Long Range Hunting/PRS optic

S

siegehammer63

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
52   0   0
Location
Calgary, AB
So, I have a .300 win mag built as the long range rifle for my hunting group, plinking and possibly prs, and it is time for an optic. I'm loading 212 gr ELD-X bullets hopefully close to 2850, so it's a potent little package.
I'm thinking a Bushnell DMRii with either the illuminated G3 or maaaybe an H59 reticle (seems a little too busy). Other possibilities? I'm thinking a lower minimum power and ffp, as much zoom as I can get at the top end and decent glass. Also trying not to burn the bank, 2 grand I can do but a S&B... I just can't do 4 grand.
 
for hunting I want FFP and locking turrets so they dont turn hanging in my jacket or backpack. I chose the weaver tac 3-15 and I like it.

If I would go to a match I would remove it and use something else. I would not want turets to lock when get pushed while moving position when I need to do fast adjustments.

different jobs need different tools.

if you go FFP for hunting, illuminated is a must as reticule gets very fine at low power and hard to see on a rainy day in thick bush and always carry couple of spare batteries
 
I dont mind the locking turrets for PRS for now, Id rather add 3 seconds to my stage than be off zero for an elk! I have some other stuff to finish before I get a higher end competitive scope methinks.
 
I recently picked up a Z5 from Omer, not FFP, but the ballistic turrets I am already liking very much - wondering why I didn't buy this scope years ago for my hunting rifle. Set your zero at 200, then choose your next three yardage ranges with a simple twist. I don't like the FFP scope I have, with the cross hairs and reticle getting smaller and larger. https://www.precisionoptics.net/Swarovski_Z5_5_25x52_BT_4W_Rifle_Scope_p/59884.htm
 
I'm actually running the DMR ii non illuminated G3 on my coyote/precision .243 and I love it. If you don't mind a heavy scope then this is definitely a great option. I'm sure you've looked but the LRHSi 4.5-18x44 is FFP as well. But I would definitely recommend the DMR ii to anyone, in my opinion it's an amazing scope for the price.

Also definitely talk to Omer at Precision Optics, he is an awesome guy and will get you exactly what you need for the best price. That's where I got my DMR ii.
 
Last edited:
Falcon77 said:
I'm actually running the DMR ii non illuminated G3 on my coyote/precision .243 and I love it. If you don't mind a heavy scope then this is definitely a great option. I'm sure you've looked but the LRHSi 4.5-18x44 is FFP as well. But I would definitely recommend the DMR ii to anyone, in my opinion it's an amazing scope for the price.

Also definitely talk to Omer at Precision Optics, he is an awesome guy and will get you exactly what you need for the best price. That's where I got my DMR ii.
Click to expand...

I've got 2 HDMR2s for my PRS rigs. Great scopes, they check the box for every feature I want in a scope whilst being reasonably priced. Locking windage, 10 mil turrets, FFP, throw lever, Horus reticle. I love the H59 reticle, there's a few things I'd tweak on it to make it ideal for me (get rid of the steps and the mover holds and put some 0.2 mil subtensions above the horizontal axis) but so far, it's my favourite for PRS and long range shooting. Dunno if it would be my choice for hunting though unless it was only at longish range.
 
I would very highly recommend the Delta Styrker 4.5-30x56. Hirsch Precision is a Delta dealer. The Bushnell is a fine scope but the the Delta Styker is in an entirely different league in my opinion.
 
Falcon77 said:
I'm actually running the DMR ii non illuminated G3 on my coyote/precision .243 and I love it. If you don't mind a heavy scope then this is definitely a great option. I'm sure you've looked but the LRHSi 4.5-18x44 is FFP as well. But I would definitely recommend the DMR ii to anyone, in my opinion it's an amazing scope for the price.

Also definitely talk to Omer at Precision Optics, he is an awesome guy and will get you exactly what you need for the best price. That's where I got my DMR ii.
Click to expand...

I agree talk to Omer, he set me up with my Kahles he is very knowledgeable
 
The Bushnell LRHS are designed to be a hybrid hunter/tac scope and the one I looked through was nice. However, the HDMR IIs are not that much more and I think are that next step up. The H59 seems a busy at first glance but once you get used to it it is a great reticle.

The new thing on the scene could be the Leupold Mk5s. They are not in the wild yet but the Mk5 3.6-15 looks like a nice package and not overly heavy. Not sure of street pricing either but seems reasonable.
 
Rugbydave is right, definitely not most peoples first choice for a hunting optic. Though it sounds like you are in the same boat I was when I was looking for mine; the DMR ii checked all the boxes and can do it all. Like I said before if you don't mind a heavy scope then it's a great choice whatever reticle you choose.

I'm also quite interested in the new Leupold Mark 5. Not sure the price on it but I'm going to assume it's more expensive than the DMR. As for the Delta, I have no knowledge about them never looked through them, though I've heard about them recently and they seem to be getting good reviews. Another newer scope to check out would be an Athlon, I believe we have a couple dealers now and they have been getting some great reviews as well. I can't comment on either personally but if you are able to some side by side comparisons I'd recommend that.
 
