Author Topic: What scope do you have on your big bore? I need help!! (Read 2895 times)

vhunter · « **on:** December 15, 2004, 07:56:21 AM »

I've went threw a tasco fixed 4 power (cheap scope) and a leupoled rifleman scope 4x12 power. Both are a bad choice for my new 375 H&H.
What scope do you have on your big bore and what do you recommend. I would like to stay in the 200 to 300 $$ range. Do I need to spend more?
Most shots will be 100 yds or less but might like a scope that can do short and long range. Any fixed 6 or 8 power scopes that you can recommend?
Thanks!!!!

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2004, 08:15:03 AM »

I don't have the scope yet, but it will be a Leupold 2-7x VXII. For real heavy kickers (i.e., not the 375 H&H) the one I see most is the Leupold 1.75-5x VXIII. In my case, the extra $100+ isn't worth it. Your rings may be a problem if you're wrecking scopes. You really need good ones. Mine will be Talley quick detach rings on Talley base. But Leupold's is cheaper. However, it's steel instead of aluminum.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 15, 2004, 08:29:29 AM »

I'm not sure it's in the same recoil class as your 375...but for what it's worth...I have the Leupold 1 pc base and the turn in rings(both steel) on my 1895GS 45-70 and have the Leupold VX-1 2x7x33 in it...and my hot 300 grain Nosler loads and my hot 405gr Cast performance loads haven't effected it at all...and the scope hasn't move any under the recoil...after 500 rounds...and these are the only loads I shoot from it...

Mac

OrangeWing · « **Reply #3 on:** December 15, 2004, 08:47:45 AM »

On my custom .460 I have a Leupold 2x7. I have shot this gun a lot & never have had a scope issue.

Ramrod · « **Reply #4 on:** December 15, 2004, 11:22:12 AM »

Leupold 1-4x20 in Leupold QD mounts on my Winchester Safari .375 H&H. Don't see the need for more magnification. It's right in the middle of your price range.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #5 on:** December 15, 2004, 12:45:14 PM »

Leupold VX-III 1.75 X 6 X 33mm on my 1895. Handles the hot +P loads with no problem and has great eye relief.

mr.frosty · « **Reply #6 on:** December 15, 2004, 01:55:03 PM »

I just got a set of xs ghost rings to try on my 1895 cant wait to try them

Lawdog · « **Reply #7 on:** December 15, 2004, 03:57:30 PM »

With the exception of my .375 Weatherby and both of my .450 Marlins I have Burris 1.75X-5X-32mm Safaris on all of my big bores. Once that Posi-Lock is set you dont have to worry about the POI shifting. Lawdog

VFR · « **Reply #8 on:** December 16, 2004, 06:43:12 AM »

1.5-5 VariX III on 416 REM and 460 WEA. Both since the late 80's with lots of use.

Lynn Alan Kietzman · « **Reply #9 on:** December 17, 2004, 02:42:51 AM »

I'm with Lawdog, the Burris 1.75X-5X-32mm Safari is what sits on my .416 Rem Mag. Although both are less than a year old, nothing seams to shake or brake, except shoulder pads. I have a real old (40+ years) Tasco 4x on my .450 Marlin and try as I might, can't break it either. Probably need to shoot more. Sound like a New Year resolution in the making.

CEJ1895 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 17, 2004, 03:23:45 AM »

vhunter - I've always had great luck with Leupold's! I have the Leupold VX-III 1.5 X 5 X 33mm on my .35 Whelen and the 2x scout on my 45-70. I think a Leupold or Burris in the lower power variables would be great. Just make sure you have enough eye relief or you'll end up in the "scope eye cut" crowd... :wink: CEJ...

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 17, 2004, 03:35:01 AM »

On my Sako 375H&H I have a Leupold VX-II 3X9X50mm. I use the lower power of the scope the most. But if needed I can crank it up. I was going to put my VX-II 1X4X20mm on it, but I decided to put it on my Ruger #1 in 45-70.

Mikey · « **Reply #12 on:** December 17, 2004, 04:09:46 AM »

vhunter: I found that the Bushnell Banner Dawn to Dusk scopes in 1.5-4.5x32, at about $80 a pop work very well for me. I have 3 and thoroughly appreciate them. When I went looking for a scope for my 94 Big Bore in 444, I recalled Graybeard's positive comments on the Bushnell scopes and took the advice.

