Which Scope Power 2.5-8X or 3.5-10X B&C Reticle?

Which Power Range: 2.5X-8X or 3.5-10X

  • 2.5-8X

    Votes: 21 65.6%

  • 3.5-10X

    Votes: 11 34.4%
  • Total voters
    32
B

Beaver Skin

CGN Regular
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Location
Lower Mainland, BC
A few weeks ago I posted a question asking about preferences between the Leupold VXIII and Zeiss Conquest. I have decided to go with the Leupold for a couple of reasons. Both are great scopes but I know the Leupold to be very tough which is important as we use ATVs on very rough terrain and I know their occular lens will fit with my rifle and scope ring combo - not so sure with the Zeiss.

Let me set the stage: The rifle is a 338-06 pre-64 Win M70 in a McMillian stock. It is not a light weight nor a heavy weight but comes in at about 8lbs. I hunt mainly in northern BC and the BC interior for moose and deer. The terrain is varied from stand hunting in timber to cut lines and cut blocks. I have been using my 375H&H with a 1.75 to 6X and find I would like a bit more on the top end but I'm not sure how high to go. The choice is between the 2.5-8X VXIII or the 3.5-10X VXIII.

I would also appreciate comments around why you chose one over the other and what about the Boone & Crockett Reticle system?
 
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I personally use the VariX III 2.5-8x36 on my .338WM and have no reason to seek a higher powered, heavier scope for big game. It's dependable, rugged, compact and versatile. :) What more could a fellow need?...KF
 
I would take the 2.5x8 over the other as the lower power is of more use in close quarters that the extra higher magnification.

Also, it's a smaller, lighter scope to boot. I don't like big scopes.



sc
 
I voted 2.5-8x.in my terrain,which sounds similair to yours,if I could design a scope(and the manufacturers would listen?)for deer hunting,it would be 1-5x.

I shoot a 30-06 Rem 7600 and would be plenty confident with 5X out to 300 for deer or moose.

wanna trade for a 3-9x,sounds like YOU have MY scope?
 
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I've got the 3.5X10 with B&C reticle on a .30-.378 weatherby. I don't think you can go wrong with either power. If your going to be hunting stands in timber the lower power will probably suite your needs better. As for weight and size I don't find my scope large or heavy and is actually much smaller and lighter than than the other 3X9 scope I own.

I've only had my rifle on the range since buying the scope. Since it is only 200 yards I haven't had the chance to give the B&C reticle a try so I can't comment on its effectiveness. That will have to change when the weather warms up.

By the one that will suite your needs best you wont be disappointed. Ask your self if you really need to spend the extra dollars for a few powers of magnification
 
Beaver skin,
I've got a couple 3.5-10x40mm VX111's, and one 2.5-8x 36 mm though it is an older VariX 111. I prefer the 3.5-10 for the slightly higher power when working up loads at the range, and also for smaller targets in the field. I do a lot of coyote hunting and kill my share of incidental magpies at the same time. The size and weight difference between the two is very little, and both can be mounted in the lowest of rings. The 3.5-10 is still more compact than most other makers scopes of similar power and will look about perfect on your full sized Winchester (one of my enthusiasms BTW) The slightly smaller 2.5-8 would be in better proportion for smaller rifles like a Kimber or M7 Remington. I habitually carry my variables at around 5x, and haven't used the lowest power at all.
My experience with the B&C reticle is with a couple 4.5-14x40mm VX111 LRs, which are about my favorite scope. I've got 4 LRs now and the 5th is ordered and on its way. It probably wouldn't be the best for your application though. Anyways, the B&C has helped with longrange coyotes, plus I like the fact that the reticle is slightly heavier and darker looking than the standard Leupold duplex. That's a personal preference and you may think differently. If you find that you don't use the stadia lines they are easy to ignore.
I'll put my vote in for the 3.5-10 with B&C, though mine both have the standard duplex.:confused:
Dogleg
 
Thanks folks for the input and I've made my choice. The winner is.... VXIII 2.5-8X with the standard duplex reticle. BCBigbore summed it up best when he said

BC Bigbore said:
It's dependable, rugged, compact and versatile. :) What more could a fellow need?...KF
Click to expand...

I really don't see myself using the B&C reticle to its fullest so the KISS principle is guiding me here - use what works and go hunting!

Thanks again

Rob :D
 
Good to see you've made up your mind

I have 3 2.5-8 Vari X III scopes on 3 hunting rifles, and I think they are an ideal general purpose scope.

If all you shot at was 400 yards plus, I'd go for the bigger scope. ;)
 
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