Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics what scope for a 280 remington?

swarovski z3 3-9x36 or Swarovski Z3 4-12x50. Won't be shooting past 300 yards. Mostly range work with the occasional whitetail here in WI.
Thanks

Same as for a .30/06, .270, .308, .243, etc, for the same usage. I'd go for a 3-9, 2-7, 2-10, something in that range, or even a dependable 6x. Keep the weight and size to a minimum, no big objectives unless you hunt where it's often very dim at either end of the day. Big knobs or CDS stuff ain't needed.

3-9 will be lighter and more compact. I have a factory reconditioned z3 3 -10 I could part with. It looks like they might have sent me a new scope. Have one on a 280 ai.

On my M70 280 AI for years it's been a swaro Z3 3-10x42 with 4a, I've been very happy with it and don't plan on changing things up.

How far is your range?

You will appreciate the extra magnification while target shooting, and both scopes will be virtually identical in most hunting scenarios. I would lean towards the 12x for that reason.

2.5 - 10X 42mm is perfect fit for my five 280’s

I would agree. For anything hunting or targets to 300 yards, a 2.5-10X will work just fine. If you are set on the two that you listed, I would go with the 4-12X, just in case you decide to stretch the legs of that 280 with a trip out west or you find yourself with the opportunity to shoot steel at longer ranges.

How far out yardage wise are you comfortable with your 280 and scope? I stuck a NF 3-12x42 on my 280AI. It doesn’t have the illuminated center reticle, so I’m having slight difficulties picking up a small target with the MOAR at distances the AI can handle.

Based on my AI pushing 3200 fps with ease on 140’s down range. I may consider either changing out to more power, maybe 4.5-14 or something with a lit reticle...😎

I have a Leupold VX-R 4-12 on my Remington LSS 280.

Out of the 2 you have listed I’d definitely go with the 4-12

I have a 2-10x50 Elite 4500 on mine.Most of the time the trigger gets squeezed,it's during the last hour of the day.Go with the 4-12...

No brainer on going with high mag.

My fixed 6x SWFA sure has changed my thought process on needing a lot of X's to shoot long range.

2.5-10x32 NXS on mine, I would go with the 3-9 for a do all hunting rig. It will go as far as you need to with a 280. Optics seem to be a personal taste though, you probably know which path appeals to you.

4.5x14 Leupold VX3i CDS

14x and CDS for a 280 out to only 300 yards?

I had the same thought...

But a 165 grain bullet cooking at 3k seels the deal quiet well.


Under 300 9x is plenty,, once you cross 400 you want 12-16x range zoom (at least for me)

What comes under this category?

3.5-10x44 #4 Zeiss Conquest on my Sako AV in .280. Meopta MeoPro 4.5-14x44 BDC on my Rem. 700 XCR II in .280.