Granted, a 444 is not a 375 H&H but after about 400 rounds of heavy handloads this scope is still right on the money. I understood this scope could be used on both rifle and shotgun and I felt that if it would hold up to shotgun recoil it would work on the 444, even with heavy loads. And work it does Friend. They have great clarity and a quick adjustable eyepiece. I'm real happy with mine. Just my 2 cents worth. Mikey.

jackfish · « **Reply #13 on:** December 17, 2004, 05:32:28 AM »

I have a Leupold VX-II 2-7x33mm on my Winchester M70 Classic Stainless .375 H&H. Works great.

Spyro Andes · « **Reply #14 on:** December 17, 2004, 01:57:52 PM »

Lawdog & Lynn Alan Kietzman,

I am with you guys. I love the Burris 1.75X-5X-32mm Safari. I have 1 of them, 1 on a 375 H&H (built on a Interarms Mark X).

I have a Burris 1.5X-6X-40mm Illuminated on a 358 Norma (built on a Rem 700) and it does great as well. I have the same scope on a couple of predator calling rifles as well.

I have 2 Leupold VX-III 1.5-5x20mm scopes, 1 on a 375 H&H (20" Sako Mannicher) and the other on a 375 H&H (ruger no.1).

Of the variable low powers, the Burris scopes are at the top my list.

HOWEVER, the scope that I use on the big bad boys is the Leupold M8-2.5x20mm Compact.

I have several of them. One is mounted on my Ruger no. 1 in 470 NE. Another is on a 458 WM (Model 70) and yet another is on a 460 Weatherby (mark V). I have one sitting in a drawer for a 510 Wells that I am building.

Anyway, I believe in LOW MAGNIFICATION... If you are shooting a 35 cal and up... there is NO REASON for high magnification.

SA

PS. Almost all of my big bores use WARNE Quick Detach Rings.

Ramrod · « **Reply #15 on:** December 17, 2004, 02:40:44 PM »

Quote from: Spyro Andes

Anyway, I believe in LOW MAGNIFICATION... If you are shooting a 35 cal and up... there is NO REASON for high magnification.

You, sir, are obviously a man of experience, and intellegence.

I get a kick out of the "experts" in the gun rags and on the internet telling everyone how you need a 3-9x or 4-12x for big game and 24x for varmints. I don't believe I will ever turn the power up all the way up to 4x in the field on my .375.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 20, 2004, 12:47:22 AM »

Quote from: Ramrod

Quote from: Spyro Andes

Anyway, I believe in LOW MAGNIFICATION... If you are shooting a 35 cal and up... there is NO REASON for high magnification.

You, sir, are obviously a man of experience, and intelligence. I get a kick out of the "experts" in the gun rags and on the internet telling everyone how you need a 3-9x or 4-12x for big game and 24x for varmints. I don't believe I will ever turn the power up all the way up to 4x in the field on my .375.

You are correct in saying high magnification is not needed, but if one decides to go with a higher power scope such as I have, I do not see a problem with my choice. I have shot out to 250 yards with my 375H&H and I was glad I had the option of the higher magnification. I am no "expert", but I know what works for me. I do have low magnification Leupolds on my 45-70 in Ruger #1 and on my 444 Marlin Encore. I do not plan on making any 200 yards shots with them either. I opted for lower magnification scopes. Personal preference and what works for you is what counts.

Questor · « **Reply #17 on:** December 20, 2004, 09:25:46 AM »

I believe in adequate magnification. Some who value maximum field of view as the highest priority like the 1.5-5x Leupold. Others who want a bit more light gathering and lower cost like the 2-7x Leupold. Others still who want more magnification like a 3-9x. If I were using the big bore for elk, for example, a 3-9x would be an attractive option. I understand they're very popular with African users of 375s. Users of the big stopping guns seem to like the Leupold VXIII 1.5-5x.

There's nothing magic about scopes on big bores, except that recoil is a factor. One thing not discussed so far is weight. It's better to keep the weight low to minimize stress on the scope, mounts, and rings.

crow_feather · « **Reply #18 on:** December 20, 2004, 01:26:48 PM »

I guess I will be the first to push the Redfield 2x7 widefield. It has worked well in my 416 and 375. really enjoy the added sighting area.

C F

Spyro Andes · « **Reply #19 on:** December 20, 2004, 09:07:43 PM »

Quote from: Redhawk1

You are correct in saying high magnification is not needed, but if one decides to go with a higher power scope such as I have, I do not see a problem with my choice. I have shot out to 250 yards with my 375H&H and I was glad I had the option of the higher magnification. I am no "expert", but I know what works for me. I do have low magnification Leupolds on my 45-70 in Ruger #1 and on my 444 Marlin Encore. I do not plan on making any 200 yards shots with them either. I opted for lower magnification scopes. Personal preference and what works for you is what counts.

