What scope for a MAG caliber?

[Antlershed]

This will either be going on a .300win-mag or a .300RUM. My last .300win-mag had a Simmons Aetec and I think that was a horrible scope choice on my part. I just don't think it could handle the recoil. The rifle will be getting a brake put on it, so I am just curious what can handle the shock as well as optics quality. I am looking to spend probably in the $400-$500 range max. I have been looking at the Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 for $449 or the Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x40 for around the same price depending on which reticle. I have always been a Nikon person, but wouldn't be opposed to putting a Leupold on it.

[270Shooter]

The VX-III is a good choice but I would choose the 2.5-8 power, but that is just my personal preference. I have VX-II 3-9x40 on my .270 and its a good scope.

Never had a Nikon though.

[300UltraMagShooter]

I put a Nikon 3 X 12 on my 300 rem ultra mag.  It is awesome, but I wish I had put a 4 x 16 on it.

Still can't go wrong with either.   

[bobcat]

Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x40 for around the same price

That would be my choice. I might also consider the same scope in a 3.5-10. Can't go wrong with a Leupold. Another great scope for the money is the VX-II in a 3-9x40. They are $299 and are pretty much equivalent to the old Leupold VariX-III.

[300UltraMagShooter]

Well the reason I went with the Nikon is when I went to get the Leupold, the Nikon seemed to have better eye relief.  With the ultra mag, the more eye relief the better...

[bobcat]

Well the reason I went with the Nikon is when I went to get the Leupold, the Nikon seemed to have better eye relief.  With the ultra mag, the more eye relief the better...

Really? Eye relief is what Leupold is known for, that's the reason many people choose Leupold over other brands is for their superior eye relief. But I can't say as I've never looked through a Nikon. I do agree, "the more eye relief the better." 

[300UltraMagShooter]

Yep, it surprised me too.  I don't go by advertised relief when I have the two in front of me to compare.  Keep in mind that I wear glasses so that may have had something to do with it.   

[bobcat]

Well hey, whatever looks best to your eyes. Myself, I would still go with the Leupold because they're made in the USA. 

[Charlie]

I believe the Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x40 would be a good all around choice. Unless Height is a problem you may also want to consider the 50mm objective. I have used a Leupold Vari X-III 6.5-20x50 on a custom 300 RUM for several years and love the combo. With that said, I used it almost exclusively on the eastside where the country is open. If I was going to do the Mod Firearm season on the wetside I would definitely go with a Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x40 or 50mm. 

[addicted]

father in law has a nikon 4.5-14 x50 on his 300 win and that thing is crystal clear and i watched him nail his whitey last year at 384 yards i think. he also has the BDC reticle on it which is pretty wicked.

[Sagedawg]

This will either be going on a .300win-mag or a .300RUM. My last .300win-mag had a Simmons Aetec and I think that was a horrible scope choice on my part. I just don't think it could handle the recoil. The rifle will be getting a brake put on it, so I am just curious what can handle the shock as well as optics quality. I am looking to spend probably in the $400-$500 range max. I have been looking at the Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 for $449 or the Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x40 for around the same price depending on which reticle. I have always been a Nikon person, but wouldn't be opposed to putting a Leupold on it.

   You have picked to good ones here. I have both of these as well as a Burris in the same power range. I like them all very much, BUT I think the best glass is in the Leuopld followed by the Nikon, then the Burris. The Leupold and Nikon are on 338's and my 300 winny wears the Burris. They have held up very well, with no problems . I will say that I belive the way a scope is mounted and what rings and bases are used . Buy the best that you can and check for proper alignment as well as scope setting correct in the rings. . I dont think you will make a bad choice by picking any of these that you have mentioned. One other thing to consider, with good glass you dont need huge objectives, this will alow you to keep the scope mounted lower to the bore which will help promote good shooting form.

 Hope this helps you out. Keep us posted on what you decide to do.


  Sage

[addicted]

naahhh forget all of that......
what you need is a schmidt and bender 5-25 x 56...
tell your wife you need it cuz josh (me) said so. I'm sure that will go over well 

something like this one
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showpage?saleitemid=574012&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=657

[GoldTip]

I try to shy away from 50mm objective lenses, very hard to get in a horse scabbard if you ever have that option.  I would go with either the 3.5x10 or 4-14 VX-III from leupold, personally.  Nothing against Nikon scopes, as they are very clear, but I've used Leupold scopes since I was 13 years old and never had one problem with them.  Personally I would also go with the B&C reticle, if sighted in correctly, they work amazingly well.  I have one on my 325wsm, and shots out to 500 with this reticle are much more simple without figuring the "holdover".

[Antlershed]

Thanks guys. I've done quite a bit of reading and I don't think I want/need the 50mm objective. I don't like the scope up that high, so that's why I was looking at the 40 or 42 obj. I'm thinking I will probably go with the B&C or BDC reticle (depending on which scope I decide on).

[Intruder]

You may also want to check out the Zeiss Conquest and the Bushnell Elite 4200.  These are right there with Leupolds mentioned and the high end Burris scopes.  A lot will depend on how far you really plan on shooting.  If most your shots are 400 and in then there's less justification for going over 9 or 10 power.  That can save you quite a bit of coin.  I agree with the advice on the 50 mm objective... generally speaking in a big game rifle you don't get as much benefit from it and there are some down sides to account for (weight, cost, mounting, etc).