Scope for 25 Creedmoor Hunting Rifle?

[Ludo]

I’m building a custom 25 Creedmoor hunting rifle that will takeover as my primary deer/antelope rifle and I need to settle on a scope.
I’m a buy once cry once kind of guy, so I’m not factoring in “value” here. I want the optimal scope for this build.

Some factors:
I’m hunting mostly western states, primarily Colorado.
I’ve never taken a shot at a deer over 200yds, but I want this capable out to 6-700yds for antelope (and possibly NRL Hunter).
I use FFP/MOA scopes, but might consider SFP for this application.

I know I want the following:
Objective-50mm or less
Power-18x or more (w/ useable low end)
Weight-30oz or less

My search has narrowed it down to:
NF NX8 2.5-20
NF NX8 4-32
Leupold MK5 3-18
S&B Meta 3-18

I’m open to all opinions and suggestions, especially the FFP/SFP debate for this type of build.

 

[grfox92]

I’m building a custom 25 Creedmoor hunting rifle that will takeover as my primary deer/antelope rifle and I need to settle on a scope.
I’m a buy once cry once kind of guy, so I’m not factoring in “value” here. I want the optimal scope for this build.

Some factors:
I’m hunting mostly western states, primarily Colorado.
I’ve never taken a shot at a deer over 200yds, but I want this capable out to 6-700yds for antelope (and possibly NRL Hunter).
I use FFP/MOA scopes, but might consider SFP for this application.

I know I want the following:
Objective-50mm or less
Power-18x or more (w/ useable low end)
Weight-30oz or less

My search has narrowed it down to:
NF NX8 2.5-20
NF NX8 4-32
Leupold MK5 3-18
S&B Meta 3-18

I’m open to all opinions and suggestions, especially the FFP/SFP debate for this type of build.

Out of the list you posted in would only spend money on the NF options. I would pick the 2.5-20x.

Another option not listed is a Trijicon Credo HX, or Tenmile.

Another option not listed is a Maven RS1.2

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[Ludo]

Out of the list you posted in would only spend money on the NF options. I would pick the 2.5-20x.

Another option not listed is a Trijicon Credo HX, or Tenmile.

Another option not listed is a Maven RS1.2

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That’s where I was leaning. What makes you pick the 2.5-20 over the 4-32? (That’s the real question I should have posted)

 

[eric1115]

If you're open to MRAD (which I'd highly recommend), an LRHS2 from GAP or the new Shoot2Hunt scope would be worth considering as well.

 

[grfox92]

That’s where I was leaning. What makes you pick the 2.5-20 over the 4-32? (That’s the real question I should have posted)

I just dont see the purpose for that much magnification for shooting hunting ranges. I shoot out to 1000 yards with 10x on steel.

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[Azhunter10]

I have the NX8 2.5-20x50 FFP MOA on my 25 Creedmoor , as well as the NX8 4-32x50 FFP moa on my 6.5prc and they’re great scopes, I prefer my 2.5-20x50 as I think it’s perfect for that setup!

 

[tipsntails7]

Could look at the new NX6 3-18 as well. should be a bit lighter and from people who have looked through them a bit easier eye box.

That is the only issue I had with the 2.5-20. not that its terrible, but its the worst eye box out of the NF's I have looked down, which is why I ultimately went 4-32, but dont think ive ever zoomed it in past like 20x maximum.

Dont believe I have ever shot an animal above like 15x

I can use my 2.5-10 for targets out to 7-800 yards no issues as well.

its obviously preference, but I've never seen people get along with high mag and taking shots on game, in my experience.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Could look at the new NX6 3-18 as well. should be a bit lighter and from people who have looked through them a bit easier eye box.

This right here is what I’d be looking at.

 

[huntnful]

Out of those qualifications I would go with the 5-25X50 trijicon Tenmile HX. Meets all those specs and is FFP MOA

 

[Justin Crossley]

NX8 4-32x50 with the Mil-C or Mil-XT reticle is what I like. I think I have four of them.

The 2.5-20 makes no sense to me, since it's almost the same weight, and 4x is plenty low for any hunting I've ever personally encountered.

Now, the reason I recommend a scope with a max magnification above 10x is based on an actual scenario from last season. I had just crawled through tall grass with my best friend and his 8-year-old son so we could get him a shot at his first buck. I had seven bucks all bedded on the hill across from us, and even though they were only 300 yards away, you couldn't tell exactly which buck was which due to the color of their antlers and the color of the grass. Because we were so close, I wouldn't dare pull my spotter out of my pack, but I could verify exactly which buck was which by simply twisting my magnification ring on the NX8.

Since I'm not culling does or cow elk, I need to be able to verify exactly what I'm shooting at (especially in states with antler restrictions), and the 32x NX8 is perfect for that.

The Shoot 2 Hunt scope will also be a great choice based on what I've seen so far but you may not be able to wait for one of those.

Also, I have used the NX8 very successfully at quite a few NRL Hunter matches, and I'm the only competitor (that I'm aware of) who doesn't check zero before the matches.

 

[ATL]

All good choices mentioned. I would also include the ATACR 4-16x42. This is a great scope I choose as my primary. The locking turret is my favorite design. It is on the heavier side at 30 oz., and many shooters do not like the eye piece turns with the magnification ring (does not bother me at all).

I would use my NXS 2.5-10x42 if I was scoping a light weight rifle. SFP is fine for 10x, but anything greater I want FFP.

No experience yet, but my suspicion is the NX6 2-12x42 and/or 3-18x50 may be a sweet spot in the NF line. Depends on if the reticles are useful and if the new turret system is durable. I am interested in seeing these scopes in person.

I rarely use above 12x in the field, and that fact has driven my choice in scopes. I had a NX8 4-32 several years ago. It was a good scope but has a large form factor for me. I never used the upper half of the magnification range, and I prefer something more compact.

Good luck with the new rifle!

 

[Grillnugz]

Go FFP, you essentially get a calibrated and accurate reticle. If you plan to dial, spot shots and make corrections after a first shot FFP is the best way (much less likely to make a correction mistake). If FFP is too expensive buy a cheaper scope like SWFA or Maven.

NF is my preference, maven RS1.2 is quite nice as well. I run the little atacr 4-16 and really enjoy the scope. I’ve looked through the NX8 and found the 2-20 model hard to sit behind and a bit finicky, still totally usable at low to mid powers. Even at 700 yards I doubt you’d need 20x, probably more like 5-8x if you want to spot your shot

SWFA 3-15 is a great scope too.

I own a few tenmiles, I’m not the biggest fan of the Xmas tree reticle. But completely serviceable. The price has gone up on these recently and would probably look at other scopes.

You’ve listed a lot of legit options, I’d go with what you can get the best deal on or find a deal on used.

 

[Ludo]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I don’t know how I missed the NX6’s! I didn’t realize NF had released these (I haven’t researched scopes since my last rifle build a few years ago). These might be exactly what I’m looking for, but… of course… I was honing in on the 4-24 NX6 but see it’s the ONLY NX6 that’s NOT offered in FFP. C’mon NF!