Rifle Scopes Hunting Scope Question...

[Grizwatcher]

Currently shooting a .338 Super, Winchester S/S Pre 64 Action, Douglas Fluted Barrel, Zeiss Diavari Z 3-12 X 56 MC Scope. I have to shoot .340 Weatherby ammo and fire form the cases and have them reloaded, or shoot .340 Weatherby Ammo and I don't think it is as accurate. Going to downsize to a >300 Weatherby or possibly a .7mm mag. Should I use the same scope on my new rifle, or is there a better choice? (Haven't kept up w/ the new products out there now)

 

[idahoshooter]

Re: Hunting Scope Question...

Depends on what you feel is "better." Do you have a problem with your current scope? Is there something you wish you had? Budget? Answer those and it would be much easier to find what you need.

 

[Grizwatcher]

Re: Hunting Scope Question...

It's not really a budget situation, just seems like the hunters taking 400-700yd shots are using scopes that are ie.) 5-20 X 40 instead of 3-12. Do I need a higher magnification to shoot accurately at the longer distances?

Thanks,

Grizwatcher

 

[heron163]

Re: Hunting Scope Question...

that is pretty good scope you have right now...

what are you taking at that range with that rig? Elk? Barren ground caribou?

Swarovski makes a good scope at the higher magnifications in the Z6 line but I would think the scope you have would suffice out to 700 yds.

 

[Grizwatcher]

Re: Hunting Scope Question...

I have been fortunate to have hunted Alaska for 24 yrs, but the big bore is mainly for when we pack meat back to camp and need a big rifle for close range...ie.) defense? The long range use would be for moose I've passed @ 500yds and grizzly that were moving in the wrong direction or a wind problem. Guess I've never attempted that distance w/ a 3-12 scope and am looking for the best advice that is not a Huskemaw Infomercial or a paid endorsement for a great long range hunting scope. I was thinking of having Kenton Industries make me a set of turrets...what's your thoughts?

Thanks Again..........

 

[Grizwatcher]

Re: Hunting Scope Question...

P.S. I had a Swarovski on this rig when it was built, and broke the lenses from the recoil? They did replace the scope at no charge, but I was so apprehensive about the issue reocurring, I just went w/ a Zeiss and it has always performed well.

 

[Macdaddy]

Re: Hunting Scope Question...

Personally, I think the 3x12 for those targets at those ranges is plenty. You could easily do the same thing with a 10X. Just to answer that same question for myself, I have looked at cow "pies" in the pasture behind my home at distances out to about 800 yards with a 10x scope and determined that I could easily center the reticle on these somewhat small targets at those ranges.

A high quality, 12X like your Zeiss would easily accomplish zeroing in on a large game animal out to the 500-600 yard ranges you mentioned above.

Not one to ever give up on the opportunity to purchase a nice piece of glass, but in reality, if you like your Zeiss, keep it and use the hell out of it. It's fine for what you described above and more.

 

[mis-guided child2]

Re: Hunting Scope Question...

Having never been there, the following statement is just opinion and not based on first hand experience but......I would want as low of power glass as possible(if any)while packing out meat in grizz country. I can imagine a couple of instances where a low end of 5 might be too much magnification.

 

[Grizwatcher]

Re: Hunting Scope Question...

Thanks for the advice, from everyone!