Rifle Scopes Long Range Shooting Advice Needed

[Blackrifle1]

Hi fellow shooters,

I need some of your opinions for a scope for my next rifle. I looked through the recent posts, but none of them pertain to my exact scenario. I see alot of people post "whats the best scope" and don't give enough information to make a decision based on their intended use and budget.So, I'm attempting to give you enough info to help me... Here's some background on me first - good shooter, shoots AR15 5.56mm regularly from 100 to 545 yards with good results with a Burris 1-4x24 scope. I know a higher powered scope would help me shoot further with 5.56 ammo, but I choose to use another rifle platform for 550+ yard shooting. I am NOT an expert by any means and here so I can learn from the vast knowledge of shooters on this forum.

I mostly shoot targets, with some occasional hunting in the future - mostly pig hunting within 300 yards. I want to shoot out to 1,000+ yards so my next rifle will be either a Gap 10 or Hospitaller in 6.5 Creedmoor. Besides the price of the rifle, my budget is $2K max for the scope. I do like the following scope brands; Nightforce, Leupold, IOR and Vortex (I realize S&B and US Optics are most likely not in my price range)

Here's some questions...
- I am wondering what size power would benefit me for long range shooting/ and possibly closer range hunting? (I DO prefer adjustable powered scopes over fixed powered scopes)
- What type of reticule is easier for a long range beginner like me to use? (there's so many it's confusing)
- MIL or MOA? - from the reading I have done I have come to a conclusion that I might prefer a MIL/MIL scope
- Do you suggest a reticule that can help me range a target?


That's all I can think of- I look forward to your advice! Of course, I am also open to any suggestions. Thanks!

 

[Km22]

Re: Long Range Shooting Advice Needed

Sounds like a NF NXS 3.5-15x would work well for you. MIL or MOA won't matter as you'll figure it out and get the hang of it. Most spotting scopes are in MILs so that might be a factor. If you're not going to use a laser then you can range with their MLR or Mil Dot offerings... this is coming from someone who uses MOA based scopes. Just get one and stick with that system. I have a NF NXS 5.5-22x56mm on 2 rifles. When I get my next .308, I'm going to put a 3.5-15x on it! Also, I had a Leupold Mk 4 and didn't like it nearly as much as my NF. The others are simply out of my price range...

 

[Km22]

Re: Long Range Shooting Advice Needed

You're close. If you know of 1,000 yard shooting remotely near us (that is legal), let me know. I wish pulling off the side of the road on the 395 in Victorville was legal!

 

[Blackrifle1]

Re: Long Range Shooting Advice Needed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Km22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You're close. If you know of 1,000 yard shooting remotely near us (that is legal), let me know. I wish pulling off the side of the road on the 395 in Victorville was legal! </div></div>

I go to Pala in Vista (next to Pala Casino) They have an 890 yard range. It's really nice- PM me sometime if you want to shoot. Here's the website and pics (scroll down to 3rd pic from the top) http://www.ncsapala.com/pics.html

 

[lawofsavage]

Re: Long Range Shooting Advice Needed



I am in a similar situation to you and my criteria is very similar the two I am looking at right now are the NXS 5.5-22x56 and the IOR 6-24x56 or an extremely good deal on a S&B 5-25 but no luck on that so far.....

 

[VKC]

Re: Long Range Shooting Advice Needed

From your requirements, I would go with a NF 3-15x50 with MLR reticle and zerostop. 50mm objective will have more than enough light gathering capacity, and will be slightly lower profile than the 56mm. 15x is enough to get pass 1000 yards on a chest-sized steel plate. MLR hashes provide more precise aiming point for wind holds.

I don't think the rest of the scopes mentioned are in the same legion as a NF, but that is just my opinion.

I have a GAP-10 and they are really nice rifles, but I think a bolt-action is better to start with. 6.5 Creedmoor is one of my favorite calibers and is enough to get you pass 1 mile for target shooting.

Conclusion:
- GAP hospitaller in 6.5 Creedmoor
- NF 3-15x50, MLR reticle with zero stop and matching mil turrets
- No need for high speed turrets

You did not ask, but will think about this later...go with the 140gr AMAX instead of the 120grs for better retained velocity at further distances.

 

[lawofsavage]

Re: Long Range Shooting Advice Needed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From your requirements, I would go with a NF 3-15x50 with MLR reticle and zerostop. 50mm objective will have more than enough light gathering capacity, and will be slightly lower profile than the 56mm. 15x is enough to get pass 1000 yards on a chest-sized steel plate. MLR hashes provide more precise aiming point for wind holds.

I don't think the rest of the scopes mentioned are in the same legion as a NF, but that is just my opinion.

I have a GAP-10 and they are really nice rifles, but I think a bolt-action is better to start with. 6.5 Creedmoor is one of my favorite calibers and is enough to get you pass 1 mile for target shooting.

Conclusion:
- GAP hospitaller in 6.5 Creedmoor
- NF 3-15x50, MLR reticle with zero stop and matching mil turrets
- No need for high speed turrets

You did not ask, but will think about this later...go with the 140gr AMAX instead of the 120grs for better retained velocity at further distances. </div></div>

That's what I shoot as well, I think they do best with a 1:8 twist,

 

[MacM11]

Re: Long Range Shooting Advice Needed

I've been using the NF 5.5-22x50 for awhile. It does have zero stop,which is great, and HS turrets, mil/mil (MLR). At matches, I've found the SFP on the scope, at times, to be a disadvantage when ranging UK distance targets and shooting movers.
The FFP NF 3-15x50 with matching reticle/turrets would do you well.
I just solved my SFP dilema with a S&B.
Oh, and I have a GAP Hospitaller in 6.5 Creedmoor ordered TOO.

 

[ghostdog]

Re: Long Range Shooting Advice Needed

+1 on NF. I agree with Km22, pick a system and stick with it. As for reticles and ranging, I would look at the NF MLR reticle but I have a soft spot for the Gen II Mildot reticles and anything like it with .5mil markings. Reticles are mostly personal preference though. Another thing I would add is that you should decide on First Focal Plane or Second. If you're going to try ranging with your reticle I'd suggest FFP. Lastly, I'd invest in a laser range finder or learn to guess real well. The last thing I want going through my head when hunting is math. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

 

[Blackrifle1]

Re: Long Range Shooting Advice Needed

Guys- thanks for the replies. I doubt I will try ranging from my scope, I'll make it easier and buy a rangefinder! I think I'll probably go with a NF ....they seem to have n excellent reputation!