OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Rifle Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - riflescope for 400yd. shots
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

riflescope for 400yd. shots

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
slicksbeagles1 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: June/07/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 7
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote slicksbeagles1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: riflescope for 400yd. shots
    Posted: June/07/2008 at 11:38
which scope for the money would you guys suggest for the money to take 400 yard shots in mexico using a remington .30-06 150grain winchester supreme ballist silver tip. i need to start practicing now for december and hope i don't have to take a shot that far, but i saw a buck of a lifetime last year that far away. thanks
Back to Top
Roy Finn View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Steiner Junkie

Joined: April/05/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 4856
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Roy Finn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/07/2008 at 12:00

Not sure on what you are budgeting but there are lots of good options in the 3-9, 2.5-3.5 to 10 power as well. You really shouldn't need anything with more power on top than a 10 power. Brands like Bushnell Elite, Nikon, Sightron, Leupold, Zeiss Conquest, Burris and even the new Vortex line of scopes all are very good options. Oh, and by the way, welcome aboard.

 
Roy
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/07/2008 at 12:14
Welcome, slicksbeagles1!
 
Any decent 3-9X, 2.5-10X variable scope will work just fine for your use.
 
Since you said "for the money," my vote would be for one of these:
 
I have zero experience with Sightron scopes, but I've generally heard high praise for the SII and SII Big Sky series from those who have:
 
Depending on how much you're willing to spend, and if you want to go higher-end, there are some Kahles scopes that I think are an excellent value "for the money" as well found on the SWFA samplelist (http://www.samplelist.com/default.aspx?display_num=10&mfg_selection=5&prod_type=1&hide_sold=false)  I also think the Zeiss Conquest line in general represents a good value for what you get.
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
dougedwards View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: April/16/2008
Location: Williamsburg, v
Status: Offline
Points: 213
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dougedwards Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/07/2008 at 12:32
 I am curious as to why there haven't been reports on the Bushnell Elite 6500 here on the forum.  There was mention that some of the Ellis Optical scopes were so appealing that some might purchase one just to examine it.  This opportunity has been presented  by Bushnell to all who would "try out" the Elite 6500 with a promise of money back if dissatisfied with the scope at all.  However as curious as many seem to be in this forum there seems to be noone who has purchased one and then reported the findings. That is preplexing to me since I have one but have not had time to actually shoot it or test it other than looking through it.
 
This scope seems taylor made for 400 yard shots as it zooms out to 16x in the 2.5-16x42 verision of the scope.   You might even be able to see the 30-06 bullet holes in targets at that distance as this is a very clear and precise scope.  At 17 oz and a 30mm tube it might be a little bulky for brush hunting but should be great for 400-500 yard shots.  I wish I could give you more exacting information but i have been working 50 hour weeks and have had no opportunity to play. 
 
I will admit that 10x is all that is necessary for a good 400 yard picture but 16x would be nice for examining whitetails at long range while you decide which buck to take.  Maybe you have that type of opportunity in Mexico but here in Va most shots are within 100 yards with 250 being a very long shot.  Hope this helps a bit.
 
 Doug
but you brethren are not of the flesh but of the spirit if indeed the spirit of Christ dwells within you...Romans 8
Back to Top
Obi Wan Kenobi View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: December/21/2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 188
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Obi Wan Kenobi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/07/2008 at 13:06
Originally posted by slicksbeagles1 slicksbeagles1 wrote:

which scope for the money would you guys suggest for the money to take 400 yard shots in mexico using a remington .30-06 150grain winchester supreme ballist silver tip. i need to start practicing now for december and hope i don't have to take a shot that far, but i saw a buck of a lifetime last year that far away. thanks
 
First thing I'd do is eliminate the guess work by buying a good range finder. Nikon 400 for about 200$. The second thing I'd do is buy a scope with a range recticle. Something like a Zeiss Conquest Rapid Z 600 yard recticle or a Leupold B/C recticle. It takes the guess work out of hold over in the field.
 
400 yards is a looooong way to shoot especially for a 30.06. You have enough kill energy out do that distance but an 06 bullet has considerable drop out past 300 yards. Get a range finder & yardage recticle scope. If an animal appears at a long distance, range him then pick the proper recticle line for that particular distance. Put it on him then hold & squeeze.


