Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Straight Shooter on December 28, 2010, 09:39:19 AM

Title: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Straight Shooter on December 28, 2010, 09:39:19 AM: I plan on buying another rifle. Never owned a magnum so, I'm going to go that route. Decided that the caliber will be .300 WSM. I want an all-weather set-up so, it will be stainless/synthetic. I'm looking to keep the price for rifle/scope to under $1,200.00. I'm considering:

Tikka T3
Rem SPS
Weatherby Vanguard
Savage Weather Warrior

As far as scope, I want something in 3-15, 4.5-14, or 4-16. Considering:

Nikon Monarch
Bushnell 3200/4200
Leupould VX3
Sightron
Burris

Appreciate your help.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Maligator on December 28, 2010, 09:44:25 AM: I've got the Tikka T3 in 300 WSM topped off with a Leupold VX3L scope and love the set-up! My T3 shoots sub MOA with 180gr Nosler Accubonds. I figure I can use this for just about anything in the lower 48.

Best of luck to you in your search.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: C-Money on December 28, 2010, 09:46:07 AM: Check out a Browning A-bolt stainless stalker. Top it with a 3.5x10x40 Leupold vxIII and you should be happy!
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: BlackRidge on December 28, 2010, 09:47:54 AM: I'm in the same situation and recently ordered a Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40 w/ the BDC reticle, through SWFA. great prices

should be perfect
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Wacenturion on December 28, 2010, 11:26:23 AM: I've got a Nikon Monarch 4x16 with BDC reticle on a Browning .325 WSM.....nice scope and best quality in that price range on comparable scopes above and below cost wise.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: gadwall on December 28, 2010, 11:32:03 AM: You have a great start with what you've narrowed it down to both in rfles and scopes. My preference given those choices would be the T3 or the Weather Warrior topped with one of the bushnells or the monarch.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Emptyhanded on December 28, 2010, 12:06:59 PM: I have the Tikka T3 in 300 WSM but the synthetic/blue version. It shoots real well with the old 180 Nosler solidbase bullets and RE-19. Anyways, I put a Nikon Prostaff on it cause thats all I had the money for but with your budget i would go Leupold 3.5X10 VXIII.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Straight Shooter on December 28, 2010, 01:18:16 PM: Quote from: Emptyhanded on December 28, 2010, 12:06:59 PM
I have the Tikka T3 in 300 WSM but the synthetic/blue version. It shoots real well with the old 180 Nosler solidbase bullets and RE-19. Anyways, I put a Nikon Prostaff on it cause thats all I had the money for but with your budget i would go Leupold 3.5X10 VXIII.

Did your T3 come with scope bases?
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Antlerking on December 28, 2010, 01:20:17 PM: I love my A-bolts, a little more money than a T3 but its a great gun.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: 300wsm on December 28, 2010, 01:30:45 PM: Don't look past the Bushnell Elite 4200. I put it on my Tikka 300wsm. The reason I put it on was for the all weather reason. You can't fog it up and the glass is as good as most. :twocents:
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Tony 270 on December 28, 2010, 01:59:38 PM: Might want to check if Dick's still has their 700 SS ADL rifle on sale for $399
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Straight Shooter on December 28, 2010, 03:16:21 PM: I see that Cabelas has the Weatherby Vanguard (blue) in .270 WSM on sale for $329.88. Tempting, but I'll stick to the game plan.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Weatherby174-Vanguard-Bolt-Action-Rifles/706374.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D20%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3D300%2Bwsm%26Ntx%3Dmode%252Bmatchall%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form_state%3DsearchForm%26search%3D300%2Bwsm&Ntt=300+wsm (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Weatherby174-Vanguard-Bolt-Action-Rifles/706374.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D20%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3D300%2Bwsm%26Ntx%3Dmode%252Bmatchall%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form_state%3DsearchForm%26search%3D300%2Bwsm&Ntt=300+wsm)
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: thinkingman on December 28, 2010, 03:47:16 PM: I have the Tikka T3 s/ss.
Shoots like a dream if your dreams include getting kicked in the shoulder.
I would encourage a SVL recoil pad (#10011 IIRC)
Also, budget a better set of scope rings $50...Warne, Talley, Deadnutz.
What you save by not buying Leupold (mine wears Burris, I'd seriously consider Bushy 4200 for the rainguard)
You can buy Limbsaver, scope mounts and ammo and still have a better setup.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: ser300wsm on December 28, 2010, 03:50:51 PM: I sure do like my Ruger all weather stainless in of course 300wsm, on top is a stainless Zeiss conquest in 3x9 x 40.... :twocents: Although i dont think Ruger carries the 300wsm anymore... :dunno: It is a very nice setup i think..
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Straight Shooter on December 28, 2010, 04:00:27 PM: Quote from: thinkingman on December 28, 2010, 03:47:16 PM
I have the Tikka T3 s/ss.
Shoots like a dream if your dreams include getting kicked in the shoulder.
I would encourage a SVL recoil pad (#10011 IIRC)
Also, budget a better set of scope rings $50...Warne, Talley, Deadnutz.What you save by not buying Leupold (mine wears Burris, I'd seriously consider Bushy 4200 for the rainguard)
You can buy Limbsaver, scope mounts and ammo and still have a better setup.

