Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only Load development with low-power scopes

I used to use (thought I needed?) 9-10x for load development but prefer the compactness of lower power scopes on hunting rifles. I find a larger aiming point with low power works about as well for me as a small aiming point with higher magnification. Below is the result of recent load work at 100 yds with a 1-4x set on 4 in a Ruger No. 1 375 H&H. Hard for me to see a bigger scope telling me any more about my loads...

Final sight-in before season opener:


Other load work:


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Hell, I don't know. That's why I threw it out for discussion. Several of you have posted photos of tiny little groups that were shot with low-power scopes...I can do that too. The question I was really getting too--even if I failed to clearly state it--is whether or not you can reliably and consistently discern the effects of varying powder charges and OALs with low-power scopes. In other words, can you reasonably rule out the variable associated with the reticle and aiming point? Based on what I've seen so far, I'm not sure I can.

I suppose it depends on the target, the shooter, and the reticle/magnification in question. I've done a lot of load development, and I can print tiny little groups with my .375 too, but I'm not sure I can identify the "sweet spot" across a range of powder charges where the POIs are consistent with a 4-5x scope.

That endeavor may be a waste of time to some, but I rather enjoy it!

richardca99 - the size of a big animal's vital's means the last .001 in accuracy really isn't necessary. My point being if a 1-4X thru 2-8X gives enough FOV at the low end and acceptable eye relief & accuracy on the high end there's really no need to mount a "hi-mag" scope for load development. I'm of the "if it works leave it be" school i.e. once I have a scope just right I leave it alone UNLESS I break it. Homesteader.

The target is the most important part when doing load work with a low power scope IMO. You need something that your eye can bisect to give you a precise aiming point.

That is a VERY mild load for that bullet. I'm loading 74gr of RL-15 for the 300gr TSX, Hornady or Swift A and I'm at 2500 fps. I load 76gr for the 270 TSX and that gets me 2650.

I bought the rifle right before our MT season opener with deer and elk on the menu so wasn't interested in finding the upper limit right off. I think I read on here somewhere that John Barsness likes around 71 gr RL 15 with 260-270's for a pleasant yet adequate load with good accuracy which is what I was looking for. I know max loads are all over the place in the manuals - for grins, Nosler #6 lists max of 73 RL 15 with 260's and 68 with 300's so I had the impression it was more of a mid-level load. Years ago, I shot a cow elk with the same combo in a different rifle and she went from upright to 4 legs in the air faster than any bang/flop I've ever seen - not a step, instantly inverted. It's all good...

I have a Leupold VX3 2.5x8x36mm with the Boone and Crocket reticle on the way for the 375 Ruger Guide Gun. Going to get the Alaskan quick disconnect rings. That way shooting 100yds. under will use the express sights and 200yds. and over will use scope. Will use the scope for load development also.

700 xcr - mounted a VX2 2-7X w/ #4 reticle on my 9.3 Ruger African using these QR rings. No muss nor fuss. Work great and keeps zero when re-installed. Homesteader

Several writers have written on the statistical accuracy ( or lack of) of three shot groups. I don't think I could shoot ten or more groups well enough to eliminate an 1/8th inch difference in technique, especially ten shot groups.

If I really wanted to test for the optimum load I would consider doing a ladder test like the Odette at 200 or 300 yards. With a big diamond aiming point the scope power wouldn't be too critical.

My 375 shoots so well it seems to digest any load so I just run the charge up to either max or the velocity I am seeking and am done. The only tweaking needed is to get different bullets to a similar point of impact. Even for this not much load work has been needed. I do have two scopes for this rifle in Talley QD mounts a 1.75-6x and a 3-9x, other than to check zero the low power stays on the rifle. No discernible difference between the two scopes at 100yds (with my shooting skills). Nice thing about a medium to large bore is you can see the bullet holes at 100 even at 6x.

In my Mark V H&H, 73.5 gr RL-15 gets me 2640 fps with the 270 TSX.

That is good to hear. That was what I was hoping it would do.

Chris
Why not get a bigger variable mounted in another set of rings and then see for yourself. It is a good idea to have a spare
scope all sighted in and ready when you are on a big game hunt. Right?

I have used a Weaver 2.5K on my Savage 99 for developing loads. I have shot 1" groups at 100 meters. What I do is use a black electrical tape that is 1" wide and bisect the target horizontally and vertically. It is then easy to square up the target with the crosshairs. It works very well!