Rifle Scopes Advice on scope selection for LRS2 .338LM

[mason91]

Hi There,

I am new to the forum however having been an avid reader of multiple posts for quite some time now, I know that my answers will definitely be amongst you guys. I feel the knowledge amongst this group is invaluable and on such basis would love to have some feedback, critical and honest, regarding the selection of glass for my new .338 LM.

The rifle is a Sig Blaser Tac 2 .338LM, Atlas V8 bipod & TRG Brake.
My aim for this project is combine my two long time passions and really stretching them, being long range hunting as well as long range target shooting. I will be hunting Goat & Pig throughout North Queensland later this year and want to have the ideal set up. I have previously hunted these areas with my Sig S205 Phantom in 308 with a Nightofrce 5.5-22x56 (running 190 Predator Projectiles), typical mobs of game are engaged on average at around 6-800 Meters when utilizing the benefits of the surrounding hills and ranges. I have always seen groups of Goat at the 1000 + meter mark which i have never been comfortable in engaging hence the new purchase.

Any advice at all would be incredibly appreciated. I have been considering the S&B line as well as the March 80 power scopes however i am leaving the choice solely in your guidance.

Many Thanks for your time and if there are any crucial aspects i am missing, please let me know.

Regards!
Mason

 

[BlueVFRank]

Re: Advice on scope selection for LRS2 .338LM

Wouldn't the March 5x40x56 tactical be the better choice in this case? It would be my preference at least being FFP and with the tactical turrets.

 

[mason91]

Re: Advice on scope selection for LRS2 .338LM

Thanks for the response Blue, i have been thinking the same thing. I have an option to purchase a new 8-80x56 March with MML IR reticle for $3200 here, the price difference between this and the S&B seems negligiable however i havent heard all that much about the march scopes. The march is a SFP however i am confident with this configuration, the clarity of a SFP with such high zoom seems like a plus to me, what are your thoughts?

Thanks

 

[BlueVFRank]

Re: Advice on scope selection for LRS2 .338LM

I've got the 3x24x42 FFP tactical myself and it is everything I ever wanted. The only thing is it isn't a 5x40x56 but that was a deliberate choice because I wanted the smallest possible package.

Having to start with 8 you lose a lot of FOV while zooming in on your target. You will never use 80 in the field and even on the range it will be verry rare to use because the mirage will be horrendous. Have you seen the film on Stuart Elliot's site where he zooms in with his 8x80? Just imagine that scope on your rifle + sunshades. Perhaps make a mock up with some cardboard.

The 8x80 is a beast at 16 inches, the 5x40 is 15 inches. Thats one of the reasons I picked the 3x24 it's only 12.4 inches.

 

[sirhitalot]

Re: Advice on scope selection for LRS2 .338LM

 

[mason91]

Re: Advice on scope selection for LRS2 .338LM

Im not sure how to add an image :S? someone help me please lol i'm on a mac and the picture is now on my desktop.

Blue, thanks for your positive update, thats reassuring to know that is ticked all the box's for you, so to speak. I can certainly appreciate the practicality of the 3x24 at 12.4 inches, its definitely a versatile and flexible unit. Given my intention the overall size is not too much of an issue for me. As i see it now, this March was laying on the top of my list until about 3PM this afternoon when this one teeny weeny curve ball hit me.... I now have on offer an untouched in box Premier Heritage 5-25x56 Gen2 XR for $3100 with B.A rings included. Am i wasting time giving this any consideration or is worthy against the March? educate me please

thanks guys
Regards
Mason

 

[BlueVFRank]

Re: Advice on scope selection for LRS2 .338LM

THe premier is a great scope but a replacement / upgrade for your NF.

If your goal is Extreme Long Rang (ELR) shooting i think you'll be better of with one of the higher magnification Marches.

Oh and i'm sure that somebody will chime in and say that a 10x is all you need tot get to a mile. I just like to see the holes I make in the paper through my scope and not having to walk

Oh and the pic. easiest is to upload it somewhere and insert the link by pussing the button in the reply box that says "enter an image" when you hoover over it. Like so