First, I was only stating my personal opinion based upon the question asked by the original poster. I have no problem that there are different strokes for different folks that is why threads are not limited to 1 reply. :wink:

Quote from: vhunter

Most shots will be 100 yds or less but might like a scope that can do short and long range. Any fixed 6 or 8 power scopes that you can recommend?

Frankly, given the cartridge (375 H&H) and the range of typical shots (100yards or less), I don't think anyone will really dispute that a Fixed 6 or a Fixed 8x might not be the best scope for his usage.

Again, I don't know what he is hunting but I can say that a 1.5-6x scope will easily will take him out to 300 yards on elk and deer. Heck, I have shot several Sitka Blacktails at over 300yards with 358 Norma wearing a 1.5-6 Burris. I shot a real nice blackie on POW, in a clear vut, at 335 yards with the same rifle. Heck, I have shot coyotes and bobcats at 250+ yards with a 17 Rem wearing a 1.5-6 Burris.

Sometimes people tend to forget what is best for shooting paper isn't necessarily the best for in the field...

DUGABOY1 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 26, 2004, 08:08:24 AM »

:lol: First off the 375 H&H magnum is NOT a big bore, but a medium bore! The recoil is not bad enough to worry much about the scope being damaged by recoil. :? There is one thing that is a very good idea, IMO! That is to buy the highest quality scope you can afford for a rifle, that is likely to be used for anything hunted 15,000 miles from your home, and at exorbitant daily fees, and costs of Airfare, and trophy fees will be in the thousands. This in addition to the fact that 375 H&H and REAL big bore rifles are often used to defend one's life! Dollars, waiting on a dime mentality, is false eccnomy on serious rifles.

IMO, a 375 H&H Bolt rifle has absolutely no need for a scope that goes above something like a 2-7X40 scope! Also, IMO, the best scope ever made for a 375 H&H is the Luepold VERI-X 111 1.5-5X20 scope with a heavy plex reticle, housed in quick detach rings and bases, and with GOOD iron sights on the barrel! A spare scope can be taken in the same rings as the one on the rifle. With this spare scope already zeroed in, if the scope on the rifle gets damaged, one simply has to flip a couple levers, and change a scope, and finish a very expensive hunt. OR, if the second scope is in the hunting car, or tent, when you break it, while looking at a 48 in Cape Buffalo, or a 10' Brown bear, you simply take the scope off and take the trophy with the irons, instead of having to pass!

Another good thing about the QD rings and bases, and two scopes is, One may be in Africa to do a lot of hunting of Buffalo, and plains game, but intend takeing a Leopard over bait. The extra scope can be a light gathering scope, even a lighted reticle, for the shooting in near darkness that is so often coupled with the takeing of Leopard!

A good rule is a scope is worth the price, up to a point, as long as you stay in the $275 to $500 range. Below that you are takeing a chance of wasting a hunt, and above that there are some very fine scopes, but the difference between a $500 scope, and a $2000 scope is not worth the extra $1500 IMO!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 26, 2004, 09:45:45 AM »

DUGABOY1, I am so glad you let us know of your vast experience and that a 375 H&H is a medium bore not a big bore. I don't know what I would do with out all the knowledge you posess.

:roll: I still go with put on you gun what you are comfortable with, there is no standard what should be installed. The most important thing getting the best scope you can afford.

DUGABOY1 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 26, 2004, 03:29:38 PM »

Quote from: Redhawk1

DUGABOY1, I am so glad you let us know of your vast experience and that a 375 H&H is a medium bore not a big bore. I don't know what I would do with out all the knowledge you posess. :roll: I still go with put on you gun what you are comfortable with, there is no standard what should be installed. The most important thing getting the best scope you can afford.

:eek: Well I guess that told me! For you information, Redhawk, when I post on a website I'm not talking to just the people who know everything, like you, but to those young ones new to hunting, and guns, who are here to learn for some who know just a LITTLE, Like me! I can't figure why it is that people find it easy to bitch slap a poster while safe behind a computer screen, in a way he wouldn' t dare in a face to face confrontation! If my posting here bothers you, you will simply have to suck it up, and live with it! I'm 67 yrs old, and don't take kindly to being chastized like a noughty 10 yr old, but you go right ahead, if it makes you feel like a man! :roll:

Double D · « **Reply #23 on:** December 26, 2004, 04:52:10 PM »

Since the this forum has no moderator assigned, this Moderator from another board will step in.

