Leupold reticle options

[back wood]

Trying to get ideas on what reticle to have installed in my scope, I have a leupold 3x9x50 w fairly heavy duplex. Last year I wanted to shoot a deer at 364yds, but when I got deer in scope the reticle covered the deer's entire shoulder (didnt take shot). I plan to send scope back leupold to have new reticles installed. My goal is to be able to be effective around 500 yd. Does anyone have a idea of what reticle I should have installed? I would also like to be fairly efficient in low light conditions.

 

[Ernie]

Trying to get ideas on what reticle to have installed in my scope, I have a leupold 3x9x50 w fairly heavy duplex. Last year I wanted to shoot a deer at 364yds, but when I got deer in scope the reticle covered the deer's entire shoulder (didnt take shot). I plan to send scope back leupold to have new reticles installed my maximum range I am comfortable with is 400yd. Does anyone have a idea of what reticle I should have installed? I would also like to be fairly efficient in low light conditions.

Welcome to LRH!
Does your scope have CDS or target turrets by any chance?
Chambering?
Check out the LR Duplex and the LRV Duplex for ballistic reticle that should work nicely with the distances you have in mind.

 

[back wood]

Welcome to LRH!
Does your scope have CDS or target turrets by any chance?
Chambering?
Check out the LR Duplex and the LRV Duplex for ballistic reticle that should work nicely with the distances you have in mind.

My scope does not have Cds or target turrets. My rifle is a Remington 700 bdl with 3lb 2oz trigger chambered in 30-06. May just need to look into buying new scope. 98% of my shots are from shooting tower w sand bags across commercial fields.

 

[Ernie]

My scope does not have Cds or target turrets. My rifle is a Remington 700 bdl with 3lb 2oz trigger chambered in 30-06. May just need to look into buying new scope. 98% of my shots are from shooting tower w sand bags across commercial fields.

What is your budget?

 

[back wood]

Budget for scope no more than $500

 

[back wood]

$5-800

 

[Ernie]

Do you want to stay with Leupold, or are their other brands you are interested in?

 

[Ernie]

For $750 with rings
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f40/leupold-4-5-14-x-50-lr-135619/

 

[back wood]

Leupold is just all I have ever had on all my rifles, but I am open to other good glass options.

 

[Ernie]

I use Leupold too.
I also use Sightron's S-III 6-24 with MOA reticle. They also make a lower magnification models as well.
Optics :: Sightron :: Scopes - Long Range Hunting Supplies

I also use Vortex HS LR 6-24 FFP (XLR Reticle). They also make a 4-16 as well that is a little cheaper.
Optics :: Vortex :: Vortex Riflescopes :: Vortex Viper HS LR Riflescopes - Long Range Hunting Supplies

I just used a Burris Veracity this week @ 400 yards, but it was the lower magnification model. It has an improved Ballistic Plex reticle and it is in FFP.
Veracity Scopes - rifle scopes, handgun scopes, hunting scopes by Burris Optics

 

[Gray R]

Look into leupolds mark ar line. I'm not a professional by any means but I don't have a problem seeing my ten inch gong out to about 500 yard. I've since upgraded but for 450 they're hard to beat. They have tmr duplex and mil dot reticles availed in a few of the models. Also they come with turrets that are marked for a 55 grain bullet but they have the mil markings underneath and are easy to use. When you get dialed in leupold will make you a custom turret for about 60 bucks. Good luck

 

[Timeout]

Trying to get ideas on what reticle to have installed in my scope, I have a leupold 3x9x50 w fairly heavy duplex. Last year I wanted to shoot a deer at 364yds, but when I got deer in scope the reticle covered the deer's entire shoulder (didnt take shot). I plan to send scope back leupold to have new reticles installed. My goal is to be able to be effective around 500 yd. Does anyone have a idea of what reticle I should have installed? I would also like to be fairly efficient in low light conditions.

The heavy duplexes are a good short range reticle for deer hunting. As you have discovered, they are a huge handicap for longer ranges. for the record, i have tried a Leupy fire dot crosshair reticle and they also cover too much of my target at longer ranges. I would sell your scope and put the money towards a good used Leupy. Leupy's carry a lifetime warranty, so buying a used one that has not been abused is no gamble. Here is a good Leupy reticle for your longer shots that will not blot out your target:
Varmint Hunters Reticle | Leupold Optics
You can get this on a VX3 4.5-14X50 with side (paralax) focus. If you are consistently hunting from a blind with sand bags and looking to reach out a little farther you might want to try this reticle: Target Dot Reticle | Leupold Optics These are available on the VX3 6.5-20X50 with side focus. The dot will definitely not blot out your target and I like the "no clutter" view through the scope. I find that a scope with a too much "going on" reticle that interferes excessively with my field of view, to be a huge annoyance. The downside is this reticle will be a little tougher to find in heavy cover and low light conditions.
If your ship suddenly arrives, try a NightForce 3-15X50 with an NP-R2 reticle and zero stop. I think you would fall inlove with that for a hunting scope!

 

[sscoyote]

I also like the Varmint Hunters reticle in a Leupold 3-9 or 4.5-14 along with a target elevation turret only it's a great system for longer range shooting due to the 1.8 SMOA units along the reticle's horizontal axis for windage apps. using the turret for a more precise system of reference if needed. But the reticle alone if applied correctly will give you all you need for big game to 500ish easily. IMO the VH reticle with a target elevation turret is about as good as it gets for all-around practical apps.