Gotcha... the rifle I end up getting will wear an EGW picatinny base and Warne rings.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Straight Shooter on December 28, 2010, 04:05:24 PM: Quote from: ser300wsm on December 28, 2010, 03:50:51 PM
I sure do like my Ruger all weather stainless in of course 300wsm, on top is a stainless Zeiss conquest in 3x9 x 40.... :twocents: Although i dont think Ruger carries the 300wsm anymore... :dunno: It is a very nice setup i think..

Yeah, I have two Rugers in .308 Win... definitley wouldn't mind another in .300WSM, but it looks like they only come in .300RCM.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: NORRISKI2 on December 28, 2010, 04:09:18 PM: My main rifle is a Tikka T3 lite SS .300 WSM with a Burris signature series 3x12x44 scope. I added a SVL recoil pad and had it accurized, trigger work, and bedding. I shoot 165gr hornady interbond hand loads and the rifle is definitely better than me. IMHO can't beat the set-up for the price. I agree with others definitely go with better rings like warne.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Emptyhanded on December 28, 2010, 04:25:11 PM: Quote from: Straight Shooter on December 28, 2010, 01:18:16 PM
Quote from: Emptyhanded on December 28, 2010, 12:06:59 PM
I have the Tikka T3 in 300 WSM but the synthetic/blue version. It shoots real well with the old 180 Nosler solidbase bullets and RE-19. Anyways, I put a Nikon Prostaff on it cause thats all I had the money for but with your budget i would go Leupold 3.5X10 VXIII.

Did your T3 come with scope bases?

Straight Shooter,
My tikka came with rings from the factory. A lot of people say they are junk, but mine have been on there for 3 years now and I havent had a problem yet.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: birdwacker on December 28, 2010, 04:34:25 PM: Quote from: Straight Shooter on December 28, 2010, 04:00:27 PM
Quote from: thinkingman on December 28, 2010, 03:47:16 PM
:rockin:I have the Tikka T3 s/ss.
Shoots like a dream if your dreams include getting kicked in the shoulder.
I would encourage a SVL recoil pad (#10011 IIRC)
Also, budget a better set of scope rings $50...Warne, Talley, Deadnutz.What you save by not buying Leupold (mine wears Burris, I'd seriously consider Bushy 4200 for the rainguard)
You can buy Limbsaver, scope mounts and ammo and still have a better setup.

Gotcha... the rifle I end up getting will wear an EGW picatinny base and Warne rings.
Good advice.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Straight Shooter on December 29, 2010, 07:31:58 AM: I'm really liking the Tikka T3... maybe even in .300 Win Mag.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: high country on December 29, 2010, 08:51:22 AM: I will only offer a bit of optics thought.

a 3-9 4200 can be had for $250ish and there is no scope within $100 that can begin to hang with it and few within $200. were I gonna spend more then that I would give minox a peek. they have a 3-9 that has stellar optics (based on heresay as I don't have one yet) but the price is sub $400 and they have some nice options that make them a steal. the last endorsement goes to zeiss. the zeiss conquest in 3-9 @ $400 is really the gold standard of value and performance. you need to spend more then twice that to see an improvement optically.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 29, 2010, 01:05:13 PM: I have 4 Pentax scopes on 4 different rifles. I'm very impressed with the clarity and workmanship. $200 if you google around down to
$89 on sale from the sportsmans guide. Same scope, same as all the others online.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Straight Shooter on December 29, 2010, 01:32:41 PM: Quote from: CAMPMEAT on December 29, 2010, 01:05:13 PM
I have 4 Pentax scopes on 4 different rifles. I'm very impressed with the clarity and workmanship. $200 if you google around down to
$89 on sale from the sportsmans guide. Same scope, same as all the others online.

Are you referring to the Gameseekers?
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: GreggHunts2hard4u on December 29, 2010, 01:37:15 PM: get a SCHMIDT & BENDER 3–12 x 50 Variable Power scope with Reticle No. 7 FlashDot. Their most popular scope, identical to the 3–12 x 42 but with a larger objective lens for outstanding twilight performance. Its slim design still allows relatively low mounts. Appropriate for hunting on any continent in the world. Available with standard and illuminated reticles, and also in our Precision

http://www.schmidtbender.com/scopes_variable.shtml (http://www.schmidtbender.com/scopes_variable.shtml)
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: high country on December 29, 2010, 02:47:06 PM: I have a couple of the older pentax lightseekers.....they are a good scope, but not on par anymore. they were the best of their day 10 years ago.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Straight Shooter on December 29, 2010, 03:15:33 PM: Quote from: GreggHunts2hard4u on December 29, 2010, 01:37:15 PM
get a SCHMIDT & BENDER 3–12 x 50 Variable Power scope with Reticle No. 7 FlashDot. Their most popular scope, identical to the 3–12 x 42 but with a larger objective lens for outstanding twilight performance. Its slim design still allows relatively low mounts. Appropriate for hunting on any continent in the world. Available with standard and illuminated reticles, and also in our Precision

http://www.schmidtbender.com/scopes_variable.shtml (http://www.schmidtbender.com/scopes_variable.shtml)