Personal attacks are not permitted, even personal attacks in the form of sarcasm.

So step back to a neutral corner, take a deep breath, come out and be polite!

There is something to learned from everyone here.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 26, 2004, 05:25:35 PM »

Quote from: DUGABOY1

Quote from: Redhawk1
DUGABOY1, I am so glad you let us know of your vast experience and that a 375 H&H is a medium bore not a big bore. I don't know what I would do with out all the knowledge you posess. :roll: I still go with put on you gun what you are comfortable with, there is no standard what should be installed. The most important thing getting the best scope you can afford.

:eek: Well I guess that told me! For you information, Redhawk, when I post on a website I'm not talking to just the people who know everything, like you, but to those young ones new to hunting, and guns, who are here to learn for some who know just a LITTLE, Like me! I can't figure why it is that people find it easy to bitch slap a poster while safe behind a computer screen, in a way he wouldn' t dare in a face to face confrontation! If my posting here bothers you, you will simply have to suck it up, and live with it! I'm 67 yrs old, and don't take kindly to being chastized like a noughty 10 yr old, but you go right ahead, if it makes you feel like a man! :roll:

DUGABOY1, my post was meant as a joke. The area here is for 375 and above. It is fine you do not consider a 375 as a big bore, but some of us do. :grin: Lighten up and enjoy it here.

That is why I put the

in my first post...

Graybeard · « **Reply #25 on:** December 27, 2004, 02:14:46 AM »

Temper, temper gentlemen. Let's keep the holiday spirit alive. :lol:

Dugaboy's comment is well taken. In most circles of world wide hunters the .375 H&H is indeed considered a medium not large bore. BUT at GBO we decided long ago that folks wanted to talk about the .375 in with big bores so it was defined as big bore for purpose of our discussions here.

Now with the definition of big bore aside I think the advice given was sound. BUT for sure not everyone looks at things the same. Redhawk's point is also well taken. One must use what you're comfortable and happy with.

Heck I have absolutely no luck convincing those Savage owners they shouldn't get more than 10 miles from home with those things. :-D

Let's all have one of those group hugs again and get back to more serious matters like explaining why those Weatherby's Lawdog likes so well aren't as good as my Remingtons. :eek:

Double D · « **Reply #26 on:** December 27, 2004, 03:55:37 AM »

I know of what Dugaboy is referring when when he refers to .375 as a medium bore, it has nothing to do with this forum. John Taylor wrote a book called African Rifles and Cartridges. It is the "bible" for African Big game/dangerous game hunting.

John Taylor classed all the calibers by the functionality in African and Asian hunting.

Here are his classes:

Large bore Not less than .450 caliber
Large Medium bore .400 to .440 caliber
Medium bore .318 to .375 caliber
Small bore less than .318
Minature ME less than 1500 ftlbs
Magnum MV not less than 2500 ft.lbs

If you want some very interesting reading get this book. Something to keep in mind however when reading book. First it was published in 1948. John Taylor an American wrote based on his African experience. The Guns available to him and suitable for the work he was doing were European. British guns and ammunition dominated. With few exceptions there were no suitable American rifles in appropriate cartidges at that time.

Lawdog · « **Reply #27 on:** December 27, 2004, 01:06:51 PM »

Quote

Heck I have absolutely no luck convincing those Savage owners they shouldn't get more than 10 miles from home with those things.

Is that why my Savage M10 .270 WSM worked so well on the 2 Mule Deer and 3 Wild Boar I took this year. :eek: :-D I never got over 4 miles from my house hunting with it. Lawdog

pc · « **Reply #28 on:** December 30, 2004, 11:26:50 AM »

I have leupold 2.5x compacts on my .416, .458 lott, 45/70 & .585 Nyati.

On my .375 H&H I use a 1-4 leupold and on my 9.3x62 I use a 2-7 leupold.

I would probably prefer a 2-7 on the .375 as it can be quite flat shooting and the 1-4 on the .416..........may swap one day.

At any rate I have had good results with leupold.

Moose-Hunter · « **Reply #29 on:** January 08, 2005, 12:31:28 AM »

I had a Weaver K2.5 on my 375 H&H that I sold. The scope held up great with the amount of rounds that I fired. However, on the Winchester Model 70 classic stainless 375 H&H that I have on layaway, I'll probably put a Leupold
VX-III 1.75-6x32mm on top with Talley QD rings.