Best Optic for 300-400 yd?

[Bdouble]

I recently purchased a Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 for WI deer. This is fine for me in WI but I'm curious if this setup would be ok for Elk. My plan is to be out west dtarting next year and dont want to shrimp it on optics and ruin a shot/trip. A buddy recently bought the Swarovski BTR 3,5-18x50 and loves it, but that's a little steep for this guy.

What is the best optic for $ that will ensure clarity in sight at 300-400 yards for a beginner? Know this is personal preference but appreciate everyone's opinion.

 

[neil.hansford]

Take the one you have outside in the late afternoon or early morning and look through it. Can you see the target and crosshairs at 300 or 400 yards? Will your setup consistently hit where you aim? If so, it's fine to take out west, or anywhere else. People will tell you to spend all kinds of money when it's not their money you're spending. .

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

 

[OneRingTrTa]

i have an anschutz 64 mpr with a 20moa. i got started shooting 22lr before i bought a 308. i bought a leupold vxII 3-9x.

with that scope and the rail at max adjustment, i can hit 8 inch steel at 300 yards.

having said that, i also have a march 5-40x that i put on the anschutz for a week or two before i got a 308. and that was a perfect scope since it allowed me to see the itty bitty holes and was mil mil with markings for hold offs.

the leupold doesnt have hold offs and you have to take the caps off to adjust.

im now in a quandary. buy something more expensive? with mils and knob adjustments? there's probably a 260 remington in my future which makes it more complicated.

anyway, bottom line, with a 9x scope you can shoot 300 yards.

 

[Brent]

For that range I'd find a nightforce NXS compact 2.5-10x42. Awesome little scope! You can usually find them like new used for around $1300

 

[Bdouble]

For that range I'd find a nightforce NXS compact 2.5-10x42. Awesome little scope! You can usually find them like new used for around $1300

I've heard great things about nightforce. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Bdouble]

i have an anschutz 64 mpr with a 20moa. i got started shooting 22lr before i bought a 308. i bought a leupold vxII 3-9x.

with that scope and the rail at max adjustment, i can hit 8 inch steel at 300 yards.

having said that, i also have a march 5-40x that i put on the anschutz for a week or two before i got a 308. and that was a perfect scope since it allowed me to see the itty bitty holes and was mil mil with markings for hold offs.

the leupold doesnt have hold offs and you have to take the caps off to adjust.

im now in a quandary. buy something more expensive? with mils and knob adjustments? there's probably a 260 remington in my future which makes it more complicated.

anyway, bottom line, with a 9x scope you can shoot 300 yards.

Thanks for the reply. I also just recently bought a .308. How do you like yours?

 

[Wright406]

MAVEN 2.5-15

 

[WCB]

If the scope you have is working well there is no need to buy another scope. 12x is more than enough for those distances. Take your gun out and look through it at something 300-400 yds away how does it look? Obviously if you compare it to a scope 5x-10x the price it will probably not compare clarity wise.

 

[Silvereagle50]

Been using that Diamondback for years now (have several). It will work just fine.
That being said, I've just recently purchased some higher end Vortex stuff (2 Vipers and 1 Razor). I do like them better, but if that higher price isn't something you can comfortably do have no fears