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Thinking of a Zeiss Rapid Z for AR

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Manny View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Manny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Thinking of a Zeiss Rapid Z for AR
    Posted: January/24/2009 at 03:30
I have a 20" Rock River flattop national match rifle that I'm looking to scope and set up along the lines of the SDMR (squad designated marksman rifle) rifles now being used in the service. I shoot heavy bullet loads, 69gr-75gr, and want to use the rifle for a varmint/predator rig primarily for coyotes from short range out to about 400 yards maximum. I'd also like to stretch it for target shooting to 600 yards on match type targets. I'm looking for a scope with good low light performance since most of my hunting opportunities are after work stretching into twilight, and I would like to have some type of ranging reticule that will work for field use.

Looking at scopes within my budget, the Zeiss Conquest 3-9x50 with the Rapid Z 600 seems like it would match well with the capabilities of the rifle and cartridge, but I'm wondering how well the reticule will match with the trajectory of the loads I plan to shoot.  

I'd appreciate any feedback, guidance or recommendations of another scope that might work better to make the right choice. 
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martin3175 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote martin3175 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2009 at 07:10
Welcome to the OT
Very nice scope--Keep in mind that only time at the range will line up the reticle with your specific loads ... that's the fun part


Edited by martin3175 - January/24/2009 at 07:19
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Kickboxer View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2009 at 07:15
martin is absolutely correct.  You are going to 1) find an ammo load that ballistically matches the BDC of the scope, or 2) build a data chart with the ammo you intend to use which shows the range at which the actual trajectory of  the bullet "aligns" with the BDC reticle.  If you change ammo/lots, you must redo your chart.  It is some upfront time at the range which will then improve your longer range capabilities in the field.  
And it's FUN...
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trigger29 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2009 at 11:01
You could start by using the Rapid-Z calculator on Zeiss's website. It will give you an idea of where the reticle lines up with that load. It will never be perfect, but it will give you an idea before you buy the scope. Here is the login to the calculator.
 
 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sscoyote Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/25/2009 at 22:42
Originally posted by martin3175 martin3175 wrote:

Welcome to the OT
Very nice scope--Keep in mind that only time at the range will line up the reticle with your specific loads ... that's the fun part
 
Absolutely (x2). My long-range coyote rig is an Insight Shooting Sytems AR 223 AI. I use the old DPMS VLD magazine and shoot the 65 JLK Low Drag (BC-.4) @ 3050 mv. My favorite scope for this rig out to 500-600 yds. (limit of 500+/- for coyotes) is the PFI 3-9x 22 Long Rifle Rapid Reticle recald. to the trajectory of my load. I think it offers the best reticle out to 600 yds. for both elevation and windage, IMO...but it's a 1st FP reticle.
 
PFI r the same guys that designed the Rapid-Z's for Zeiss--John Pride and Mickey Fowler.


Edited by sscoyote - January/25/2009 at 22:45
Steve
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