Thoughts on a new rifle scope

[Rol Page]

I have purchased a new Remington 700 30-06 for a possible elk hunt this fall.
A Leupold 2.5 - 8 Vari-X III scope will be the backup scope for this rifle should the primary scope become damaged or defective on the hunt.
The outfitter has stated that shots are likely to be in the range of 200 yards, but longer may be necessary.
I am looking for a scope that is reasonable size for the rifle, has a good field of view, will gather light for dawn and dusk shots in dark timber, has a twilight factor above 17 and ample exit pupil to allow light to pass through.
I have heard that the eye relief varies with a change in power on some variable scopes, although I have not noticed a problem with the old Vari-X III. Any suggestions for a scope with constant eye relief at various magnification?
I will be hand loading for this rifle, and higher magnification would be nice for precise aiming during load development, but an unnecessary extra in the hunting field unless I go after woodchucks.
Any suggestions on what has worked for you in a similar situation would be most appreciated.  Thank you in advance.

[Lloyd Smale]

why not use your leupold? I couldnt dream up a better scope for that rifle then the one  you allready have.

I have purchased a new Remington 700 30-06 for a possible elk hunt this fall.
A Leupold 2.5 - 8 Vari-X III scope will be the backup scope for this rifle should the primary scope become damaged or defective on the hunt.
The outfitter has stated that shots are likely to be in the range of 200 yards, but longer may be necessary.
I am looking for a scope that is reasonable size for the rifle, has a good field of view, will gather light for dawn and dusk shots in dark timber, has a twilight factor above 17 and ample exit pupil to allow light to pass through.
I have heard that the eye relief varies with a change in power on some variable scopes, although I have not noticed a problem with the old Vari-X III. Any suggestions for a scope with constant eye relief at various magnification?
I will be hand loading for this rifle, and higher magnification would be nice for precise aiming during load development, but an unnecessary extra in the hunting field unless I go after woodchucks.
Any suggestions on what has worked for you in a similar situation would be most appreciated.  Thank you in advance.

[drdougrx]

I agree with Lloyd....your 2.5x8 should be fine. Just sight in with a 200yard zero.  I would spend a heck of allot more time worrying about actually hitting an elk at 200+ than the scope.  What load are you planning to use ??

[BruceP]

I have that exact scope and I would agree with the others. It is about a perfect scope for your hunt. While I have never hunted elk, that scope has been on my deer rifle for over 20 years.

Bruce

[Rol Page]

Thanks for all your re-enforcement guys..  The outfitter that I plan to use stated that his preferred scope is a straight 6x.  His wife and partner said, "If you can't see them you can't hit them".. in response to my inquiry about a Leupold 4.5 - 14x40mm VX-3 which I was considering..   I am now considering a Zeiss 3.5 - 10,44mm MC Conquest for a little better performance at dawn and dusk..  Don't know if the numerical difference in twilight factor and exit pupil translate to a meaningful improvement.
I am planning to do extensive practice @ 200yds and a little beyond this summer with 180grain bullets.  I have purchased factory 180gr. Nosler Partitions and Accubonds to test for velocity and accuracy after I sight in with cheaper factory 180's.  That will be the benchmark to compare my handloads in the same Nosler bullets and 200 Sierra 180gr. SBT's that are ready to load for practice.  I will be using IMR 4350 powder in new brass, Federal Large Rifle Magnum Match primers as I could not locate regular,(name brand) Large Rifle primers.
Thanks again for all the replies.   Rol

[Dave in WV]

 I'd go with a Leupold 6x42mm with a heavy duplex or have a heavy duplex installed in the Vari-x III you have.

[pastorp]

I too love the leupold 6x42. They are amazing scopes. KISS is always a good policy. You always have the same eye relied, and view. Nothing to adjust you just throw your rifle up & shoot.

Say have you ever tried to see through a 14x44 scope at dusk. And even with a good rest at 14 power every tremor is magnified. And after you've climbed up that mountain and your heart & lungs are trying to bust out of your chest no way you will be able to keep those crosshairs on that elk.

Folks that live & hunt the high country like simple that works. 

Regards,

[Bugflipper]

It was raining the other day when I was trying to get some rifles sighted in. Ended up getting a lot darker at sunset than normal. The conquest lasted about  2 minutes longer than the vx-3 as far as image. The conquest reticle washed out about 15 minutes before the image so the vx-3 technically was better at very low light due to the bold reticle. Not much difference between the two in brightness and clarity. The leupold is a hair behind in both. Not noticeable unless side by side. The conquest is more vibrant with colors, you can also distinguish them longer in low light. I guess that's to be expected with Japanese glass compared to German. I personally favor the minox za 3 over both in the under $500 price range. I would suggest a spotting scope over buying a scope with more magnification than what you need.

[drdougrx]

Hey Rol....let's look at this in another way.  Your 2.5x8 is an all around scope that you can set at 6x if you want.  I would not bother purchasing another scope unless you want us encourage you to do so.  A 4x14 is going to be heavier and longer...not by much in the morning...allot on the hike back to camp.  PastorP is right....14x is wonderful....from a bench I think...but then again, what do I know.

[pastorp]

I would agree Doug if he was going to bench shoot in good light. But I didn't understand his question that way. And his outfitter must not of either. 

Regards,

[BruceP]

One thing not mentioned yet about the 4.5x14 is that it has an adjustable objective. I have a 4.5x14 and other scopes that have AO but you need to ask if you really want to have one other thing to possibly have to mess with when that right bull walks out on a paid hunt. I'm not trying to talk you out of it but it should be considered.

Bruce

[Rol Page]

All good points fellas and I appreciate each one..  I have a second Leupold VariX-III 2.5X8 that has set atop of my Rem. 700 in 270 Win. for close to 30 yrs and I have taken woodchucks out to 200 yds with it and three Whitetails, the last this past fall a doe walking by at about 70 yds. Double lung shot.  Nice setup but the outfitter suggested a step up to .30 cal. for elk so I bought a left hand Rem. 700 CDL in 30-06.
 
Once I get the 2.5 - 8 scope mounted, I am waiting for the correct bases to arrive at the gun shop, I will test fire it @ 100yds to see how it shoots, then my task will be to equal or better the accuracy and velocity of the factory loads with my hand loads.  I have achieved this for the .270 but have not loaded for the 30-06.
My friend with the local gun shop loaned me his Leupold VariX III 4.5 - 14 last fall while I was attempting, unsuccessfully, to develop consistently accurate loads for my 260Remington Encore rifle, and I liked it very much off the bench.  I do not believe that the 2.5 - 8 power scope will be a limiting factor in developing an accurate load for the 30-06, but a 14 power may make aiming precisely easier for these 66yr old eyes.
I may opt for the 4.5 - 14, set it up with the same quick detach rings as are going on the 2.5 -8, and use it for load development and as a spare in case the 2.5 - 8 gets damaged.   There will be many more rounds fired in load development and at the woodchucks that I hope to see this spring and summer before the planned hunt. Both the .270 Win. and 30-06 are going on the elk hunt if I get the draw for license.
Thanks again for your thoughts.   Rol

[pastorp]

Well Rol, if your 66 then my hats off to you for even planning a elk hunt. I moved to elk country when I was 37 and we had our own horses and packed all over the mountains for a number of years before moving to Alaska. Elk hunting is hard work. As is taking care of a pack string.

I'm a year older than you and I gave it up years ago. One thing I do know is that grouse are a lot lighter than elk.  of course that's your outfitters problem. My age & physical problems are some of the reasons I moved back to flat land.

Regards,