Leupold VX6HD or Nightforce NXS?

[Prwillard2]

Trying to decide on an optic for my 28 Nosler hunting build. Looking for an optic that will allow me to dial out to 1000 yards, but still be relatively lightweight (under 30 ounces or so).

Have heard that the Leupold's don't track that well, but has anyone done a tracking test on the new VX6HD optics?

Have seen a bunch of 28 builds with the Nightforce, but not sure if the Leupold will do what I need.

Any other suggestions for optics? Trying to stay under 2500 or so.

 

[tmmcampbell]

I have read that the new Leupolds track true. I have a leupold vx 3 cds on a 300 wsm. It tracks true. I have no personal experience with the vx5 or vx6. I ordered a sig whiskey 5 for my 300. Have read great things about them but still don't have any personal experience yet.

 

[Rick Richard]

I have a VX6 and have no issue with tracking. Heard this complaint passed around in general terms, but no one has provided any substantial proof to convince me.

 

[Wedgy]

Every scope manufacturer is going to have a couple duds but is the VX-6HD having a chronic problem ? No.
I have six VX-6, VX-5HD, and VX-6HD scopes and have had no tracking issues with any of them. I do think the VX-5&6HD glass(same in both scopes) is better than the NXS glass, the NXS weighs more and isn't as compact but is almost indestructible. Not that the Leupolds are fragile by any means but not as sturdy as the Nightforce.

 

[jcp1967]

I own swarovski X5 a couple leupolds and a couple nightforce...I agree with Wedgy somewhat about the glass but adjustment range in the turrets, repeatability and toughness nightforce is hard to beat...My 28 is wearing an ATAC but the NXS would be a good choice...my .02

 

[WeiserBucks]

I haven't used a Leupold product in over ten years, maybe the recent models are good . I need my gear to work, period. I run Nightforce scopes across the board.

I'll agree that the NSX glass isn't alpha today , but it's more than enough for any legal hunting and the tracking is second to none. I have used all the top scopes recently with the exception of Tangent Theta , I continue to use NF .

 

[Prwillard2]

I own swarovski X5 a couple leupolds and a couple nightforce...I agree with Wedgy somewhat about the glass but adjustment range in the turrets, repeatability and toughness nightforce is hard to beat...My 28 is wearing an ATAC but the NXS would be a good choice...my .02

Was looking at the x5i 5-25 as well. Which would you pick of the 3 if you had to choose?

 

[CLP]

If you want quality and lightweight you should look at March. There's a lot of threads out there about warranty issues and such but I overlooked those and couldn't be happier. I mounted a 3-24x42 FFP on my lightweight 28 Nosler and it has worked out fantastic. I shot a mountain goat up close last year at 50 yards and a deer at 560 and it worked great for both. It's also within your price point. I think the scope weighs 24 ounces if memory serves me right.

 

[jcp1967]

Glass in the X5 is unbeleivably clear...I actually just put it on a Lightweight 300 WSM built on a titanium rem action..havent shot it a lot (100 rds or so ) but it has tracked great when I did. Not enough elevation adjustment for my 28 its been to 2000 yards. If youre not going much past 1000 that would be my choice. Its also hands down my low light favorite. On the other hand the nightforces have tracked through many rounds. I dont really think any of the three will be a bad choice just different.

 

[Prwillard2]

Glass in the X5 is unbeleivably clear...I actually just put it on a Lightweight 300 WSM built on a titanium rem action..havent shot it a lot (100 rds or so ) but it has tracked great when I did. Not enough elevation adjustment for my 28 its been to 2000 yards. If youre not going much past 1000 that would be my choice. Its also hands down my low light favorite. On the other hand the nightforces have tracked through many rounds. I dont really think any of the three will be a bad choice just different.

Appreciate your opinion on the optics. Really a tough decision for me, but hopefully I'll be able to make a decision here shortly.

 

[Country Bumpkin]

My VX6 is two years old and tracks right on. I have the varmint reticle and have actually found a really accurate load for my 7 RM with Barnes TTSX 150 that matches the stadia perfectly our to 700 yds at 7,500' elevation if zero'd at 200 yards. I only need to dial beyond that or for wind (but I don't shoot animals beyond 600 and I won't shoot animals in the wind yet). Haven't had enough practice.

So, for Hunting I don't have to dial, but I have confirmed that it tracks perfectly as it should on targets. I love my VX6

 

[Idaho Trecker]

I can throw in my experience with many nf nxs shv, Leupold vx5hd, and swaro x5. I agree with one of the previous posters about the Leupold glass being phenomenal these days. I have 2 vx5hd both 3-15x44 one with wind pled and other with impact 29. I love both scopes on the rifles and their intended uses. I really like the elevation turret on the Leupold; having said that if you want to go really long range you can't dial past 2 revolutions but they still gets you 40ish moa. That is still a long ways to get you out there. The weight of the Leupold is also amazing!
As for the nightforce the nxs have been bombproof for me but they are also hefty at the 32oz mark. It seems they are being passed up on glass quality these days which is unfortunate. The shv have been good scopes also but I havent spent a lot of time with them yet.
On to the x5. The weight is just under the nxs but it's a swaro so it doesn't even have to be said that the glass is incredible! I have the x5 5-25 with the 4wx reticle. If I had the funds I would be getting a 3-18 x5i but they are spendy.
Decisions decisions! Good luck

 

[Antelopequest270]

None of the above...If you have up to $2500 to spend, contact Doug at Cameraland and theres a very good chance he will work you a deal on a S&B PMII 3-12X50 OR 4-16X.....Hint Hint....Then you will get the NF tracking with The best glass as well...

 

[shphtr]

After 20+ years of using Leupold's without problems for Alaskan sheep hunting I decided to try a nightforce as I needed something bombproof for overseas mountain hunting. Did fine for Russian Tur, no problems for a Spanish Gredos hunt in the rain but when I pulled my rifle up for a Rhonda Ibex it was fogged .....much to my surprise and chagrin!! I have gone back to my trusty Leupold exclusively in Mark 4 format for several years now without another hiccup and now the VX6-HD. Of course Nightforce repaired the scope .... but I would have preferred that they reimburse me for the hunt!! By going back to Leupold my thinking was I was willing to potentially sacrifice a little in optical clarity to gain some in robustness. My only regret is my lack of fidelity to Leupold!! That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.