longer shots without it. SO, I would like some suggestions on what to change this Leupold out for.



Fire away!

I would at go with a monarch. $500 budget a monarch beats a vx-1 all day.

[mmlreiner]

I have been reviewing.....reading....researching.....I even considered getting a zeiss. But I figured the more questions I ask the better informed I would be. I have a pair of Vortex Viper bino's and I have been really happy with them so far. Would Vortex be in the running?

[Texas89]

Vortex should definitely be in the running. the viper is a decent scope for the money

[trophy8]

You should be able to find a Zeiss 4.5-14 or 6.5-20.... maybe even a newer HD5 with target turrets for 400-600 used. Or a VX3 4.5-14. I would suggest getting away from the spot on stuff and bdc reticles and use an moa or mil reticle and target turrets. It will make your like a lot easier and your shots more accurate.

[DirtyDave]

Vortex for that price range, or maybe a little more. MidwayUSA has the Viper PST 2.5-10x with Mil turrets and Mil reticle for $599

I agree with trophy8, stay away from BDC type reticles. They are just a gimmick. Learn to use Mils or MOA and stick with that. You'll be a better shooter for it.

[Mike D]

Scope suggestions

I'll go against all the Vortex fans and say run away from any vortex under $1k. The Razor is the only Vortex I would consider and I would have to find a deal on one.

In your stated price range for a hunting rifle look at a Zeiss Conquest or you may get lucky and find a used HD5.

For just a little more than your stated budget find a used VX-3 with the CDS dial.

The more I mess with ballistic reticles the more I like dials.

[Moose]

Scope suggestions

Samplelist.com is your friend- I've bought a lot of scopes from them (swfa) and even if it's a B demo you'll never be able to tell it's been used. Good way to get an $800 scope for $500.....

[DaveC]

I was thinking of a Leupold VX-3 CDS when I read your post.

Mine came with a standard dial (which I have evidently misplaced) and a custom one that when I gave them my rifle and load specs they laser etched the dial with appropriate hold overs at any given yardage within the range of one full dial rotation.

One word of caution, the yardage marked dial works great when you can see the dial or know where to preset it prior to hunt time, not so much when it's dark 30 and a pig steps out at ~285 yards and you have it set at 100. By the time I found my light and clicked up mr. piggy was gone.

[trophy8]

I'll go against all the Vortex fans and say run away from any vortex under $1k. The Razor is the only Vortex I would consider and I would have to find a deal on one.

In your stated price range for a hunting rifle look at a Zeiss Conquest or you may get lucky and find a used HD5.

For just a little more than your stated budget find a used VX-3 with the CDS dial.

The more I mess with ballistic reticles the more I like dials.

X2 except the dialing part. I hold wind(changes too much to really dial out here) and I dial elevation. If it changes, I can hold any additional in a hurry.

[Mike D]

Scope suggestions

X2 except the dialing part. I hold wind(changes too much to really dial out here) and I dial elevation. If it changes, I can hold any additional in a hurry.

Leupold (and others) have wind reticles available.

I'm not opposed to reticles with MIL or MOA graduations, just not ballistic reticles like Nikon's spot on and others.

[150class]

Either a VX3 or Zeiss conquest

If you're comfortable with the 10x then 3rd to last or 4th to last on the bottom of the page
If you can wiggle alittle then the last one.

http://mobile.eurooptic.com/zeiss-scope-sale.aspx

That's also if you're comfortable with the z600 or z800 reticles. Personally they are to busy for me, especially the z600

[mmlreiner]

OK I bought a Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15X42. I got a deal I couldn't pass up but it came with the z-plex reticle so I suppose now I will have to use the money I saved to get a custom turret for it. But for now, I am happy with the decision. I will have to find someone to school me on turret adjusting and how it works in conjunction with ballistics but I am sure I will be able to figure it out.

[Moose]

Good choice, you'll be happy- that's a good all around scope

[Texas89]

OK I bought a Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15X42. I got a deal I couldn't pass up but it came with the z-plex reticle so I suppose now I will have to use the money I saved to get a custom turret for it. But for now, I am happy with the decision. I will have to find someone to school me on turret adjusting and how it works in conjunction with ballistics but I am sure I will be able to figure it out.

Where'd you find a scope like that within your budget if you don't mind me asking