Scope for a .243?

[Itchin4huntin]

Picked up a couple Ruger Americans .243 for the kids today. I'm having a bit of dilemma on scope size for them. Kids are still too young to shoot them so I'm probably going to outfit one for me. I'm more of a 30 caliber guy so am open to some input on what power for them. At first I was thinking 4-12x40 or maybe a 16 power. But one of my .308's has the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 and another rifle has the 6.5-20x44 and it was $299 shipped. I'm now leaning towards that scope.

What's everyone using on their .243?

One last thing...... I will only buy Vortex products. So if you have any recommendations, please keep them to Vortex only. Thank you!

[bobcat]

Okay, until I read your last sentence I was going to say, you can get a really nice Leupold scope for $150 to $200, after the $50 rebate they're now offering.

Either way, I'd recommend a 3-9x40, but I suppose a 4-12x40 would be okay, but I definitely would not go any bigger.

Those Americans are very light and compact rifles and I think a smaller scope would be a better fit.

[Taco280AI]

Keep it simple, 3-9x40. I imagine kids will have a harder time keeping it steady. More X will make it appear to move around more making the shot harder.

[Bob33]

9x is plenty for all distances a beginning hunter will be shooting.

[Itchin4huntin]

The one I set up for the kids will definitely have a smaller scope, 2-8 or 3-9.

Was more so asking about the one I plan on setting up for me. What's the effective range of .243? Target range and ethical hunting range? I'm glued to my .308 but may end up taking the .243 out for deer.

Thanks for the replies so far, as far as my last sentence, as I just read it again it can come across snobby/rude, those are not my intentions. I just really like Vortex and want to keep all my glass from them.

[Jonathan_S]

Diamondback Scopes from Vortex will be fine. Lots of reticle options and decent glass for a good price.

Nothing wrong with brand loyalty UNLESS you handicap yourself with it.

[bobcat]

What type of hunting do you do? A 243 should be good out to 350 to 400 yards on deer. A 20x scope seems like overkill unless you only take long shots. The accuracy of your rifle will determine maximum range more than the cartridge. I still say a 4-12x is more than enough scope for that rifle.

[Taco280AI]

One thing I'm wondering about is how accurate will my new Ruger be. As stated above that might be the limiting factor

[headshot5]

If you reload, you should be able to get <1" groups.  For just a knock around gun they are pretty good.  The stocks aren't super stiff, so it'll take some work to shoot off a bipod.     

One thing I'm wondering about is how accurate will my new Ruger be. As stated above that might be the limiting factor

[splitshot]

  I had a ruger 243 till my granddaughter got hold of it.  she drives tacks at 100 yards but it had a leupold on it.    mike w

[Evil_EdwardO]

My Tikka .243 is my coyote gun and I'm running a 4-12x40 Diamondback. I've shot plates out to 580yds with it. Thinking of getting another one for the RA 30-06 I picked up over the weekend or possibly the 3-12x42 Diamondback HP.

[Bill W]

What type of hunting do you do? A 243 should be good out to 350 to 400 yards on deer. A 20x scope seems like overkill unless you only take long shots. The accuracy of your rifle will determine maximum range more than the cartridge. I still say a 4-12x is more than enough scope for that rifle.

Depending on the accuracy of the Ruger American, a 20x scope may be overkill.  It might allow you to see what you can't hit.  I favor a 3x9 in 32 or 40mm size.

[CP]

One last thing...... I will only buy Vortex products. So if you have any recommendations, please keep them to Vortex only. Thank you!

Why Vortex?  I've never used them - what makes them better than say Simmons? 

[Itchin4huntin]

Did some shopping around last night, decided on two scopes. The diamondback 4-14x42 is the front runner. Second up is the diamondback 4-12x40 (I believe) but it doesn't have the side parralax adjustment, and I prefer that.

[Itchin4huntin]

One last thing...... I will only buy Vortex products. So if you have any recommendations, please keep them to Vortex only. Thank you!

Why Vortex?  I've never used them - what makes them better than say Simmons?

To answer why, it's just a personal choice of mine. I have 2 red dots, 5 scopes, binos, and a range finder. All vortex. First and foremost, their glass is pretty damn clear, even for their lower base models. I'm yet to use their warranty but have called with questions and every time a person answers and their customer service is great. Their warranty is a NO BS one, no proof of purchase and they'll fix or replace every time.