FFP Scope For Hunting

[Yondering]

One problem with FFP scopes for this is if the reticle is fine enough to be useful at high magnification, it can be hard to see at low magnification, especially to see the hold-over points.

[BULLBLASTER]

What's the advantage of first focal plane?

With a mil dot or ballistic reticle each aiming point stays the same, no matter what magnification the scope is set at.
For example, if the 1st mil dot is good for 300yds 2nd one might be 400 and so on. That aiming point will stay the same no matter what power you're on. The reticle is in the first focal plane, it gets bigger as you zoom in.

2nd focal plane scopes with mil dot or ballistic reticles have to be set at a specific power to work correctly. My zeiss with a rapid z reticle has to be set at 11.3x to work correctly.  Reticle stays the same size as you zoom in.

It depends how you look at it. The reticle actually stays the same size in relation to the target on a ffp scope. Sfp the reticle appears to shrink in relation to the target or the target grows in relation to the reticle as you increase magnification.

One problem with FFP scopes for this is if the reticle is fine enough to be useful at high magnification, it can be hard to see at low magnification, especially to see the hold-over points.

That can be an issue. I have a razor he scope and the reticle isn't useable imo until the mid power setting.

I really like ffp for a dedicated lr rig but for a do it all rig I prefer sfp

[Curly]

Say $1500 max.....anything over that would be kind of overkill for a hunting rifle I think. Want the holdover points (mil dot, moa, or ballistic reticle) to stay the same no matter the power setting. Probably 600 yd max shooting distance for 300 wsm.

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-5-20x50-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P51642.aspx

Take a look at the one in the link above.

[horsehunter509]

I have the veracity in 4-20 and my buddy got the 3-15. On the lower powers his reticle is a lot more usable. I would go with the 3-15 if i had to do it over but both scopes are clear and seem good quality.

[Reidus]

Say $1500 max.....anything over that would be kind of overkill for a hunting rifle I think. Want the holdover points (mil dot, moa, or ballistic reticle) to stay the same no matter the power setting. Probably 600 yd max shooting distance for 300 wsm.

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-5-20x50-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P51642.aspx

Take a look at the one in the link above.

Looks like a nice scope but I'm looking for something with capped turrets.

[Reidus]

As for the reticle not being usable at lower power, I think the holdover points would be tough to use at lower power but don't see a problem using the main cross hair for close in shots. While hunting I typically have my scope on a lower power setting and when setting up for a shot I typically zoom in while looking through the scope if I can't see good enough. With a ffp you could just zoom until you can see good and shoot without making sure your scope is on 11.3x or the max power setting. Many times while hunting you don't get much time to make it happen.

[yorketransport]

As for the reticle not being usable at lower power, I think the holdover points would be tough to use at lower power but don't see a problem using the main cross hair for close in shots. While hunting I typically have my scope on a lower power setting and when setting up for a shot I typically zoom in while looking through the scope if I can't see good enough. With a ffp you could just zoom until you can see good and shoot without making sure your scope is on 11.3x or the max power setting. Many times while hunting you don't get much time to make it happen.

This is an issue a lot of times. I've found that on the lowest magnifications, illumination makes a big difference. Getting the reticle right on a FFP scope is pretty tough. I've grown pretty fond of the FFP TMR reticle or other simple designs.