New Rifle, Need some Advice on a Scope

[TaergEno]

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I have been on here, but as usual, tons of good/insightful info.

Onto the question at hand.

I just got a Weatherby Mark V R.C. chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum.

I am looking for a good scope to put on it. I want a scope that can handle the recoil of the .338LM, both barked and non-braked (probably won't shoot without a break, but nice to know it wont break the scope if I do). I would also like to stay in the $800-$1000 range.

I have been looking at a NF 5.5-22x56 NXS NP-R2 but @ $1700-$2000, that is more than I really want to spend (Unless I wait 2-3 months, then I could buy it).

Also, what are your opinions on using Swift Scirocco II 210gr bullets for reloading purposes?

Any additional info needed, please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks,
James

 

[flashhole]

You might consider a Zeiss Conquest.

 

[WyoElk2Hunt]

I suggest that you wait until you can afford the Nightforce scope. I love mine on the 338 Lapua I have and it lets you get the potential of the 338 Lapua. We were shooting mine at 1830 yards at the shooting school in Phoenix last year. The scope makes all the difference.

 

[Engineering101]

I wanted a Nightforce too but I am happy with the Bushnell Elite 6500 I stuck on my 338 RUM. It is the 4.5 X 30 power version. I love the large zoom range. I've got 600 rounds down the tube and the scope just keeps on ticking. The only thing I don't like about it is it is 1/4" per click versus 1/4 MOA but I really like the easy rezero with the pullup turrets. I actually would have a hard time giving this scope up at this point even for a Nightforce.

 

[jesterg]

Leupold vxlll 8-25 lr 30mm, side focus.. Try it you won't regret it..
jesterg

 

[ultraedge]

Midway has the Nightforce scope you mentioned with HS turrets and Zerostop for $1599. and free shipping. It doesn't get much better. Gary

 

[sp6x6]

I would watch classifieds on here and get a great used mark 4 or NF if weight isnt a issue. Also I would shot a larger than 210 projectile, my prefered is 300 berger. The greater mass carries much better bc and energy at distance 250 gr. would be my minimum.

 

[TaergEno]

Thanks for all the info on the various scopes. Such a big decision to make too. I should add that I want it to be the last scope I will ever buy for the rifle.

As for the NF NXS, anyone have recommendations for the reticle? I am looking at either the MOAR or the NP-R2. The only thing I do not like on the MOAR is the big black arrows on the sides, but I like the main cross hair more (Like how the center is not attached/floats).

Are Bergers good for hunting? I have heard mixed reviews where some say they are good and others say they are more for target/paper?

That is why I was looking at the swift, since it is a hunting bullet and such.

Would Nosler Accubond 225/250 be a better choice than the Swift?

Thanks,
James

 

[Duane Waterson]

I have 5.5-22x56 love it!!!! save your money for it...... if your like me you'll regret going cheap and end up buying it anyhow down the road....( wasted money). Also go with bigger bullet with higher ballistic coefficient.

 

[TaergEno]

I have 5.5-22x56 love it!!!! save your money for it...... if your like me you'll regret going cheap and end up buying it anyhow down the road....( wasted money). Also go with bigger bullet with higher ballistic coefficient.

What reticle do you have in your NF? I am torn between the MOAR and the NP-R2. I like the simplicity of the NP-R2, but like the floating center portion of the MOAR.

If only they had a combined one...

Also, do you have any specific recommendations for a good hunting bullet? Nosler seems to have a couple and they have some recommended starting loads for them as well.

 

[Duane Waterson]

What reticle do you have in your NF? I am torn between the MOAR and the NP-R2. I like the simplicity of the NP-R2, but like the floating center portion of the MOAR.

If only they had a combined one...

Also, do you have any specific recommendations for a good hunting bullet? Nosler seems to have a couple and they have some recommended starting loads for them as well.

Mine was purchased almost 3 yes ago... it is np-r1 I love it. Went with that reticle because I did not have a specific load for my gun to get velocity 1000. It has many hold offs if you made charts prior to hunt for quick hold offs if dial up was was not practical... (not enough time). If I were to buy a new one I would go with the MOAR or MOAR-T ( T is finer version... ) I think this new retical is simpler because of the moa. Being marked ..( less chance of error and quicker hold offs) . As far as bullets I have only real experience with 250 grain accubond... I've had great terminal performance with these and accuracy... depending on barrel twist maybe even go with 300 grain. ( not yet available when I was doing development). There are possible better options such as berger bullets for extreme range, But it is all about what you are realisticly looking to do with your gun. Hope that helps you some!

 

[Bishop]

I have both a leupold vx-iii and a nightforce nxs 5-22x56 hs and zs.

I will never buy anything less than a nightforce ever again. If it is at all possible for me to save up for one.

I love the moar reticle in mine, perfect for hunting for me.

If you are going to be dialing elevation and shooting long range the nightforce is the ticket.

If you are just going to zero it at 300 yards and deer hunt or whatnot the leupold would do fine.

 

[TaergEno]

Thanks for the info Duane.

The barrel twist, according to Weatherby, is 1:9.3".

I plan on using the rifle mainly for hunting purposes. My range can be anywhere from 50yds+. I would also definitely need a lot more practice before I feel it would be even remotely ethical to hunt at 800+ yds.

I will do some bench/target shooting for fun, but the main use for the rifle will be hunting. I would say like an 70/30 split.

 

[TaergEno]

I have both a leupold vx-iii and a nightforce nxs 5-22x56 hs and zs.

I will never buy anything less than a nightforce ever again. If it is at all possible for me to save up for one.

I love the moar reticle in mine, perfect for hunting for me.

If you are going to be dialing elevation and shooting long range the nightforce is the ticket.

If you are just going to zero it at 300 yards and deer hunt or whatnot the leupold would do fine.

That is good to know! I guess I need to figure out the type of shooting I want to do. Whether I want to set it and forget it or actively adjust for various ranges.