Luepold VX-6 2-12 vs. 3-18

[LifeAndLiberty]

Sorry if a similar question has been asked before.

I have narrowed down my scope choice to one of these two. I will be mounting it to my .308 and using it for hunting, shots all within 250 to 300 yards due to it being a .308. I don't want much moving parts or a busy reticle. I am planning a trip for Northeast Canada moose or western elk. I am leaning towards the 2-12 but would prefer to "buy once, cry once" if the 3-18 is that much of an improvement. I held the 2-12 VX6 and the VX-3 which maxed at 14 side by side and the additional 2x was not nearly as noticeable as the clarity of the VX-6 (although it was just inside a Cabelas).

Is the 2-12 enough scope, given my constraints?

Thanks

 

[PathFinder]

For such short shots, 12x is plenty! I'm considering the same question for 1000 yard shots, probably going 18x for that. But 12x is more than enough for 300 yards, I can shoot consistently at 700 with my 9x scope on a different rifle.

 

[Reedo]

You will be just fine with the 2-12x42 VX6. I just got one in with the fire dot windowed reticle and it's awesome. If any shots are within 100 yards you will especially appreciate the 2x setting. I got this one for my 22-250 and will definitely be putting one on the kimber 308 I plan on getting soon. The 2-12 power will be plenty of power for 400 yards easily. I shoot 400 with my vortex razor 1-6 on my 223 without any issues. Can consistently ring an 8" steel plate with ease.

 

[LifeAndLiberty]

Thanks for the replies. Most western or big game hunters will tell me to go with a bigger rifle, but where I live in New England friends are happy to come with me to my range to shoot 200 yards... So since my ability to practice beyond 200 is limited and beyond 300 is nonexistent, I will be limited to those ranges where a .308 is sufficient. On the bright side, my .308 is very accurate and I am very comfortable with it. So whatever I lack in range I feel I make up in confidence with this rifle. If I went out and bought a 300 winmag, it would rarely be shot, I'd be less confident with it in the field, and I wouldn't have any experience taking shots longer than what a 308 is capable of anyway.

At least, that's what I'm telling myself anyway....

 

[Takeem406]

My dad has killed a few elk with his 308 with great success. Two years ago I punched my mulie buck almost in the heart at 425 with one shot. Plenty of power. The 308 is the little cartridge that can.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Most western or big game hunters will tell me to go with a bigger rifle

I won't. Your .308 is absolutely fine for western hunting. So is a 12x scope. I have a fixed 4x scope on a 30-06 and I've never had issues hitting an elk at 300 yards with it.

Good luck!

 

[Matt W.]

I have the VX6 2-12 on my 338 wm. Love that scope. Amazingly clear.. IMO you will be fine with the 2-12. Really search the net, it can be found on sale if you are patient...

 

[luke moffat]

Another 2-12 fan here. But have only used it to kill a caribou and moose with it thus far. Great scope indeed. And 12x is nice for load work ups at the range.