Long range optics?

[TRIGGER]

I'm looking into getting a 338 for long range shooting. My question is is there any downside in getting the highest power scope available through a specific brand? I'm looking at Night Force or Schmidt and Bender. My mind tells me the higher power the better since I will not be using this gun for short distance shooting. Is my thinking wrong?

 

[mr.big]

the real high power scopes have limited elevation adjustments,,the 12-42 NF has about 45 MOA and the 15-55 has 60,,the 8-32 has 70 and the 5.5-22 has 110,,you can get a sloped base to get way out with 50 MOA in the 338,,but id you want to shoot much past 1400 yards you will not be able to zero at 100 and adjust out much further,,

the 5.5-22 NXS or the 5-25 SB will allow you to zero at 100 and dial up around 2,000 and you can see pretty dang far on 22X,,but again if you are gonna shoot the 338 only at longer range and can deal with a 700-800 yard close zero you could use the 12-42,,but again only my opinion,there will be few days when you will be able to use anything much over 30X,,

 

[TRIGGER]

Exactly the insight I am looking for. Thank you. I have no clue on anything to do with long range shooting but it intreauges me. What would be your scope of choice for my application?

 

[mr.big]

if money is no object

S&B PMII 5-25
US Optic ER 5-25
NF 5-25 ATACR
NF 5.5-22 NXS

since I cant afford those I use the Sightron SIII

 

[Model70Man]

The March 8-80x would be a nice dedicated long range scope. If that is too much magnification the 5-40x is another alternative.

 

[mr.big]

a friend of mine had the 8-80 March on a Stiller Viper SS in 284 Shehane,,it has 1/8th clix and only has 60 MOA elevation also,,it is an awesome 1000 yard FClass type target scope but shooting ELR you need lots of elevation and super good glass and 25X top end is plenty,,if you need a lot of power it needs to be in the spotting scope and your spotter should be able to get you on target with your 25X rifle scope

may be my eyes but I have never been able to see well at 1500 with the March turned up much past 40X and on most days it is down around 28-30,,he actually bought the 5-25 ATACR and put it on the 284 in place of the 8-80 March,,

 

[mr.big]

the 338 is a heck of a round ,,I banged the 1525 gong at Rockcastle with mine with only a 4.5-14 LR/M1 Leupold,,

 

[Hammer]

Can't go wrong with an ATACR

 

[TRIGGER]

I am also wanting the Barrett B.O.R.S. So that limits me to the scope models they fit.