Leupold VX6 CDS vs Zeiss Z600 - Question on Reticle choice

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shotgun

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Hi all,

I know Vx6 vs Zeiss HD5 has been discussed many times, I searched and read. However, my question is slightly different.

I'm looking to put a scope on my Steyr Classic 7mm RemMag for Alberta deer/elk hunts. Depending on the terrain and area the shots could be under 100 yds (if I'm lucky) or out to 500 yds (if I'm not so lucky), according to my friend in Alberta.

Anyway, I'm not a long range hunting/shooting expert (YET!! :p) and so I'd like to put a scope on that will make it slightly easier to shoot longer ranges.

Now my questions is about the LR shooting features on either scope. The CDS sounds amazing to just dial and shoot but real world is never so simple is it? On the other hand is the Zeiss Z600 reticle which allows for just look and put the correct cross-hair on the animal and bang.

Having never hunted big game in Alberta, and definitely not at such ranges, I wanna know from "experienced hunters", which would be easiest to shoot?

Depending on the real world utility, I'd pick either the Leupold VX6 or the Zeiss HD5 with Z600 reticle. So please share your knowledge with me if you've got experience with either of the CDS or Z600. :)

Thanks

Shotgun

BTW I have a Zeiss HD5 2-10x42 Z600 on my 270 but there're no 600yd deer in Ontario! LOL
 
I have scopes with simple crosshairs and target turrets on my target and varmint rifles, but I have scopes with BDC reticles on my big game rifles. I find it quicker to pick the correct reticle, then to twist turrets.
 
I had a zeiss conquest with a z600 reticle and really liked it. I sold it (big mistake) to buy a leupold vx6 with fine duplex reticle/cds turrets. What I don't like about the cds is there is no way to hold it in place. When hunting, a few times I had to bring the turret back to ¨0¨ because it has switched when walking in thick brush...If you have a quick shot to take and you don't check the cds before, you may have a bad surprise at the end by missing or wounding the deer. I send a email to Korth Group if it was possible to install a boone and crocket reticle on my vx6...(they can't replace my actual reticle with a b&c)
 
The CDS does move easily, you need to get in the habit of checking it constantly or at least before the shot. That is a definite down-side, there should be a lock.

On 0-500 rifles I'd rather have a subtension reticle.
 
You can have both. Vx-6 with Boone and Crocket (available illuminated also!), and cds. You can leave your scope with the cap it came with instead of ordering the engraved cds dial, and remove the cap for MOA dial if you need it
 
Actually the Rapid Z800 is better suited to a 7RM with the majority of loads. It will allow you to use a much higher magnification. The choice of reticle has little to do with how far you want to shoot but more to do with which cartridge group your rifle fits in.
 
Thanks guys for sharing.

I didn't consider Z800 coz I don't plan on shooting that far at all and also because the z-600 showed 15x for hornady 154 gr SST loads. So that was enough for me. My question really did revolve around the difference in CDS vs BDC type for hunting.

I do realize I can have both in a B&C version but then it's more money and without a CDS turret, what's the point of paying $300 or more than a Zeiss?

I think I'll probably go with the Zeiss, based on what I know of my own skills (or lack thereof *chuckle*) and what you guys mentioned.

Do keep em coming as i haven't bought one yet. :)
 
The only issue would be that if you decided to shoot a lighter/faster load in the future that you are maxed out on magnification with a 3-15 scope. With the Z800 in the identical scope you'd have some wiggle room and still be at 14.5x with your current load.
 
shotgun said:
I do realize I can have both in a B&C version but then it's more money and without a CDS turret, what's the point of paying $300 or more than a Zeiss?
. :)
Click to expand...

The VX6 is available with both B&C reticle and CDS. In fact, I think all VX6's have CDS as standard.
 
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