Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 - BRX

What is your opinion of the Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 - BRX scope? Would it be a good fit for a 300 Win Mag for elk and mule deer hunting?

I have the BT version, duplex with Outdoorsman's turret on a 6.5-284. Glass is excellent, it's not that heavy for a big scope.

I had a Swaro 6-18 with TDS reticle. On a pronghorn hunt in NM, I shot a goat at 385 yds. With a SFP scope, it needs to be a full power for the reticle to to be accurate, unless you want to get into some calculations.

Holding that rifle steady from a sitting position at 18X was a challenge. I made the shot, but when I got home, I traded that scope, got a turret version and have been twisting since. I can now set the power where I want it, twist the yardage and make the shot. Ballistic reticle is probably faster, but with a long shot, I generally have enough time.

ER is good enough, .300 Win Mag shouldn't be a problem. What rifle?

DF

Keep in mind that the BRX reticle is fairly fine and may be hard to see against an elk in dark timber. If you prefer that style of reticle, go with the BRH instead.

Rifle is a Ruger m77 stainless with zytel stock

When it comes to high end scopes and dim light, listen to Bobby...

Would probably take an 18 wheeler to haul the hogs he's killed like that.

DF

Agree. I have owned the same scope with a plex reticle and ballistic turret. Good scope.

I have 2 Plex Reticles with Custom Turrets and 1 with a BRH all in the Z5 3.5-18x 44. For big game hunting, go with the BRH over the BRX, as the latter can be too fine for lower light or shooting in timber.

One Plex is mounted on a .300 WBY that is my go to, all around setup for everything. I really like it, a lot. I shoot it to 600 yards on paper and it tracks fine. To date, an Antelope at 460 yards is the longest animal shot and an elk bull at 60 yards has been the closest with it.

Number 2 Plex is on a McWhorter 7mm RM setup with 180 Bergers that's extremely accurate. I also shoot it to 600 yards and it tracks fine. So far, I have only used it on WT but it performed great in low light in swampy SC. The gun is quickly becoming a favorite trophy WT rig.

The BRH is on a WBY Custom Shop Accumark in .257 WBY. It's a drill too. I have used it on elk and deer with no problem. The funny part, of all elk taken, I ended up using it in a very, very thick alder patch and crushed a bull at bayonet distance. Amazing testament to the gun, bullet, and scope. It was NOT intended for that setup but it worked no problem. I shot this gun last weekend, after it had been shipped back from CO, taken apart and cleaned, and it shot exactly where I left it last fall. I was impressed. The BRH are thick enough for hunting and not too thin for precision work.

Does the Z5 offer significant advantage over the Z3?

I have both.

IMO, Z5 glass is a step up from Z3.

The earlier Z5's had a very fine (too fine) duplex type reticle. I sent mine back (with money, of course) to be retrofitted with a #4. I think the later Z5's have a more pronounced duplex. The Z3 duplex, while fine, is heavy enough for general hunting use.

Will see what others post. I think they call their duplex a Z-plex. So my appologies to Swaro for using a Leupold term.

DF

If you're contemplating the ballistic turret model, I learned something. Instead of spending money for an Outdoorsmans dedicated yardage turret, or similar, mark yardage with Sharpies.

The three plastic dots, although nice, don't give me enough information. I use them but mark in between yardages on the aluminum discs. Just erase with acetone and start over. Maybe not as pretty, but sure works well. And, the price is right.

Z3 on a 26 Nosler. I zero'd it at 200 and as you can see, with flat shooting 26 Nos, 300 isn't that far away...

Numbers at 100 yd intervals, dots at 50. First plastic dot is at 400, other two on around. Probably have 10 or more marks; three plastic dots are not enough, IMO..

DF

use the zero stop as your zero, the triangle for 300 and the dots to 400- 600. Ya kinda gain one 'dot' thatta way....

Yep, you would essentially end up with 4. That would be better than 3.

I'd rather have 10 or so known settings...

DF

you can still use your magic little marker in betwixt the dotty deallies....

Yep.

Works OK.

DF

Regarding the ballistic reticle (BHR) ...does it Ever seem “too busy” during hunting situations?

No-

But the BRX is too fine for big game hunting.