Edited by Obi Wan Kenobi - June/07/2008 at 13:15
Back to Top
ms6852 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: June/05/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 42
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ms6852 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/07/2008 at 13:19

I purchased the Sightron Big Sky 4x16x42 for hunting and it is great.  I have the fine cross hair with dot reticle and droped a deer at 350 yds with it right at sundown.  Has great light gathering abilities and the image remains sharp crisp and bright all the way through 16x.  I usually don't use a spotter to see bullet holes at 200 yds.  The also sell it with mil dot if you don't have a range finder.  You will not be disappointed.  Price right know range between $499 to $569 for the same scope mentioned.

Always run from a fight...but if they catch you deliver them to hell personally.
Back to Top
silver View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master


Joined: November/04/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 2291
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote silver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/07/2008 at 17:45
A 200 yard zero should have you a little under 2 feet low at 400 yards.  Then you start droping about a foot every 50 yards.
"If we weren't all crazy we, We would go insane."   Jimmie Buffet

WWW.formitch.com

Back to Top
mercenary1947 View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar
**

Joined: April/02/2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 1392
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mercenary1947 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/07/2008 at 20:57
Get%20Your%20Popcorn%20Ready
One Shot One Kill .... *S.O.F * Head Shots Only
               SWFAM
Back to Top
Urimaginaryfrnd View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Resident Redneck

Joined: June/20/2005
Location: Iowa
Status: Offline
Points: 14964
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/07/2008 at 20:59
  
424164SF New%20Bushnell%204-16x40%20Elite%204200%20Rifle%20Scope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 New Bushnell 4-16x40 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Multi-X
  • 1"
  • Rainguard
  • Side Focus
  • Bushnell Free Waterproof Jacket Coupon
SWFA: $429.95
More%20Info... Buy%20Now
6233 Kahles 3-10x50 Helia CL Multizero 51723, Matte finish, 1" tube, plex reticle, side focus, fast focus eye piece, Allows you to zero your scope at five different ranges, no ring marks, close to new condition. $1,315.00 $749.95
If you look at Kenton Ind http://www.kentonindustries.com/ they have some target knobs that will help but they only make them for certain scopes fortunately the 4-16x40 Bushnell 4200 is one of them and you can always hunt it at 4x so you use the high end when you have a good solid rest and for the price you cant beat it.  The Kahles scope is a lot more money but gives you a way to compensate for distance also.

Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - June/07/2008 at 21:04

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
Back to Top
koshkin View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Dark Lord of Optics

Joined: June/15/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13182
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/07/2008 at 21:17
Originally posted by dougedwards dougedwards wrote:

 I am curious as to why there haven't been reports on the Bushnell Elite 6500 here on the forum.  There was mention that some of the Ellis Optical scopes were so appealing that some might purchase one just to examine it.  This opportunity has been presented  by Bushnell to all who would "try out" the Elite 6500 with a promise of money back if dissatisfied with the scope at all.  However as curious as many seem to be in this forum there seems to be noone who has purchased one and then reported the findings. That is preplexing to me since I have one but have not had time to actually shoot it or test it other than looking through it.
 
This scope seems taylor made for 400 yard shots as it zooms out to 16x in the 2.5-16x42 verision of the scope.   You might even be able to see the 30-06 bullet holes in targets at that distance as this is a very clear and precise scope.  At 17 oz and a 30mm tube it might be a little bulky for brush hunting but should be great for 400-500 yard shots.  I wish I could give you more exacting information but i have been working 50 hour weeks and have had no opportunity to play. 
 
I will admit that 10x is all that is necessary for a good 400 yard picture but 16x would be nice for examining whitetails at long range while you decide which buck to take.  Maybe you have that type of opportunity in Mexico but here in Va most shots are within 100 yards with 250 being a very long shot.  Hope this helps a bit.
 
 Doug


Elite 6500 scopes are quite good, but their availability has been rather limited and the configurations are not to everyone's liking.  Besides, these are pretty hefty 30mm tubed scopes which are substantially larger and heavier than most of the scopes recommended in this thread.

As for Ellis optics, they make a couple of configurations that are very interesting and do not (yet) exist in the 6500 line-up.  Besides, I think Ellis Optics and Elite 6500 mostly go after different markets.

ILya
Back to Top
dougedwards View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: April/16/2008
Location: Williamsburg, v
Status: Offline
Points: 213
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dougedwards Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/08/2008 at 07:46
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

Originally posted by dougedwards dougedwards wrote:

 I am curious as to why there haven't been reports on the Bushnell Elite 6500 here on the forum.  There was mention that some of the Ellis Optical scopes were so appealing that some might purchase one just to examine it.  This opportunity has been presented  by Bushnell to all who would "try out" the Elite 6500 with a promise of money back if dissatisfied with the scope at all.  However as curious as many seem to be in this forum there seems to be noone who has purchased one and then reported the findings. That is preplexing to me since I have one but have not had time to actually shoot it or test it other than looking through it.
 
