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Joined: Dec 2010
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On a 30-06 shooting mostly 168 gr Barnes. Any recommendations with a max of $500? Will be hunting elk, cold weather, max 400 yard shots I imagine
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Many good options that have worked well for me in the PNW. Here's how I've rolled: 1. Burris FFII 3-9x40 with ballistic plex reticle: Works great for shots out to 500 yards. 2. Zeiss conquest 3-9x40 or 3.5-10x44 (you can find these used for under $500.00). 3. Bushnell/Bausch and Lomb elite 4200 2.5-10x40 with rainguard lens coating. I've also used the firefly reticle, but found it too bold/thick. Personal preference I guess.. 4. Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40 5. Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x42... If I had a $500.00 limit, this is where I'd start. Above that and I'd be looking for something like this Swarovski 3-9x36 I have on my 338 win mag elk rifle:
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 486
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Nothing like a Remington 700xcr.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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I hunt with a 30-06, 500 yards is my top end for practice. I'm happy with the VX3 2x8/B&C. If you were interested in a bit more magnification I'd try the VX3 3x10. But the B&C reticle works well for me -500 yards. The 2.5x8 is a solid all around hunting scope.
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Joined: May 2015
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Don't eat much for a month or two and look at the VX-3 4.5-14. At 400 yards that 14 power is your friend.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
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MBhunt, how's the field of view with that 4.5-14. Good for hunting in the timber? I've never used one is the reason I'm asking... I have heard, here, that they can be like looking thru a paper towel roll...
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,289
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I have several older Leupold 2.5-8 variX-III's on rifles including my 338WinMag that I've used for elk. It does everything I've ever asked it to do and then some. That being said, I don't think the newer Leupold VX-2 3-9 CDS gives up much in comparison.
Last edited by Bull_Elk; 08/02/15.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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I'm going with the FX3 6x42
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Joined: Apr 2007
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I'm going with the FX3 6x42 +1 or 6x36 or 3-9x40
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,971
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Leupold VX-3, 3.5-10 x 40
Can't go wrong
KC
Wind in my hair, Sun on my face, I gazed at the wide open spaces, And I was at home.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Leupold 3X9 compact, B&C Reticule
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Joined: Mar 2013
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I was in the same boat as you. I ended up talley rings and a Nikon monarch 2.5-10 with bdc. The bdc is nice for quick shots. At 400 yards a 8" target fills the circle at 10 power. Having the low power in the brush is nice. I can see the tip of my barrel.
All of them do something better than the 30-06, but none of them do everything as well.
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The Meopta at cameraland would be a contender but id probably grab a 3-9x40 Zeiss Conquest from Euro optic for $300 and use the extra $200 in savings for something else like bullets, powder, primers etc. The Leupolds are nice dependable scopes and hold their value well.
If 500 yards is a maximum and your targets are deer sized 8or 9 power should be plenty. My eyes are nothing special and 9x on a Conquest works very well out to 600.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2007
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On a 30-06 shooting mostly 168 gr Barnes. Any recommendations with a max of $500? Will be hunting elk, cold weather, max 400 yard shots I imagine 6x36 Leupold. LR reticle if you want but at 400 yards a standard Duplex works fine.
Last edited by BobinNH; 08/02/15.
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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BCHunter666, We've used Leupold 2.5-8's for many years,and had very good luck at ranges out to 400yards.on animals smaller than elk.The low power(2.5)gives you a nice wide field of view in timber.If your ranges are only 400 or a little more,I always opt. for the low power for the short(possibly moving) shots! JMHO. memtb
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 32,044
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 32,044 |
Straight Leupold 6 power will cover 99 % of your Elk Hunting needs for optic
A Doe walks out of the woods today and says, that is the last time I'm going to do that for Two Bucks.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Regarding my suggestion of the 3X9 with the BC, I recently had a chance to test mine somewhat. Mounted on a 338/06, 210 Nosler with 53 grs of Reloader 15 it's dead on at 100 yards, elevated to the second line of the scope it's 3" high at 200 yards, and I think the third should be pretty close at 400. I just got a new range finder and will attempt to verify that in a few days. I expect a 2X8 would be pretty much the same.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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2.5-8 or 3-9 Leupolds I'm no long range shooter and either of these will fill my needs out to 400yds.
Then STFU. The rest of your statement is superflous bullshit with no real bearing on this discussion other than to massage your own ego. Suckin' on my titties like you wanted me.
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Joined: Jun 2001
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Campfire Tracker
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My '06 wears a Leupold VX3 2.5-8, and IMO, is a near perfect scope for this rifle. The '06 is not necessarily a super long range cartridge, and for ranges out to 300 or so, a top magnification of 8x is way more than adequate for most game.
I'd rather be a free man in my grave, than living as a puppet or a slave....
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