Long Distance Scope

[TBrandum]

Doing some research on a new scope. I am looking for something under $1000 but would like to shoot out to and possibly a little over 1000yrds. It will be going on a long range 6.5 creedmoor. I like and have heard great things about the Vortex, two models I have considered are the HS-T and the PST. One area I'm not keen on is the first focal and second? Looking at the 6x24 50mm
Does anyone have any experience with either of these, or any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Walker]

First focal plane means your mildots or whatever your scopes ranging system will be the same at any magnification

[TBrandum]

First focal plane means your mildots or whatever your scopes ranging system will be the same at any magnification

Meaning that it would be more versatile at undetermined distances vs a second focal plane that is only good at the distance that is it sighted in at? That's the way I though I was reading about it but was still a little unsure?
Thanks for the input.

[.17fireball]

I have the vortex viper HS LR in first focal plane. It has the XLR reticle. Since its first focal plane the reticle grows with the target as your adjusting magnification. With Second focal plane scopes the reticle stays the same size and only the target grows with magnification.
I bought my scope on gunbroker for a little less than $850.00. I believe there is a guy on here that is a vortex dealer. Not sure of his name but I'm sure someone will chime in. Any way check out the viper HS LR it's a nice scope too.

[TBrandum]

I have the vortex viper HS LR in first focal plane. It has the XLR reticle. Since its first focal plane the reticle grows with the target as your adjusting magnification. With Second focal plane scopes the reticle stays the same size and only the target grows with magnification.
I bought my scope on gunbroker for a little less than $850.00. I believe there is a guy on here that is a vortex dealer. Not sure of his name but I'm sure someone will chime in. Any way check out the viper HS LR it's a nice scope too.

Thank you I will definitely consider it

[dac6933]

Arrowsmith is the Vortex go to guy on here.

[Mike D]

Meaning that it would be more versatile at undetermined distances vs a second focal plane that is only good at the distance that is it sighted in at? That's the way I though I was reading about it but was still a little unsure?

Thanks for the input.

No it means that your holds will only be accurate at a set magnification, typically max magnification.

If you're going to use your reticle for holdover instead of dialing the FFP is the better choice. If you plan to dial then save the money and get SFP.


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[bustacap]

Doing some research on a new scope. I am looking for something under $1000 but would like to shoot out to and possibly a little over 1000yrds. It will be going on a long range 6.5 creedmoor. I like and have heard great things about the Vortex, two models I have considered are the HS-T and the PST. One area I'm not keen on is the first focal and second? Looking at the 6x24 50mm
Does anyone have any experience with either of these, or any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I've got a HS-T (sfp) and a PST ebr-2c moa (ffp) both 6-24x50. I thought I would like the ffp for shooting at distance, but was very wrong. The large reticle on the ffp at max magnification only allows use of a small portion of the reticle. I chose to dial at distances over 300yds, so I will never purchase another ffp scope.
If you're set on vortex, send arrowsmith a pm.

[TBrandum]

No it means that your holds will only be accurate at a set magnification, typically max magnification.

If you're going to use your reticle for holdover instead of dialing the FFP is the better choice. If you plan to dial then save the money and get SFP.


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Thanks for the input. My thoughts are that I would only use the reticle for gaining MOA at max when the dial runs out? But if I was to sight it in at say 300yrds and wanted to use it for shorter distance would this make sfp inadequate?
I really appreciate the help.

[Tx_Punisher]

Pst gen 2's are coming soon with some upgrades. I mY pick one up.

That being said, I also drank the Athlon koolaid. If you look around on snipers hide, you will find a long thread discussing their offerings. They also have 2 new models in ffp and for the price there hard to beat.

[Mike D]

Long Distance Scope

Thanks for the input. My thoughts are that I would only use the reticle for gaining MOA at max when the dial runs out? But if I was to sight it in at say 300yrds and wanted to use it for shorter distance would this make sfp inadequate?

I really appreciate the help.

You should never run out of MOA adjustment on a tactical scope. You can compensate by using a 20MOA base if your caliber has that much drop.

You can also calculate your caliber's optimum MBRP and use that to set your zero.

Here is an example chart for a 6.5 Creed with 140 AMAX factory loads. With a 250 yard zero, you will need about 24MOA to get to 1000.



This is what I mean by optimizing your PBR which coincidentally puts you at about a 250 yard zero assuming a 6" diameter target.






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[TBrandum]

Thanks Mike! I have a 20 MOA sight rail on it already so from the looks of it I will be more than good.

I really do appreciate all your help green screen!

[txfireguy2003]

I love my Vortex optics, not on my last scope, I went with Burris XTR II and I'm super pleased.

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[Jethro]

On FFP vs SFP, realize it is not just about drop, you must also consider wind. I always dial range and hold wind. Unless the range is fairly short and the shot is quick, then I hold both. The reason I do this is because wind changes quick, you can half or double you wind hold within just a few seconds sometimes, especially up here on the plains with a gusty wind. It can change faster than you can dial corrections. So even if you are dialing range, you still may very well be holding wind. And if you do that, then your reticle is only going to give accurate holds at one magnification. Normally that is full power, but not always, it depends on the scope.

I have several of the SWFA 3-15x42 FFP scopes and they come in at the $700 mark. I have put a lot of rounds through them at 1000-1350 yards, and they have always dialed spot on for me. I can use the entire Mil-Quad reticle at full power, and the SWFA has lots of travel too, you shouldn't ever run out of travel with it on a 20 moa base. I have heard a few folks complain about the travel range in some of the mid-priced Vortex scopes. Not sure which models they were talking about, just be sure and read the specs. Anyways, the SWFA is another option for you to look at in that price range. The Athalon scopes are supposed to be a real up and comer in the precision riflescope market as well, but I haven't tried one yet.

[TBrandum]

On FFP vs SFP, realize it is not just about drop, you must also consider wind. I always dial range and hold wind. Unless the range is fairly short and the shot is quick, then I hold both. The reason I do this is because wind changes quick, you can half or double you wind hold within just a few seconds sometimes, especially up here on the plains with a gusty wind. It can change faster than you can dial corrections. So even if you are dialing range, you still may very well be holding wind. And if you do that, then your reticle is only going to give accurate holds at one magnification. Normally that is full power, but not always, it depends on the scope.

I have several of the SWFA 3-15x42 FFP scopes and they come in at the $700 mark. I have put a lot of rounds through them at 1000-1350 yards, and they have always dialed spot on for me. I can use the entire Mil-Quad reticle at full power, and the SWFA has lots of travel too, you shouldn't ever run out of travel with it on a 20 moa base. I have heard a few folks complain about the travel range in some of the mid-priced Vortex scopes. Not sure which models they were talking about, just be sure and read the specs. Anyways, the SWFA is another option for you to look at in that price range. The Athalon scopes are supposed to be a real up and comer in the precision riflescope market as well, but I haven't tried one yet.

I appreciate it sir