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17 WSM / BMag Scope Opinions

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suprasteve View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
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    Posted: October/12/2015 at 08:31
Hello All,
First post here, bear with me.  And yes, I did try searching first, but not much was popping up Big Smile.  Just ordered a 17 WSM and looking for glass to mount on it.  Would love to hear some opinions/experiences from others who own one regarding optics they use.
First, intended use: plinking stuff at extended ranges (100+ yards to whatever the round is capable of doing).  I have 22's and shotguns for short range plinking and if I really want to hunt small game.  Been looking for a higher zoom, lower cost scope (I know that's a slippery slope).  I saw BSA offers a 17 WSM scope, but wrote that off cause it is a BSA.  Saw a Sightmark as well (Triple Duty), but no experience with the company, and reviews didn't look all too stellar.  So right now I'm leaning towards a Vortex Crossfire II.  In particular, tossing around the ideas of the 6-18x44 and 6-24x50.
Normally, 6-anything sounds ridiculous to me in a rimfire, but again, intend this only for longer plinking and would sure be nice to see holes in paper at over 100 yards.  The 50mm lens is also huge, but I'm hearing I'll need high rings anyways due to the design of the bolt handle, any experiences here? 
I have a 6-18 on something else, and I think the upper end of the zoom is usable to maybe 150 yards if I'm trying to shoot small varmint-sized objects.  Current owners: are these 200 and 250 yard shots at squirrels that I keep reading about realistic for the BMag/17 WSM?  If so, I'm wondering if I need to step up to the 24X to really see what I'm aiming at if I'm shooting that distance.  If the round isn't all that people are making it sound, then 18X would be plenty.  Honestly don't know the round's potential so a little difficult to match glass.
Thoughts on those two options by Vortex?  Any others in the "budget" range to consider?  I'm trying to keep in mind it's a $200-something rifle so trying to stay somewhat in that neighborhood for the scope as well...
Thanks in advance!
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Rainman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rainman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2015 at 18:01
Consensus seems to be that it's a 300 yard round and will probably be challenged to 500 yards or so by skilled riflemen.  If you are sold on Vortex you might want to step up a level in glass quality to the Diamondback series.  You should also check out the Nikon scopes on SWFA's Sample List.  I'm using a couple of ten year old Nikon Monarch 5.5-16.5x BDC scopes on .22 Mag and .17 HMR rifles because I find them very eye friendly for long days of shooting ground squirrels and PDs.
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suprasteve View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote suprasteve Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/14/2015 at 08:17
Thanks Rainman, I'll take a look at the Nikon's as well.  You told me what I need to know!
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helo18 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2015 at 08:23
I have a Winchester 1885 Low wall 17 WSM.   I put a Swaro Z3 on mine.  It is indeed a 300+ yard rifle, so you will want the best glass for the $200 range you are wanting to stay in.  Glass trumps magnification as well.  I would rather have a better 3-9 scope with glass than a 6-24 that you can't use the top out end of.

I have shot PDs out to 400 yards so far with mine.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2015 at 08:25
One other comment I will make.  The WSM really does heat the barrel up.  It is a great gun, but I alternate between it, my 22-250, 22 LR, and 17 Hmr when at a PD town because the WSM and 22-250 heat up fast out there.
To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldfortyfive Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2015 at 08:45

http://swfa.com/Vortex-2-8x32-Diamondback-HP-Rifle-Scope-P67745.aspx

I'd put one of these on it. Note it has side parallax. I have a couple of them and they are a great all around scope.

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