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I am looking to get a new scope for my Remington 700 KS in 280 rem. Mostly hunt deer and hogs but will be taking the occasional trip for elk and moose. Shots no more than 400-500yards. What do you all recommend? Thanks.

Do you want to twist turrets or use a reticle? Price range? Desired magnification range?

Honestly have never used twist turrets so I am not sure about them. Should I research and get comfortable using them? I have used vortex and leupold scopes before. Would like to stay in the $500-$800 range for price. Thanks.

What is your current method for the 500-yard shots?

I’d pick one that would be really good for what you do most of the time, and be okay for the trips out West. There are reliable, good quality 3-9s that weigh less than a pound and can be mounted low for good handling. My favorites are the Trijicon Accupoint with illuminated duplex ($650 or so), and the Burris Fullfield II or Fullfield E1 (under $200). Both weigh about 13oz and are solid. Wouldn’t go over 2-10 in power or 42mm for the objective unless you hunt a lot in really dim light.

Never hunted elk or moose, but on tv they look pretty big, so I suspect you don’t need a Hubble to shoot one, even at a quarter-mile or so.

I have never shot anything over 250 yards but would like to be able to if I had to. I just would hold a little high when shooting a longer shot. I realize that this is not the best way and I am looking for a better way. I have read where leupold has Turret caps that can be customized to you specific gun and load which I thought was a pretty slick idea and would take the guess work out of it.

Leupold CDS is a pretty easy way to do things, and it works for hunting situations. They're not made for guys that like to twist turrets like an etch-a-sketch, but fine for hunting. Get a VX-2 or better in the 3-9 or 2-10 range with a CDS and you will be fine.

I'd go with a VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL. Get a bunch of ammo and figure out your turret settings, get the custom one cut and have a ball.

Thanks everyone for your responses.

The following have been dependable all around scopes for me close to the listed price range. Choose based on what you wish to do.

Dialing, 30mm:
SWFA 3-9x42

Non-dialing or rare dialing, 30mm:
Nightforce SHV 3-10 Forceplex Illuminated

Option to use a single turn, zero stopped, capped turret for dialing or set and forget, 1":
Tract Toric 2-10x42 ....I haven't used the 3-15x42 or 50 but I'd venture it's reliable if like the 2-10.

Thanks

Slecken: My full custom pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in caliber 280 Remington has a Leupold 4x12 variable with adjustable objective and Du-Plex reticle on it.
I have been MORE than happy with this set-up. And I have Hunted all manner of game with it including Blacktailed Deer, Antelope, Mt. Goat, Black Bear, Mule Deer, Elk, Whitetailed Deer and Coyotes.
Leupold & Stevens Corporation - a fine AMERICAN Company.
Best of luck with whichever you choose.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Thanks VarmitGuy

That scope mentioned by VG is my favorite. I bought my first Leupold a 3-9 for $60. Well over 50 years a go.

Should I look to go 3-9 or 4-12 on power?

Burris E1 when balling on a budget. Get the Dunns special and go Kill!

Something to consider; at the bottom, there is only 1X difference in power, but at the top there is 3X.

I would always opt for the more power on the top...

For a no frills bang around scope, I always liked the vx-II 3-9x40's for some reason.

A Burris FFII 3-9x40 with ballistic plex reticle is all you need. 4-500 yard shots are pretty easy with that set up, just learn to use it and set it up properly for your cartridge and you'll be golden. No need to overthink or overcomplicate things and I guarantee you'll get more accurate hits on your targets than you would with a standard duplex reticle.

This is the way I'd go.

No matter what you end up with go out in the field and practice practice practice those 400 and 500yd shots. Once your rifle is sighted even with its present optic go and shoot it at those distances supported and unsupported in field positional stances and if possible in terrain with greater than 20degree slope and no static flat range bench stuff after sighting and verified zeros. This will tell you what your setup and you are capable of. Good luck.