Question for Zeiss RZ800 reticle users

A

AzVTR

New member
I've been looking to get a little more from my scope and am thinking of getting the Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44 with RZ 800 reticle. I'm switching from a Leupold VX-I 3-9x40 scope with duplex reticle. My question is to users of the RZ 800 reticle as to it's use.

I've been to a local store and have looked through one mounted to a mock rifle stock and was impressed with the clarity and quality of the scope, but the reticle seemed small to me. Is the RZ 800 reticle very user friendly in a real world hunting situation, or is it difficult to use? Just looking for a little feedback or experience that others might have.
 
Need to know what caliber.
What are you hunting? Type ammo that will be shot most, if not all the time? Once you have it sighted in to that specific ammo you will know where it impacts. You will need to use a ballistic calculator, I use zeiss's.
I know your country pretty well was in souther N.M for 5yrs. and had family at Palominas.
I use the rz800 on a d-tech ar223 and a savage 308 bolt 20" heavy barrel. They are the 3.5-10x44.
I like the reticle very well, it did take time to adjust to it. It is not big and bold and in real bright light the lines for range-finding fade out some. The reticle is centered and does not cover a lot of glass like some do.
I like the reticle small, it keeps my eye focused better. You can lose the reticle if you are following something in and out of brush.I use mine for hunting PDs, coyotes, deer,and elk. The range finder lines work but takes time to learn them and feel comfortable with, need to know the kill zone size on what ever your shooting.
In my opinion the rz800 is fine for the 308, the 3.5-10 will bring in anything I want to shoot. It is over kill on the 223, the rz600 would be just fine.
I would like to see a rz400 in 1-5x38 or 2-7x38.
I like zeiss, there are many good scopes out there when you get into the z price range.
It is a reticle you will love or hate.
 
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I have a 3.5x10 with the RZ800 mounted on a 25-06 and have tested it at 500 and 750 yards and have been very impressed.
I used the info at their website and it seems quite accurate, atleast for me.
The 750 yard taget was a rock that we were estimating in size but the 500yd test was on a 12x12 steel target.
First shot and five more after it hit the target. Way too easy.
 
I love the zeiss scope. I have the 4.5-14x44 rapid z800 its very user friendly. I use it on my calling rifle the main cross hairs are pretty heavy so for target shooting they are ok but they really excel in hunting situations. I have had some quick shots and have had no problems at all. Once you load data is figured out the ret is great for hold overs. I tried mine on paper and worked great. haven't tried it out calling haven't had a need to yet. Heres the thing i really like about the zeiss. I have a new leupold vx3 4.5-14x40ao with the varmint ret in it. the clarity of the zeiss will walk all over the new leupold. Gathering light again zeiss hands down. Zeiss are great scopes you will not be disappointed.
 
Thanks for the great input. It will be for my Rem 700 VTR in .308. Currently shooting 165gr. Accubond Factory loads, but working up my first handloads with a coworker, and first actually reloaded rounds for it. Made my first 20 rounds yesterday, can't wait to go shoot um on Fri.

I definately think I am going to go with the RZ800 reticle. After a lot of research, I'm pleased with what I have found. Was a little suprised with the size of the reticle as I had mentioned above. The Zeiss website mislead a little with their size representation of the reticle (in their picture diagram) vs. what I actually saw using the instore model. I was definately expecting the reticle to be a little more pronounced or larger.

Now to just get the finances together for it, and get the wife to be ok with the purchase. The latter being the hardest part.

Semo: definately know the Palominas area. I've been in this area on and off again for about the last 24 years or so.
 
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Before you spend a boatload of money on a Zeiss which is definitely a great scope, you should take a look at the Hawke Optics Sidewinder 30. My son has one and the people at Gander Mountain who mounted it on the 22-250 that he bought there thought the scope was a Swavrovski when they looked though it. It also has red and green illuminated BDC reticle but that is only needed when daylight is nearly non-existant. www.hawkeoptics.com They have a demo setup on the site so you can see what each type of reticle looks like looking at a coyote, deer or a moose. I own a total of nine of their scopes in five different powers and I like every one of them.
 
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