scope for Savage Long Range Varmenter

[longrangechuckhuntr]

Hey guys I just purchased a Savage Model 12 Long Range Varmenter chambered in .223 1:7 twist. I am planning to shoot at ranges beyond 300 yards somewhere between 4 and 600 yards. I am currently shooting an Encore Pro Hunter in both .204 ruger and 22-250 but after doing a lot of reading, researching and asking around I found my-self buying the .223 to make the long range pokes at the whistle pigs. I guess my question is what offerings are out there for a scope with yardage turrrets and what are your thoughts. I currently have a Nikon 3-9x40 with BDC on my .204 and a Nikon Coyote Sp. 4.5-14x40 BDC on my 22-250. I load all my own ammo and love the Spot On website offered by Nikon for the BDC scopes but am wondering if thats going to be sufficent at yardages beyond 400 because of the large size of the circles and the small size of woodchucks (my main critter of choice throughout the warm months in Western New York). Any info on scopes with yardage turret and thoughts about BDC offerings is greatly appreciated happy hunting and great site good job guys...

 

[budlight]

I personally like to clearly see what I'm shooting at and I like to get on the target fast. So all of my scopes have a large field of view with 50, 56, & 60 mm. When the large 30 diameter tubes came out I read all the negative BS about how you eye can only bring in so much light....... Well the bigger tubes are wonderful because your eye relief distance now has a greater range to get the full view through the objective lense.

BDC scopes in my opinion is iffy at best. You are making some size assumtions. Iffy is really too nice of a word, they suck. it's all about marketing.

To really shoot you need Chronographed loads so you have a known bullet vel. and then go to the ballistic charts. It is the only way to go. That way you have bullet drop a windage figured out.

As to my scopes. Big 50, 56, & 60 mm. The large 30mm diameter tubes and 6X24X min and 8X32X Mil Dot and I have some lighted reticle scopes for low light hunting

 

[liltank]

While I agree with budlight, I have used a Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40 for about a year or so w/target dot. That scope allowed me to see gophers out to 1100yds no problem. That would be my first choice if on a budget, but the Vortex Viper is also a good option too. I ended up selling my Nikon to get the Vortex due to the higher power and elevation adjustments. So that is where I would start. If you don't really have a limit, then look at the Nikon Monarchs, Sightron SIII's, Vortex PST's, Leupy's, Bushnell Elite 4200, and obviously Night Force. For that kind of yardage you really will only need a max of about 10x-15x.

Tank

 

[budlight]

Oh, I forgot about the range finder. I thought that i was good judge of distances until I started working with laser range finders. that is another area where some magnafication helps. I have a Nikon with 3 or 4 power and I've wished it was higher.

liltank, I just like higher powered scopes. Like when i went to the range last weekend. with a 24 power you can see the holes appear on the paper at 100 yards with my little 243. My 32X scope I can see the holes appear on the tan paper at 200 yards and black paper with .277 and larger calibers. no spotting scope needed.

Then when you get on small targets farther away. The target it not obscured by your cross hairs.

 

[liltank]

Oh, I forgot about the range finder. I thought that i was good judge of distances until I started working with laser range finders. that is another area where some magnafication helps. I have a Nikon with 3 or 4 power and I've wished it was higher.

liltank, I just like higher powered scopes. Like when i went to the range last weekend. with a 24 power you can see the holes appear on the paper at 100 yards with my little 243. My 32X scope I can see the holes appear on the tan paper at 200 yards and black paper with .277 and larger calibers. no spotting scope needed.

Then when you get on small targets farther away. The target it not obscured by your cross hairs.

I don't disagree. I usually go big on power, not necessarily on the objective.

Tank

 

[budlight]

I don't disagree. I usually go big on power, not necessarily on the objective.

Tank

I live in nevada and hump tall mountains. I already have pack a target or bull barrel around I don't want to also take glasses or a spotting scope along. Moving targets or just getting on them with a big field of view is so nice.

big objectives just pull in so much light.