scope or muzzlebreak

[deserthntr]

so i cant figure out which is more important to get first. i have a cheap scope on my new 300 win mag.... but it cant handle the recoil. i can handle the recoil but i want to shoot alot to be a capable of shooting out to 500-600 by the time my elk hunt comes around in october. i no i am perfectly capable as i nailed mine last year at 580... but i dont want to be shooting alot and learning the gun and develop a flinch, so should i get a scope or muzzle break first? and is it worth the difference in money to get a vortex viper over a vortex crossfire? thanks in advance. (and im gunna get the muscle break from lrh )

 

[kcebcj]

Get the best scope you can afford. The recoil from a 300 WM can be tolerable.

 

[FEENIX]

+1 on kcebcj 's advice ... the muzzle brake can come later. Keep your eyes on some very good deals here. I got a very nice Burris FFII 4.5-14x42 (Made in the US not in Southeast Asia) with BP reticle for $250 and now sets atop my .338 WM.

ADDED: 7/24/10

I purchased my first .300WM in 1992. It had a Bushnell Sportsview 4-12x40 (?) and had 11 successful hunting seasons before I had any upgrades. I replaced the Bushnell with a Leupold VX-II 3-9x10 and installed a Holland MB in 2003. BTW, the Bushnell scope still works and is on another rifle.

Good luck!

Ed

 

[royinidaho]

The scope is an investment in your system more so than the brake especially when you can handle the recoil. Rifle $ = Scope $ is a reasonable balance except when you can do as FEENIX.

The brake is next gains importance when recoil is a factor or when you wish to spot your own hits.

The brake is a no brainer, at least for me, when pushing any projectile over 200 grains at high velocity out of any rifle weighing less than a hundred pounds.

 

[MSLRHunter]

I agree, go ahead and get a good scope now and the brake later. I have a 300WM without a brake and it is tolerable to me as long as I limit my shots per session. Having said that, the next purchase I make will be a good muzzle brake for this rifle as I am to the point where I am shooting this rifle more.

 

[Robbin]

I vote for the scope, but not a Vortex, at least on the one I've shot the eye relief is really picky. And it cost more than my NF or Leupolds. More than twice what my Leupolds sold for and I don't think I would swap, not on a hunting rifle.

 

[Chas1]

Based on what you said it sounds like the scope will break before you do. get the scope, I agree w/kcebcj and get the best you can afford...can always be moved to another rig in the future.

 

[liltank]

I vote for the scope, but not a Vortex, at least on the one I've shot the eye relief is really picky. And it cost more than my NF or Leupolds. More than twice what my Leupolds sold for and I don't think I would swap, not on a hunting rifle.

I hope you are talking about the HD model Vortex. That is the only one that is more than NF or Top Line Leupolds. The Viper is very reasonably priced and from what I have read on numerous accounts is a very capable scope. It will definitely be a step up from the Crossfire.

As far as break vs. scope, lower your loads in the magnum to around 2650 to 2700fps with what ever bullet you are currently using. At that velocity, 168grn and up will do the job at 500 or 600 yards. My suggestion would be a 180 SMK, 185 Berger or 180 SST at 2700fps or what ever you can handle from there. When you can afford a break, then load that thing up.

Tank

 

[300rum]

SCOPE FIRST!

get a NXF and you will be happy. Check around for grat deals, or used one on 3.5-15x50mm with NP-R1, or NP-R2 and you will be happy for long long time.
Really tough scopes, and very trusted.

 

[Chas1]

+1 on the NF.

 

[Coyboy]

Great choice on the brake

It will make you smile.

 

[MN Hunter]

Buy the best scope that your budget allows. At the same time buy a PAST strap on shoulder recoil pad.
When funds allow get the brake. The muscle brake is a good choice.

 

[poleok]

A scope is always first ( I've never been let down by a Leupold EVER) but then what can you expect from a Polock, If you put a Kick Ezz or Limbsaver pad on you won't have to put on a break and not only kill yours but everyone elses ears within 50 feet from you. ( how many times have you been next to someone at the range and not noticed the break) I've used them both and prefer the Kick Ezz. I don't even notice recoil on my Ruger 300 Mag even with HOT 200 gr. loads. You can pick one up for about $35.00 (sure beats the price of a break) also I don't like the looks of a bunch of holes in my barrels. Whatever you decide JUST have fun.... gun)POLEOK

 

[Chas1]

deserthntr, remember as mentioned ealier a brake will help you spot your rounds, so after the scope I'd go with a brake.