Let me clarify on this; I have standard hunting rifles with regular optics or red dots when I hunt bush or areas I can only go close in. This is the dedicated long range hunter. In my group if there is a shot past 350 yards I'm usually the guy taking it, and J usually hit even with standard equipment. Just looking to upgrade my equipment and skill set :)
 
siegehammer63 said:
Let me clarify on this; I have standard hunting rifles with regular optics or red dots when I hunt bush or areas I can only go close in. This is the dedicated long range hunter. In my group if there is a shot past 350 yards I'm usually the guy taking it, and J usually hit even with standard equipment. Just looking to upgrade my equipment and skill set :)
Click to expand...

Well with that being the case, I could see a DMR2 or HDMR2 working for you. I think your determining factor between the H59 or G3 would be how important illumination is to you. I much prefer the H59 but I don't need illumination. That being said, if you're not shooting much past 350 the lower magnification and lighter weight LRHS could be a good option, as others have said. I have no experience with the LRHS but have one on the way for my M14.
 
siegehammer63 said:
So, I have a .300 win mag built as the long range rifle for my hunting group, plinking and possibly prs, and it is time for an optic. I'm loading 212 gr ELD-X bullets hopefully close to 2850, so it's a potent little package.
I'm thinking a Bushnell DMRii with either the illuminated G3 or maaaybe an H59 reticle (seems a little too busy). Other possibilities? I'm thinking a lower minimum power and ffp, as much zoom as I can get at the top end and decent glass. Also trying not to burn the bank, 2 grand I can do but a S&B... I just can't do 4 grand.
Click to expand...

Can't see a 300 mag being very enjoyable to shoot in PRS. But anywho... ;)

I have both scopes discussed here. A couple of the LRHS. And have been around a additional handful of both the LRHS and DMRII. The DMR offers higher mag and elevation travel, at the penalty of increase weight. The LRHS will save you weight and size, but is in no way a downgrade from the H/DMRII in terms of glass and durability. Personally, for the uses outlined- IE, hunting for sure and maybe shooting PRS, I'd grab a LRHS/LRTS, but... It all depends on your priorities.
 
Coming from the hunting side I would get the 3-12X44 LRHS..
I don't shoot PRS, but would think the 300 maggie would be a very poor choice..
 
I rather like the power range on the dmr and I tend to like the greater elevation adjustment of the dmr, but I'll take a look at the LRHS.
This is a dedicated long gun. Honestly if PRS becomes a bit more of a priority I'll probably build a specific 6.5 for it, but being a large guy .300 in this heavy a muzzle braked rifle it doesn't hurt too bad. I've shot unbraked .338 LM, as long as it isn't a 6 pound .300 wan I'll be fine.
 
LittleBoyLefty said:
Can't see a 300 mag being very enjoyable to shoot in PRS. But anywho... ;)

I have both scopes discussed here. A couple of the LRHS. And have been around a additional handful of both the LRHS and DMRII. The DMR offers higher mag and elevation travel, at the penalty of increase weight. The LRHS will save you weight and size, but is in no way a downgrade from the H/DMRII in terms of glass and durability. Personally, for the uses outlined- IE, hunting for sure and maybe shooting PRS, I'd grab a LRHS/LRTS, but... It all depends on your priorities.
Click to expand...

nrut said:
Coming from the hunting side I would get the 3-12X44 LRHS..
I don't shoot PRS, but would think the 300 maggie would be a very poor choice..
Click to expand...

i concur on the lrhs.
 
siegehammer63 said:
I rather like the power range on the dmr and I tend to like the greater elevation adjustment of the dmr, but I'll take a look at the LRHS.
This is a dedicated long gun. Honestly if PRS becomes a bit more of a priority I'll probably build a specific 6.5 for it, but being a large guy .300 in this heavy a muzzle braked rifle it doesn't hurt too bad. I've shot unbraked .338 LM, as long as it isn't a 6 pound .300 wan I'll be fine.
Click to expand...

I get wanting max elevation and magnification. But, how far do you really want to shoot? Do you have a good place to shoot beyond 1500 meters regularly? A well mounted LRHS will give you over 24 mils of usable elevation, which will take most any 200+ gr 300 Mag load well beyond 2000 meters.
 
I actually have shot animals past 400, and I have places I could go 2500 to 3000 with the right rifle (Not interested in a .375 lethal... for now ;) )
So far my records are 890 and 1050, I do have a want to hit a mile with either 212 eld x or 230 grain Bergers.
I've been looking at the LRHS, if I do go Bushnell I just like the zoom range and field of view on that DMR.
I'd prefer the illumination, I do a lot of twilight shooting.
 
From the spec sheets, the Bushnell is an entry-level high-performance scope, I think it is the best scope you can get for the price (especially with the rebate going on).
Note: the field of view does not correlate to the magnification range, the Bushnell DMR II 3.5-21's field of view is 5m at 100m, but S&B 3-20's field of view is 13m at 100m. Design and manufacturing has more influence on the FOV than zoom range. I think the eye relief is more forgiving for the top dollar scopes. obviously the glass quality is also superior.
it would be nice to have the S&B, but for the price, Bushnell will do. with the rebate going on, I don't think there is a better scope for the price. nothing with significant improvement within 2 times the price of a DMR-II-i, the Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18 is pretty good, but with the rebate, DMR II-i has the best value.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom