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Elkboy · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:28 pm Post subject: Range finding scopes?????

Well, I have decided to purchase one of those scopes with the range finding reticle. However...It seems I keep running into a stumbling block. I can't seem to find a scope that is calibrated for my Rem. 700 Varminter .243 with 58 gr. Vmax bullets, 48.0 grs. of H 414. I have never had it chronographed but, I feel that I should be somewhere in the vicinity of 3600-3800 FPS. Any ideas where I can find a scope that will fit my needs? ::-k Thanks.

CVC · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 1900 Location: Kansas

I have a Leupold VX III that is not calibrated as such but works for a wide range of calibers.

Look at the Zeiss scopes. They have you input data to actually calibrate the scope.

Don Fischer · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 2503 Location: Antelope, Ore

Welcome to BGH!

Do yourself a favor and get a decent range finder. Get a scope with range finding junk in it and it's just clutter to look through. They have been out there for years and everyone has the latest and the greatest. But what load is it developed for? It's a one size fits all deal. Another year or three and they will go under ground again only to surface again later.

What you really need to know is the average velocity of your load, the trajectory of your load and the range to the target as close as you can get it. Learn to shoot like that and you'll be a shooter.

I've got a 4 1/2-14x Nikon w/BDC retuicle. I have it because it's all I could get anywhere near where I live. Have never bothered to try and figure that thing out. Rather I know the trajectory of my load out to 500yds in 25yd increments and I adjust the reticule in the scope. It too took a bit of geting used to but it's right on no matter what load I use it with or what rifle.

Elkboy · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 3:09 pm Post subject:

I've got a rangefinder. Just trying to try a new gadget. Getting lazy in my old age and trying to not carry too much gear. I have a mil-dot on my .308 so the lines and circles don't bother me.

Don Fischer · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 2503 Location: Antelope, Ore

Ha! Another old guy. Do you remember the range finding scope Herter's used to sell? What a mess! :laugh:

cam69conv · Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Posts: 705 Location: Summit, IL

Are you wanting a scope that has Bullet drop compensation or one of those doohickies that supposidly tells you the actual range by the size of the ring on the animal? (junk) There are Scopes out now that acually have laser range finders built in and are very accurate. If you are looking for a BDC type. Really thats more hype than anything because there is no way to have a scope for ALL .308 rifles and so on. Each rifle is different with lengths and such. The best way for bullet compensation is like Don said and get yourself a good laser range finder and a good scope with a target turrent on it. Mark off your yardages on the turrent (set it up at the range of course) and simply range it then dial up your turrent and shoot away! Mil Dot and BDC reticals are really no more than a guide.

Bud · Joined: 08 Mar 2009 Posts: 63 Location: Montana

What you really need is to have the load chronographed, all the gadgets in the world won't help if you don't know the bullet speed and guessing somewhere between 36 and 38 won't work. that's like guessing 300 and really shooting 500. if your shooting at any extended distance have all the proper tools to do it.

SSgt · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 37 Location: Texas

A gadget is just that, a gadget and most of them are expensive. The idea behind those items is to make the shot easer for you without you having to spend the time at the range. However; all the best gadgets, high dollar scopes, or even the sweetest shooting most expensive rifle in the world won’t help you when it counts if you haven’t put your time in at the range. LEARN to handle YOUR equipment by spending your time at the range and make sure to document your dope for each and every shot and it won’t matter if you spent $50 or $5000 when the time comes to make that all important kill shot. When I retired from the Army I set up a hunting rifle match as closely as possible the M24 that I used for almost 18 years… including a good tactical Mil-Dot scope. Then I put in some serious range time to learn my new equipment in all weather conditions. What I’m trying to say is this… you can kill a bear with a .22 LR if you hit him in just the right spot… but you have to have the confidence in yourself, your abilities, and your equipment before you make the shot. You can only have that by spending time at the range. (Gadgets = $... Not kills.)

Don Fischer · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 2503 Location: Antelope, Ore

Welcome to BGH Sarge!

Rerally good post!

SSgt · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 37 Location: Texas

Don Fischer wrote: Welcome to BGH Sarge!

Rerally good post!

Thank you, and thank you... you fire a weapon 100 times at the same spot without making ANY adjustments to the rifle, scope, or your position... and you hit the target in 100 different places except the spot were you are aiming... problem might not be your equipment. Gadgets won't fix that is all I'm saying. Some of them look cool on the rifle though... can't imagine that most of the ones I've seen would hold up very well on my rifle though. I'm kinda tough on my equipment... it's why I keep it simple... cheeper that way.