Rifle Scopes Budget ELR optic (oxymoron of the day)

DTF370

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Aug 2, 2014
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Oklahoma
Hey guys,
I know “budget” and “ELR” rarely go together. I have a RPR IN 338LM which I consider to be a budget ELR rifle. When I shoot the barrel out I’ll rebarrel with an LRI 338 improved. My goals are hunting hogs out to 1000yds and steel to 1500yds.

I currently have a Gen 2 PST on it. I know the Gen 2 PST is a decent optic, but is it really an adequate performer for ELR? My current plan is to just shoot it a while and see, but I thought I would get you guys’s perspective. Keep the PST, or upgrade to a...?

Keep in mind the objective for this optic is “budget ELR”
 

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Hey guys,
I know “budget” and “ELR” rarely go together. I have a RPR IN 338LM which I consider to be a budget ELR rifle. When I shoot the barrel out I’ll rebarrel with an LRI 338 improved. My goals are hunting hogs out to 1000yds and steel to 1500yds.

I currently have a Gen 2 PST on it. I know the Gen 2 PST is a decent optic, but is it really an adequate performer for ELR? My current plan is to just shoot it a while and see, but I thought I would get you guys’s perspective. Keep the PST, or upgrade to a...?

Keep in mind the objective for this optic is “budget ELR”
I don’t think anything about the scope itself will particularly limit you. 1500 is not that far for that rifle and optic. If you end up going longer distances then you’ll have to spend so much money on other components you may end up upgrading the optic just for fun, but you should definitely be able to get to a mile with that setup.

I have that same Fortmeier bipod on my 338 RPR, by the way. I wish it could lock down a little tighter but it’s pretty nice the way it self levels.
 
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I don’t think anything about the scope itself will particularly limit you. 1500 is not that far for that rifle and optic. If you end up going longer distances then you’ll have to spend so much money on other components you may end up upgrading the optic just for fun, but you should definitely be able to get to a mile with that setup.

I have that same Fortmeier bipod on my 338 RPR, by the way. I wish it could lock down a little tighter but it’s pretty nice the way it self levels.

that feels good to hear. I know 1500 isn’t a very difficult goal with this caliber, especially with this not being a competition rifle. I can appreciate good glass, but I also am not a scope snob.

I love the fortmeier top mounted bipod. It was expensive but it seems much more stable. I do wish I had some spiked feet for it through. I have considered putting an aggressive sandpaper on the bottom of the feet.

The PST GEN II is more than adequate for those distances. Budget means different things to different folks, a price range would help narrow down the options.

I don’t have a budget in mind since I was still deciding whether or not it would be worth upgrading at this point. But for sake of argument, I think $1500 would be my cap for this rifle at this point.
 
I would agree with the other comments that engagement at 1500yds should be easy enough with the equipment you have and proper fundamentals. My advice would be to stay with what you have and once you start reaching the limits of your rifle system than start looking at it as a whole and prioritize what to spend money on.
 
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