Rifle Scopes Which reticle for long range -- H2CMR vs. Gen 2 XR

[cactusbrew]

I'm currently having a GAP 338LM built and am about ready to drop the hammer on my scope. I'll be purchasing a S&B PMII 5-25x56, and now I need to figure out reticle. I've pretty much narrowed it down to the H2CMR vs. the Gen 2 XR but am possibly open to other options.

This rifle will be used to shoot steel, paper, and I'll probably take it speed goat hunting next year - just becuase.

The goal of purchasing this rifle was extreme long range, so I plan on shooting out as far as it will go.

So what reticle would you go with and why? I am leaning towards the H2CMR but am still undecided at this point.

Thanks

 

[Jerry R]

Re: Which reticle for long range -- H2CMR vs. Gen 2 XR

Unless you find a used 5-25 PMII with an XR your choice will be be the H2CMR in a new scope. The XR is no longer an option in any S&B. All my 5-25 Gen II XRs have been replaced with the H2CMR and I have never regretted it.
I personally prefer the .2 mil wind holds as well as the capability to effortlessly range to .1 mil or even .05 in some cases.

 

[JL]

Re: Which reticle for long range -- H2CMR vs. Gen 2 XR

If you are seeking for ELR reticle, you might want to consider this:
At some point, sooner or later, you'll run out of elevation.
In this case, your only option is to use reticle for drop compensation.

P4L, P4F, H2CMR and MSR offer full FOV vertical scale, +35mils of hash marks.
Gen2XR stops at 15mils, so this "limits" max shooting range around 2200meters IF you have full 28mils available from turret. Example with sealevel summer conditions, 250gr Scenar, 100m zero.

Both H2CMR and MSR have 0.1mrad scale for precision milling.
P4F and H2CMR share same hair line thickness, 0.035mrad. Very nice at full mag, but other side of coin is that its challenging to see with lower powers. Against dark background, in dusk, or to shades for example, very difficult if not impossible to aim with 5X or so.

This leaves P4L and MSR. P4L has thicker line than MSR, but hash marks are not numbered. Basically hold-over is easy to calculate- every fifth line is wider, but calculating has to be done for each shot. MSR has both numbers and wider hashmarks for each full 10mils, this saves bit time and reduces risk of brainfarts.

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: Which reticle for long range -- H2CMR vs. Gen 2 XR

IMHO, when talking PMII, the MSR is the only way to fly

 

[B.Bates]

Re: Which reticle for long range -- H2CMR vs. Gen 2 XR

Get the h2 cmr

You will appreciate the wind age hold offs.

Great reticle

 

[nickw]

Re: Which reticle for long range -- H2CMR vs. Gen 2 XR

I just completed a LR rifle course and shot out to 1100 yards. This was my 1st LR course and had never shot beyond 500, milled a target or held for wind. My rifle is a GAP .308 and an S&B 5-25X25 w/ H2CMR reticle. Ammo was factory 168gr AMAX TAP. Not the best ammo choice, but it worked and I learned a ton. All I can say is that the optic and reticle were awesome (rifle shot lights out as well). The .2 mil marks were great for wind holds and the .1 mil marks were invaluable for milling targets. Knowing my line thickness and the .1 mil marks allowed for very accurated milling. The glass was also amazing. I never thought I'd be able to watch my round impact on a plate @ 1000 or 1100 yards, but I could (easily). Optic was a lot of coin and I felt I may have bought to much scope. After spending 3 days w/ this optic/reticle, I've got no regrets. Love it!!

 

[cactusbrew]

Re: Which reticle for long range -- H2CMR vs. Gen 2 XR

I had not realized the Gen X2 was now out of production. AFter the comments, I guess I need to "re-think" the MSR. I had initially looked at it but felt the H2CMR would be better. I guess maybe the MSR is the perfect reticle, just like everyone else has said.

I appreciate the comments, especially from the likes of Roscoe and JL. Thanks for takign the time to explain the differences and your professional opinions.

 

[JL]

Re: Which reticle for long range -- H2CMR vs. Gen 2 XR

Both H2CMR and MSR are basically for same purpose, just look is bit different.

Some find "occupied" FOV annoying, some not at all -its personal preference. Many people seem to find MSR bit busy when looking it on dimension pic, but find it clear in practice.

I suggest you try both before you start to shovel cash on counter- go with one you find more cosy.

H2CMR has combined features, such as 0.1mil milling capability integrated to main hair lines. AS fas as I know, these 2 reticles are only aiming scopes in market which have 0.1 measuring capability.
Difference is that MSR has separate "L" scale for this, with very fine line weight. Such a thin line would not be IMO possible to integrate in main hair line, atleast with variable power 1st FP scopes.

MSR also offers "shortcuts" for rapid milling, such as stadia based on average upper body dimensions.
Lit 1x1mil center cross also has "hidden" feature. 1mrad equals:
-Eye to eye @ 100m
-Head width @ 200m
-Head height @ 300m
-Chest width @ 400m
-Shoulder width @ 500m
-From belt height to chin @ 600m
-From belt to eye @ 700m
-From crotch to chin @ 800m
-From crotch to eye level @ 900m
-From crotch to top of head @ 1000m
and so forth

This is more or less rough method- but TGT can be kept on center cross while fine-tuning true range and proper drop/wind compensation. Some operators find this important feature.