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Rifle Scopes Scope Recommendations for 300 WM Rifle

pirate6134

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 14, 2014
21
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The rifle shown in the attached pictures was built on a Sako 338 win mag receiver.

We sent the receiver to Douglas and had a 24 inch 1/10 premium barrel installed.We then sent the barreled receiver to Macmillan and had the stock added.

It shoots very well and seems to like the 178 gr Hornady A-max load. I am planning to try the HMS 202 gr A-max load when I can get it.


I have no military experience and am rather new to long range (the longest range I have shot was 600 yds but am planning to try 1000 yds). The rifle pictured has a 3X9 Swarovsky. While I have had no problem with this scope I am thinking that I would need a scope with higher magnification.

The max price range I am considering would be ~$2100.

All recommendations and comments appreciated.

Thank You,

Al
 

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I went with the Nightforce ATACR with the MOAR reticle. My uses don't need ranging capabilities that FFP would provide. If you shop around, you should be able to find one for that price.
 
Nice rifle. If it is going to be a long range hunter, it wouldn't hurt to err on the side of a lighter weight scope, also it is less inertia under heavy recoil. The ATACR would be an excellent way to go for a SFP scope, though a it is fairly large. One of the best SFP scopes out there.

For a FFP in that price range, I like the Leupold Mk6 3-18x44, it has stellar glass and is a little lighter and more compact that a lot of other tactical scopes. A premier LT 3-15x50 would be great too, phenomenal glass and with a 20moa base would reach way out there with the .300's trajectory.
 
the new Zeiss conquest HD looks great but is only a 1" tube but the glass is awesome and they have target turrets in MOA for half your budget.
 
I like the SWFA super sniper scopes, they are being used on 50's in the middle east so they are battle tested and passed the U.S. military trials when the navy was looking for a new scope for their special operators. If I were you I would get a fix power single focal plane with a 30 MM tube, they are one tough SOB scope at a great price. The 10 power is $300 plus shipping from SWFA. Check out the internet reviews and you tube videos on them, I'm sure you will be impressed.

I don't want to insult you but after looking at your pictures 1 1/8 inch group size isn't that good with the amount of money you have invested into the action and barrel. If I were you I would do some load development or action bedding ( or both ) before spending a lot of money on an optic, make sure the gun is capable of shooting long distance before dumping a bunch of money into a loosing cause.

Just my humble opinion from over thirty years of shooting, please don't be offended from what I said.
 
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Thank you for all your comments and suggestions.
The group pictured was shot at 200 yards but I have yet to find the best load for the rifle. Since I have not yet started reloading I have to depend upon factory loads.

Al
 
Id have no hesitation putting a Bushnell xrs 4.5-30x50 on that . Nice low end power with long range usability . I currently have a Vortex razor 5-20 in my 300wm and as soon as the New razor comes out will be replacing that and putting my other razor on my 223 . $2100 can buy some decent glass and Imo the razor hd or the bushnell fit the bill well
 
I appreciate all of the comments and suggestions and I am slowly narrowing down my choice of the new scope for the 300 WM rifle. I will wait untill after tax season to do the actual purchase but I am planning on a FFP scope like the NF F1 or a similar Lupy.
I still have decide upon the recticle but I d want to learn how to use a mil dot sight so I am leaning in this direction - always want to learn new skills.
The only other high end scope I own is a NF NXS 3.5-15X56 with a velocity recticle LV.5 for the 308 175 gr federal match load.

Any further suggestions to help me to learn the mil dot or MOA dot system is welcomed.

RThank You
Al
 
I agree that the NF F1 with appropriate mil/moa dot recticle is an excellent choice.
How would the NF F1 scope recticle quality compare with a simlar recticle in the Lupy Mk-6 3-18 scope. The lupy scope does look a little lighter but the important thing to me is the recticle and glass quality.

Al
 
Vortex Razor 5-20x50. Would work great on that rifle and has a lot of elevation so you can reach out far with the 300WM.
 
If you've narrowed it down to a FFP scope, the NF F1 w/ an MLR 2.0 reticle may suit you very well. In my opinion, that's one of their best mil-based reticles.
 
I'd say look at the NF F1, Leupold mark6, bushnell 3-21, and the razor. I've used all 4 and they are all gtg. My personal favorite of those is the F1. Love the mlr2 reticle and zero stop. Best glass probably goes to the leupold but they are all very good.
 
What would be the pros and cons for using the mlr2.0 recticle or the mildot recticle with the NF F1 scope?
I would think that this would be a prsonal preferance but was thinking there may be other issues I am not familiar with.

Thanks
Al
 
I just read the sticky on the MSR reticle and it was compared to the mlr2.0 reticle.

Very interesting video for a noobie to long distance milling

Al
 
I would only add one thing to your decision. If you decide you want to shoot ELR with it, out to maybe 1600 yards, then you will need a larger diameter scope tube, to give you enough adjustment potential so you can get on target at the long range. A combination of a 20MOA or higher scope base and a high MOA for elevation on your scope would be advised. If you don't ever plan to shoot the longer range then it doesn't matter.
 
While not a direct apples to apples comparison, I have had an F1 MLR2.0 on my 300 RSAUM for some time now. I am now running 178gr Hornady's at 2900fps. That optic fits the role extremely well from 50 yards to well over 1k. Rugged, relatively lightweight, great reticle, fast turrets, nothing I would change about it for that particular rifle.
 
NF F-1 w H58 rides my 300WM, 6.9mils to 1k, can see down to 13mils w holdovers in the Horus @ x15...set it and forget it. Have debated putting my F-1 w MLR on it a cpl times...im not a NF snob, they simply work and are built like a tank..id pass on zeiss, knock em around n the parallax adjustment breaks..just imho
 
What would be the pros and cons for using the mlr2.0 recticle or the mildot recticle with the NF F1 scope?
I would think that this would be a prsonal preferance but was thinking there may be other issues I am not familiar with.

Thanks
Al

I like having the .5 AND 1 mil marks in my reticle vs. just the 1 mil dots (traditional mil dot). You use both the same way, I just like having the finer mark at .5 mil
Read up on these if you'd like:
Reticles | Nightforce Optics, Inc.
 
Thank you all for the excellent feedback.
Now I only have to wait until after taxes are done.

Al