Nikon custom XR turret scopes...any input?

[Coastal_native]

Anyone have anything good or bad to say about Nikon's prostaff or monarch custom XR turret scopes?  Thinking about putting one on a new Ruger American .308 WIN. Would like to play around with it in the 200 - 500 yd range.  Wondering if anyone has put Nikon's spot on ballistic match technology to the test.

[Coastal_native]

Don't make me learn the hard way.

[Wanttohuntmore]

The old monarch 4-16/40 with custom turrets and bdc works well for me.  Same with some buck master 4.5-14/40 with bdc.  You need access to a chronograph and need to know your ballistic coefficient of your bullets. 

[Coastal_native]

The old monarch 4-16/40 with custom turrets and bdc works well for me.  Same with some buck master 4.5-14/40 with bdc.  You need access to a chronograph and need to know your ballistic coefficient of your bullets.

How crucial is the chronograph if I'm shooting factory ammo...can I get away with using manufacturer's specs?  It looks like you can select your factory ammo when using Nikon's online ballistic match when ordering the turrets.  Forgive me if I'm slow on the uptake, this is all new to me.

[BULLBLASTER]

To get the most accurate dial you should know velocity.
Another way is to go shoot at 100 yards and zero there. Then go to 500 yards and sight in best you can there. If you know bc and environmental conditions you can get velocity.

[doyourtime89]

Last year I got my son a Nikon Prostaff 5  3.5-14X50 for this T/C Venture .300 win mag.  He zeroed it at 100 yards.  The first time we had it out I ranged an elk at 486 and he dialed the scope for that.  One squeeze of the trigger and he had a dead elk on the ground.  We have used Nikon products for years and have LOVED them all, this scope is no different.

[Coastal_native]

Did you order the custom turrets?  And if so, did you use their spot on ballistic match calculator with factory ammo specs.

[doyourtime89]

Yeah when we bought our scopes they came with a card with a number on it.  You go to their website and enter that number and it allows you to order on set of turrets for free.  They have a screen of different info to put in.  We shoot Federal Premium trophy bonded tip .300 win mag.  I just used the info off Federals site and then pick an average or a around about idea for elevation, temp, stuff like that.  You pick what range you will site your rifle in.  These turrets will only make one complete rotation so the further you sight in your zero for the further you will be able to get out of the turret as far as range.  Like I said we shoot .300 win mag zeroed at 100 yard and I think if I can remember right our turrets will get us out to mid 500's yards. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Thing you gotta remember about factory specs on ammo is they are trying to sell product, so they are going to use an optimal set up to get specs from.  Odds are they used something with a 26" pipe to get there velocity data.  I'd be willing to bet that your 22" tube on your American will probably be 125ish fps slower than the velocity on the box. 

[bman940]

I have 2 of Nikon's Custom Turret's on plder UCC scopes. Great that they are made for just about all of Nikon's scopes these days. My favorite is my .257 WbyMag.It shoots lights out. I have not shot it past 400 yards but that was definitely not a difficult shot using the Custom Turret. I filled out all the data asked for on the form. I used a chrono not totally trusting what the stated MV would be and it was actually very close in my 26 inch barrel. I measured the scope height mid-bore to mid-scope. I also entered the atmospheric conditions I thought this rifle would most likey encounter during my hunt. Quick and easy to do, 2 weeks later i have my turret that was very easy to install. I checked my 200 yard zero and done.

Costal, Using Nikon's Spot On Program and BDC reticle I have been involved in shoot's where we have enlightened and trained over 1000 folk's to use the 2 together. I have watched skeptic's go from laughing at the BDC to buying one after they blew up a 4 inch jar of Tannerite at 600 yards. Nothing like a good explosion to make a believer out of someone. As with any program, your results will only be as good as your data.

[Coastal_native]

Excellent bman, thanks for the info.  I've decided not to order the turret until I get the chrono data.  Good info on the BDC reticle.  I have one on my tikka, but I've never really used it.  I've heard a lot of people gripe about them too, but none of them really speak from experience.  I might consider it when I order the new scope.

[bman940]

Happy to help. You are correct that having hands on experience does make it easier to pass along the correct advice to help you make the right scope choice for your particular hunting style.
Here's a look at some of the data you can get from Spot On.