Re: New Leupolds\'s Boone & Crocket Reticle
The R2 reticle in the Nightforce essentially allows the same thing that dialing the turrets do. It's calibrated at 2 MOA between the bars, a BDC reticle is NOT. This is a drawback.
Any cartridge's trajectory with a given bullet is MV and BC dependant, so if you've got a combo that doesn't integrate with the spacing values throughout the B&C reticle, you're essentially screwed.
Swapping the scope for use another cartridge may be your only option, but also, if it does work, swapping to a rifle with a cartridge that won't work out might not BE an option for you...
Temp, BP, MV and target range changes, the R2 will work well with, you're locked in with a BDC reticle and have very little wiggle room.
Versitile is the key word here. The R2 offers the what the BDC reticles can not.
For a higher price? Yes. You must weigh the advantages and disadvantages for your situation, needs, and future needs, upgade cost if it doesn't work out as planned etc, etc.
There is no versitile accurate ranging feature in the new Leupold, which there could have been.
There's 30 MOA of hold over bars in the R2, now this'll get you way out there, and then some. Not even close with the B&C reticle.
It's designed for the short range hunter wanting to step out a bit, really nothing more than that. Perfect for the average shooter, and that's where their market is, so it's understandable they took this aproach...
If the bars in the B&C reticle were at 1 or 2 MOA consistant spacing, most hunters simply would not know what to do with them, the BDC reticle they can relate to.
This does not compare anything but the reticles, the total scope package is another factor in what determines the over all value, another reason the NF is priced as high as it is verses the Leupold.
You not being ready to shell out over a grand for a scope is totally understandable to me, I felt the same exact way at one time myself. Things do change though, eliminating the weaker links with reguard to the accuracy, repeatability and strength of the system may change what many do in their search for advancement in this sport.
Good luck with what you decide. Make a well edjucated decision and YOU will be happy in the end.