Trying to decide what to get for a Long Range Scope

Camaro2010

Camaro2010

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I have been looking into upgrading my scope on my 338 Lapua, and I would like some input on what to buy. I currently have a Millett LRS on it and want to get into better glass. I am currently considering (but not limited to) Leupold Mk 4 LR/T, Nightforce NSX, and SWFA SS. I want to have clear glass as well as high magnification (at least 20x). Also any recommendations for rings?
 
of the 3 listed, the NXS. 6-24 Sightron SIII is a good choice if you want to save some $$. You could be hard pressed finding a SuperSniper as SWFA doesn't sell them outside of the U.S.
 
Camaro2010 said:
Maximum $2300

But I would like to be closer to $1500 +/- .



Besides the lacking availability, why go with the NSX?


Camaro2010
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Clearest optics, most repeatable turrets, hands down the most rugged and robust scope, most reticle options, available with zero stop and within just a few $$ of what you will pay for a MK4.
I would look at the 8x32 it seems to be tailor made for the 338 Lapua.
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
Clearest optics, most repeatable turrets, hands down the most rugged and robust scope, most reticle options, available with zero stop and within just a few $$ of what you will pay for a MK4.
I would look at the 8x32 it seems to be tailor made for the 338 Lapua.
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What are you selling the 5.5-22 and 8 x32 for? I've got a build of my own nearing completion.
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
I would look at the 8x32 it seems to be tailor made for the 338 Lapua.
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I only have two thing against NSX. The first is that they are SFP. And second, that you can only range and measure on 16x (or that's all I can find for information). My Millett is similar (measure at 12.5x) but you can measure in half measurements on 25x. Just seems to be a waste of magnification if you can't measure in the upper range.

Camaro2010
 
SIII6-24X50 w/ LRMOA or mildot reticle. Better glass then any of the three you have mentioned.

Tracking is dead on. If you want to range, the LRMOA is ideal. Yes, it is SFP but 2MOA at 24X, 4MOA spacing at 12X.

We shoot these scopes on boomers way out beyond 1 mile. Work great on my 223 tactical too.

Jerry
 
Camaro2010 said:
Can anyone confirm this on the 8-32 model?

Camaro2010
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On the 8x32 NXS series your ranging power is 22X
I would strongly suggest looking through a FFP scope and see if the reticle changing size with magnification bothers you as much as it does many of us.

Personally for precision shooting I find the fact that the reticle completely hides my target at any increased magnification very counterproductive.
How can you hit what you can not see because the reticle is covering it?
 
I think I have decided on Nightforce NSX. Now to decide between 8-32x56 and 12-42x56, any advantages/ disadvantages to either (besides one having a higher magnification level and the other lower)? I am thinking about going with the MOAR reticle or the NP-R2. Does anyone think Mils are a better unit to go with?

Camaro2010
 
Does anyone think Mils are a better unit to go with?
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regardless of what some people might claim, there is no 'better' unit... just make sure you get matching turrets to your reticle.


any advantages/ disadvantages to either
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the higher the mag the less the total amount of elevation.

5.5-22 = 100moa
8-32 = 65moa
12-42 = 45moa

...make sure you aren't selling yourself short in that department. I'm shooting regularly at over 1600 yards with no problems with my 5.5-22
 
Camaro2010 said:
I think I have decided on Nightforce NSX. Now to decide between 8-32x56 and 12-42x56, any advantages/ disadvantages to either (besides one having a higher magnification level and the other lower)? I am thinking about going with the MOAR reticle or the NP-R2. Does anyone think Mils are a better unit to go with?

Camaro2010
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For real long distance shooting the 12x42 is the WRONG scope choice.
Many that are new to LR shooting wrongly assume that more magnification is the answer. Normally the more magnification means less internal elevation in the scope, hence you run out of elevation before you run out of bullet flight.
As posted the 12x42 has a TOTAL of 45 MOA, so even when mounted on a plus 20 MOA rail you only have a total of 42 usable MOA which will get you out to about 1500 yards using a SAAMI 338 Lapua.
Mirage is also much greater with greater magnification, so the amount of time you will be able to use the full magnification is limited.
This particular optic is more suited to F Class shooting where the range typically is limited to 1000 yards.

As for Mils versus MOA the Milradian system is a far larger unit of measure so a 1/10th mil adjustmnet at 1000 yards is 3.66 inches where as 1/4 MOA adjustment is 2.5" so you can make finer corrections. Many of us are now running the 8x32 with 1/8th MAO turrets so the smallest adjustment you can make is then 1.25" at the 1000 yards.
 
I really appreciate all the input everyone is offering! It has helped me decide many things. I think I only have two questions left. What reticle in MOA (between NP-R1&2 and MOAR) and is zero stop nessicarry? I have read that on zero stop turrets the lines/ markings are not there?

Camaro2010
 
Zero stop depends on the shooter, if your never rushed and shoot with a note book I find I am never "lost" in my clicks... If you think you will spend a lot of time dialing your scope to various ranges that require full turns then it might be just what you need...

Most folks also find an automotive o-ring and plastic washer under the turret cap makes a good zero stop for about .50c

You should seriously look at the Siii 8-32 LRMOA... Invest the extra saved into the S&B or March "some day" piggy bank.
 
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