Target Scope Choice - 6-24X42mm vs. 10-40X-50mm

S

Shynloco

New member
Looking for recommendations - My eyesight ain't what it used to be. I shoot mostly paper nowadays and am working on loads to tighter up my groups. I've recently sat down with some benchrest guys to learn their techniques for producing ammo that is designed for my specific rifles and making groups "really tight." My loads are almost there (5 shots the size of a dime). But I realized yesterday a problem I'm running into is that my scopes aren't powerful enough @ 100 yds to clearly see the 3" targets. My goal is chasing that elusive (probably impossible) one hole-5 shot group. So, I'm guessin I need to move up from 4.5X14-30m to something with more magnification. I gather from reading that either the 6-24X42mm Target or the 10-40X50m Target will fit the bill. Any thoughts pro or con either way?
 
I have three high powered scopes I use to test loads in my rifles; one is a Weaver V-16 set at 16x, the second is a Bushnell Scopechief 6-20x set at 20x, and the last is a 24x BSA Target scope. I use Leupold Quick Release rings and bases on all of my rifles, and have the scopes set up with those rings. I just move them from rifle to rifle for the testing.
My view is, 20x is a good power to use; +, or - a couple os x's. I use 1" tube scopes, no 30 mm's.
 

I'll throw a couple things out here for consideration. If this is a target application & you're deadset on that ragged hole, I'd go with the higher magnification. The BR guys are generally shooting 36X & 40X fixed power. You'll mostly see Leupold Competitions or Sightron SII's - which can be had for little over half the cost of a Leup. I got the bug for this a few years ago, invested in a proven Dwight Scott gun, 36X scope & all the peripherals. It was interesting & I learned a lot about accuracy & wind, but I didn't have the passion for it like I do for a tack driver in 220 Swift or 6-284 and putting it against a critter in his own backyard. Just my experience & thoughts. Interesting thing about higher scope variables too; everything is magnified, including dust and moisture and the effects of heat. Mirage can make that 10-Ring look like its swimming when the sun starts baking things.

Nothing new, but I'd try to get the best glass possible within the budget. 8-32 is a typical range between the two variables you mentioned and it would be my choice if I wanted to focus on accuracy in an optic that's still suited to hunting. Personally, I would go with the 30mm tube but that translates to weight and money.

However you go, have fun with it & post those cloverleafs for us...


Kevin
 
It is very suprising that you can't see a 3" bull at 100yrds clearly with a 14x scope. Even my low power scopes show 100yrd targets clear and sharp enough to shoot some very small groups. I think a higher grade of glass is in order also.

I'd look at the Sightron Competition or Weaver "T" series, both are noted for there repeatabillity and nice glass. The Weavers can be had for under $400 and the Sightrons under $500.

You might want to go over to Benchrest Central and check their classifieds.

http://www.benchrest.com/forums/index.php?

AWS
 
I certainly appreciate everyone's input. Age is a wonderful thing sometimes, but can be a hinderance at times. And perhaps I used the wrong terminology when I used the word "clearly" in conjunction with my goal for the one hole-5 shot groups. My 3X9 scopes (Leupold) still work well on my 30-6 & .308 as do my 4.5X14's (Nikons) on my .223 and 22-250 bolt guns. And again I'm still working on developing the tightest loads/groups possible. But what I'm also trying to do is get down below .200 outside to outside threshold to as tight as I can possible get or as close to the 5 shots through one hole as possible. Anything larger is simply unacceptable. My .385 spreads from yesterday fit into that "unacceptible" category. So I guess thats part of the reason why Benchrest guys use those 36X and 40X scopes who are half my age and use specialized weapons whereas mine are general production rifles. But I've also never been known to give up and I'm too old to just throw in the towel....besides never did understand, "you can't do that." Thx again guys!
 
Originally Posted By: ShynlocoWhy NO 30mm scopes?

Because a 30 mm scope tube adds nothing optically. It just allows for increased adjustment travel. With today's rifles, a 1" tube has more than enough adjustment travel for 100 yard shooting, or 200 yards and beyond to 400 yards for that matter.
I had a fixed 36x power Leupold Benchrest scope that I did use for load testing. But, at mid-day the mirage drove me to quit shooting as it was bad with that scope. And, those fixed 36x scopes were commanding top dollar, so I sold it. I think a fixed 20x would be a best buy. That's from a lot of years using a fixed 20x shooting 100 yard benchrest matches on a competetive basis; back in the 1970's I was on the BR shooting circuit. A fixed 16x would be good too for 100 yard targets.
Jack is dead on about fixed power scopes. Over the last 5 years, I've been changing out all of my rifle scopes to fixed powers, for the reason he states.
 
Shy, my clearest scope for all around target shooting is a Sightron 4-16x 42mm AO MilDot...and I don't really understand why, when I compare it to a couple of 6-24xs and even my Burris 8-32x Black Diamond...

Maybe mirage or my shaky shoulder has something to do with it.... or just really good glass on that particular scope..

The Burris certainly brings the target and PoA in much closer/larger, but the Sightron seems clearer and produces just as good, or better, groups...It could be that since I've had it for several years, I'm just more used to it..
 
I use a leupold Mark 4 M1 16x40 for 600 yard matches. 90%+ of other competitors use a higher power scope. Some 32-40x. 90% lose......
 
Ok guys. What I'm seeing from responses is that many of you are talking VARIABLE scopes, while others are suggesting fixed power for more clarity (which is what I seek). Martyn (coupled with Jack's explanation) suggests a 20X may be my best bet and is the way to go. SO forget the VARIABLE scopes for a second and talk to me about going the FIXED power route. As much as I'd LOVE to be able to afford a Leupold, Sightron or even a Nikon, I just ain't got the wallet to purchase one. But after searching through Midway's catelog (as reference only and not necessarfily the best pricing available) I came across a Weaver 24X 40mm AO T-Series with a price tag of $409. It would only cost me another $20 to kick it up to a 36X. So chime in a tell me what all of you recommend given this choice and what you think of the scope. Keep in mind, I'm not going to jump into any Benchrest or any other competitions. Just headin out to my usual Saturday morning fun at my local range and chase that 5 shot-one holer. My only competitor is me and my ability to shoot. Thx again to all for your input!
 
Hey Thx guys to all. I've decided to go ahead and go with the Weaver T24X40mm scope that Widwv and AWS mentioned. Thx also for the referenced websites as well. After recommendations by many and reading comments made on BR blogs and by shooters who have used this scope, its seems like this one will fit the bill for my purposes. This blog remains the most useful and helpful one I've run across where people seem quite knowledgeable and willing to help one another. Thx again!
 


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