Best Hunting Scope under $2000

[EasternNChunter]

It will be a while but I am already planning a hunting rifle build and I am looking at scopes. The scope will be going on a .300 win mag. I want something with minimum magnification around 3-4 and max mag around 14-18 with a 50 mm bell. I can't decide if I want tactical turrets or not. I used to have a $1000 4-12x50 Swarovski and it was a great hunting scope. One of the scopes that has caught my eye is the Steiner Predator 4-16x50 with 30 mm tube for $999. There are several 44mm Swarovski scope that I would like if they were 50mm. What will be the difference in "light gathering" ability in a 44mm vs 50mm? I am mostly looking at Swarovski, Zeiss, Steiner, Kahles and Leupold. I prefer a 30mm tube and 2nd focal plane scope. Any ideas?

 

[jesterg]

Even though leupold is at the end of your list..IMO For the cash out of pocket, the
6.5-20x50 vx3lr for 800 bucks, Is the best you can get.. However I am getting very interested in Huskemah Optics its almost double the price, but its inside your price range..
I hope you can get your new rig up and shooting soon. But that's my .02cnts
Jester

 

[Gary Kaney]

I have Stiener Predator Extreme and really like it.

 

[Clark]

I have USO and IOR that have first focal plane, a feature I do not like for hunting.
I have Leupold and IOR that mix mil dots with MOA turrets, a combination I do not like.
I have Kahles that has a .1 miliradian turret, a feature I do not like.
I have Leupold that trades off shape resolution for more color resolution, which I do not like for targets, but I like for hunting.
The new CDS Leupolds are light weight and have adjustable turrets. The cammed for certain ammo feature I do not like, but I can ignore that as they come with moa turrets, which I like.

The best place I have seen to compare scopes is Cabela's.
Then I usually buy used scopes.

 

[EasternNChunter]

Leaning towards the Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 with Ballistic Turrets.

 

[chopit]

I just bought a swaro z5 5x25x52 with the brh reticle. I like it a lot. Its really clear and bright even on 25x.

 

[Camo123]

I am also looking for a scope for a new Remington 700 in 7mm mag. Can everyone shed some more light on comparing the Zeiss, the Swarovski , the Leupold, and the Schmidt & Bender. I want this scope to be a long term optic for this gun, but I have read some much that I getting confused with all the choices. I really like the Swarovski Z6 but these are pretty expensive. For the money what among the many choices represents the best value. I need good clarity at dusk and dawn. I am open to all comments.

 

[Methow Packer]

I bought a Leupold VX6 3x18 44 mm lens with Boone and crocket reticle, illuminated and CDS turret.. Its mounted on my 26" barrel Kimber .300 WM. I use it for long range and a saddle scabbard rifle. I shoot the 185 grain Berger or the 165 TTSX Barnes mostly. Both hit at the same POI with the same turret. But if they didn't the turret has zero stops and 1/4 MOA adjustments. Can you imagine that? Love the scope. Opticplanet has great buys. Check them out.

Ted

 

[EasternNChunter]

Now I am leaning towards the one without the ballistic turrets and going with the BRH reticle for faster shooting. With deer crossing lanes, I won't always have time to dial, so I the BRH reticle might be the better option.

 

[chopit]

That's why I got the brh, the speed at which I can make a shot without turning a knob. I have consistently shot it out to 800 on my 338 win mag (without the lenses falling out) You just have to shoot it enough to know what distances are what in the reticle. Your yardages will differ depending on what power you are on.

 

[EasternNChunter]

Or you can use Swarovski's Ballistic Program that gives you your dope for each elevatoin point. Its supposed to be accurate which could save you some ammo but I plan on at least verifying it.

 

[chopit]

Its not that accurate I tried it. I shoot barnes 210 ttsx they dont hsve a factory load table for it you input it yourself. It also changes depending which power your on cause its second focal plane.

 

[EasternNChunter]

Thanks Chopit, I forgot about it changing as you adjust your power. I still think it is the better option for me. Isn't the BRH reticle in Mils? If so, could you use "9" since its half of full power on the 3.5-18x44 and use half of your mil dope when light doesn't allow for the hunter to use max power? Not sure how that would work using the reticle when max power isn't possible. Could someone explain that to me please?

 

[MudRunner2005]

For long-term optics, don't rule out the Nightforce NXS scopes.

The Zeiss, Swaro, or S&B will be a good choice, no matter which direction you go.

I know that doesn't help much, but I think you really can't go wrong with any of them.