Which scope for 300m? Swarovski Z3 or Nightforce SHV

[Ranger619]

I just ordered a 300wm and am trying to decide between a Swarovski Z3 4-12x50 BT with the 4W reticle and a Nightforce SHV 4-16 x56 with the MOAR reticle. This gun with be used for deer and elk with shots up to 500yds. The Swarovski is lighter, a little better optically, and has the ballistic turret. The Nightforce is heavier, but is bullet proof and gets great reviews. I would probably be happy with either, maybe I should just let my wife pick and I will just go shoot something with it.
Thanks

 

[jmharrington]

For the price it's hard to beat the shv. I would go with it over the z3 for price and additional magnification. I may give the z5 a bit of an advantage over the shv if you went to spend the extra $$.

 

[Bughalli]

I debated this quite a bit myself for a 300wsm I've been building up. Decided on the Z5 3.5-18x44 BT. It's purely a hunting rifle, elk and mule deer in the mountains, so weight was a factor in the decision. I also don't need that large an objective...relative to the SHV. Z5 seemed like a nice balance. I believe the Z3 has the same glass.

 

[Ranger619]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Ranger619]

I just looked, the SHV is 4-14X56 not 4-16. Must have had fat fingers when typing.

 

[StrutNut]

I looked at the SHV and liked them but ended up getting a used NXS 3x15 .25 moa with the NP-R1 reticle and like it a lot. Its sitting on a 300 win mag right now. I paid just over $1200 for the scope in excellent condition. There are a lot of good options out there at that price point.

 

[Laelkhunter]

If you plan on doing a lot of tuning with the turrets for range changes (instead of using the crosshair), the Nightforce might track better than the Z3. The Z3 has only a single erector spring. If you can afford the extra $$, the Z5 has 4 coil springs in the erector which might be better for repeatability, and more consistent tracking.

 

[Ranger619]

Good to know that about the springs
Thanks