:yike: That's twice more $$ than I had budgeted for rifle and scope!! :yike: Thanks for the info but, I could never see myself spending that much on glass.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 29, 2010, 03:38:40 PM: Quote from: Straight Shooter on December 29, 2010, 01:32:41 PM
Quote from: CAMPMEAT on December 29, 2010, 01:05:13 PM
I have 4 Pentax scopes on 4 different rifles. I'm very impressed with the clarity and workmanship. $200 if you google around down to
$89 on sale from the sportsmans guide. Same scope, same as all the others online.

Are you referring to the Gameseekers?

Yes and the Pioneer too.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: ribka on December 29, 2010, 05:35:40 PM: T3 lite stainless plus Zeiss or as mentioned a Minox 3-9 (cameraland.com)
Also upgrade to talleys or warne rings
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Bofire on December 29, 2010, 06:34:51 PM: T3 lite stainless, Leupold VX3 3.5 X10X40. yer all done and will out shoot most customs, I prefer WinMag to short mag. The 4.5X14 has too small of field of view at 100 yards. I have both. shoot both.
Carl
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Deep Forks on December 29, 2010, 09:04:55 PM: You'll never regret the Tikka t3 lt. and top it with the Vortex Viper scope. I have this scope on 3 rifles and couldn't be happier. The 4x12 and 6.5x20x44 are both awesome scopes and come with an unconditional 100% warranty that's unsurpassed. I purchased mine at the Outdoorsman 1-800-291-8065.
Also have their Razor binos and spotter, they perform flawlessly with great color rendition, crisp edges and brightness early and late.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: 700xcr on December 30, 2010, 06:38:04 AM: Quote from: Straight Shooter on December 28, 2010, 09:39:19 AM
I plan on buying another rifle. Never owned a magnum so, I'm going to go that route. Decided that the caliber will be .300 WSM. I want an all-weather set-up so, it will be stainless/synthetic. I'm looking to keep the price for rifle/scope to under $1,200.00. I'm considering:

Tikka T3
Rem SPS
Weatherby Vanguard
Savage Weather Warrior

As far as scope, I want something in 3-15, 4.5-14, or 4-16. Considering:

Nikon Monarch
Bushnell 3200/4200
Leupould VX3
Sightron
Burris

Appreciate your help.
My choice would be a Remington 700 xcrII in 300wsm. Scope would be a Burris Euro-Diamond 2.5x10x44mm using Warne bases and rings. Adjust the trigger down to 2Ibs. and a barrel break-in proceedure. Shhooting a Handloaded Nosler 180gr. or 200gr. Accubonds.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: high country on December 30, 2010, 08:03:29 AM: keep in mind that most of the scopes mentioned are all made by the same company, for different companies. there are a select few that really excell. LOW builds good scopes. most of the better ones are made in the same place and 99% of scopes lens' come from the same lens maker, the diff is that the manufacturer gets to spec the scope, so while they may be assembled to similar quality, some use better designs. I would encourage you to dive deep into your research on the scope. pert near any rifle made today will shoot better then you can, but the scope is what makes or breaks a hunt. lastly, when facing the high power vs low power scopes, remember, quality trumps power 100x over.
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: Straight Shooter on December 30, 2010, 08:14:16 AM: Quote from: high country on December 30, 2010, 08:03:29 AM
keep in mind that most of the scopes mentioned are all made by the same company, for different companies. there are a select few that really excell. LOW builds good scopes. most of the better ones are made in the same place and 99% of scopes lens' come from the same lens maker, the diff is that the manufacturer gets to spec the scope, so while they may be assembled to similar quality, some use better designs. I would encourage you to dive deep into your research on the scope. pert near any rifle made today will shoot better then you can, but the scope is what makes or breaks a hunt. lastly, when facing the high power vs low power scopes, remember, quality trumps power 100x over.

Great info/advice... thanks. Let's say for $600.00 or less, what's on your short-list for quality scopes in the 3-9, 3-10 or 4-12 range? I'm thinking... Leupold VX-3, Zeiss Conquest, Bushy 4200, and Nikon Monarch.

Natchez is clearing out Weaver-made Nitrex scopes... what do you think?
Title: Re: Decided on .300 WSM... Now, What Rifle/Scope?
Post by: high country on December 30, 2010, 08:20:27 AM: I have had more then a few scopes go wonky on me. I trust the 4200 and the conquest. I am shy of lupys other then etched reticle models. the minox is getting some great reviews by guys that know their stuff and judging by the other optics they sell, I believe them. meopta has also entered the game.

if I had $600 I would by 1 4200 and 1 conquest or 2 minox.