Advice Wanted Scope Upgrade on 30-06

[el_jefe_pescado]

I am debating whether to upgrade the glass on my first generation X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed in 30-06. Current setup is the tried and true 3-9x40 Leupold VX2. I am primarily a bow hunter and wanted a great rifle for killing elk around 250 yards in the beetle kill jungles of NW CO---that is exactly what I got.

I now mostly hunt MT and would like a system that can provide better solutions than a hillbilly hold over for shots beyond 350 yards.

Options I am considering:

1. Do nothing (optic is great glass and reliably does what I ask of it)

2. Replace with one of the following

-Leupold VX Freedom 4-12x40 CDS Tri Moa
-VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 CDS ZL-Duplex
-Vortex Viper 3-15x44

Current bullet is a 180 gr TSX, will likely mess around with 168 gr TTSX as I have been impressed with its performance on game.

Any other thoughts or suggestions welcomed...

 

[Hnthrdr]

Look at the scope evals on this site, that will give you a clue on what most folks would recommend around here

 

[rabbithuntr]

I wouldn’t get the box freedom, I had a 3-9 it was as a lemon would not hold 0. I would look at SWFA the 3-9 is great and if you can wait for a 6x to get back in stock they are as well the 10x is also useful.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

If your current scope is in fact "tried & true" like you say then I'd do nothing. If you're itching for a new scope definitely look at the evals as mentioned.

Side note, I'll probably list an almost brand new NF 2.5-10x42 SHV here pretty soon. It's got the reticle tree for holdovers, but it's also easy to dial just gotta remove the cap.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I am debating whether to upgrade the glass on my first generation X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed in 30-06. Current setup is the tried and true 3-9x40 Leupold VX2. I am primarily a bow hunter and wanted a great rifle for killing elk around 250 yards in the beetle kill jungles of NW CO---that is exactly what I got.

I now mostly hunt MT and would like a system that can provide better solutions than a hillbilly hold over for shots beyond 350 yards.

Options I am considering:

1. Do nothing (optic is great glass and reliably does what I ask of it)

2. Replace with one of the following

-Leupold VX Freedom 4-12x40 CDS Tri Moa
-VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 CDS ZL-Duplex
-Vortex Viper 3-15x44

Current bullet is a 180 gr TSX, will likely mess around with 168 gr TTSX as I have been impressed with its performance on game.

Any other thoughts or suggestions welcomed...

Depending on the exact era in which it was made, it might well be a good sighting device.

Have you done any sort of tracking and repeating tests with your tried and true VX2? Shoot 5 shots at your current 100-yard zero, turn it up 4 MOA and right 4 MOA. Then shoot 5 more. Then turn it left 8 MOA and down 8 MOA and shoot 5 more. Then up 4 MOA and right 4 MOA and shoot 5 more. Is the last group in the same spot as the first? If so, then by all means keep using it. If not, consider that you can get a SWFA or Trijicon 3-9x40 for $600-700 that is also rugged enough to hold zero if you slip and drop the rifle.

Forget newer Leupold scopes. They are generally living off their reputation and have been for the past two decades.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[el_jefe_pescado]

I wouldn’t get the box freedom, I had a 3-9 it was as a lemon would not hold 0. I would look at SWFA the 3-9 is great and if you can wait for a 6x to get back in stock they are as well the 10x is also useful.

The 3-9 might be the ticket. Thanks rabbbit.