This scope seems taylor made for 400 yard shots as it zooms out to 16x in the 2.5-16x42 verision of the scope.   You might even be able to see the 30-06 bullet holes in targets at that distance as this is a very clear and precise scope.  At 17 oz and a 30mm tube it might be a little bulky for brush hunting but should be great for 400-500 yard shots.  I wish I could give you more exacting information but i have been working 50 hour weeks and have had no opportunity to play. 
 
I will admit that 10x is all that is necessary for a good 400 yard picture but 16x would be nice for examining whitetails at long range while you decide which buck to take.  Maybe you have that type of opportunity in Mexico but here in Va most shots are within 100 yards with 250 being a very long shot.  Hope this helps a bit.
 
 Doug


Elite 6500 scopes are quite good, but their availability has been rather limited and the configurations are not to everyone's liking.  Besides, these are pretty hefty 30mm tubed scopes which are substantially larger and heavier than most of the scopes recommended in this thread.

As for Ellis optics, they make a couple of configurations that are very interesting and do not (yet) exist in the 6500 line-up.  Besides, I think Ellis Optics and Elite 6500 mostly go after different markets.

ILya
 
 ILya...... What is confusing to me is that SWFA rated the Elite 6500 right up there with Nightforce and IOR Valdada.  They are available if you want one and it doesn't seem that anyone has been curious enough to actually examine the scope.  17 oz doesn't seem to be that heavy or bulky for a 30mm scope and I would think that having a 6x zoom, wide field of view, excellent eye relief and all at a good price would at the very least place this scope in the "I am curious and want to examine one myself" category. 
 
 My point isn't that Ellis Optics doesn't have an appealing scope or that it doesn't compare to the 6500.  I read the posts in this forum almost every day and have discovered that the folks here LOVE rifle scopes and are extremely interested in them.  Just preplexed that noone has given the Bushnell a "try" just for the heck of it... based on the reasons above.
 
What is it about the configuration of the scope that would preclude anyone from mounting this new scope and examining it side by side with other popular scopes?
 
 Doug
but you brethren are not of the flesh but of the spirit if indeed the spirit of Christ dwells within you...Romans 8
Back to Top
Dale Clifford View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight


Joined: July/04/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 5087
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/08/2008 at 08:33
curious to me that they come out with a "top" flight scope with all the do dads, and only two reticles, neither of which, are interesting enough to me to try the scopes regardless of proposed advances in erector etc.
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/08/2008 at 09:19
Why'd we hijack the guys thread?

Along with optics choice, there is a serious ethical question in long-range hunting; namely, "am I a good enough shot to kill the animal and not simply injure it, dooming it to a slow, painful death beyond my reach?"

My recommendation is to know what you can do and do not over-reach - for the animal's sake.  If you are comfortable taking a 200 yard shot but not a 400, then the scope might change things, but be sure before you take the shot.

As for the 6500, it just ain't that interesting.
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
mercenary1947 View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar
**

Joined: April/02/2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 1392
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mercenary1947 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/08/2008 at 09:21
 I have read on a couple other sites and I think here also somewhere ... the 6500's have a blurry problem when using the zoom on them . The 4200's did'nt have it .... ! So maybe newer is'nt always better as it has turned out over the years . Research/search the web ... the posts are there . 
One Shot One Kill .... *S.O.F * Head Shots Only
               SWFAM
Back to Top
dougedwards View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: April/16/2008
Location: Williamsburg, v
Status: Offline
Points: 213
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dougedwards Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/08/2008 at 12:10
 I am very sorry for the hijacking of this thread. It wasn't my intention.  I will try to open another thread soon concerning the Elite 6500.  My apologies.
 
 Doug
but you brethren are not of the flesh but of the spirit if indeed the spirit of Christ dwells within you...Romans 8
Back to Top
Ed Connelly View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar
God of no Chihuahua

Joined: December/16/2007
Location: USA
Status: Offline
Points: 24225
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ed Connelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/08/2008 at 12:21
Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

  
424164SF New%20Bushnell%204-16x40%20Elite%204200%20Rifle%20Scope%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 New Bushnell 4-16x40 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Multi-X
  • 1"
  • Rainguard
  • Side Focus
  • Bushnell Free Waterproof Jacket Coupon
SWFA: $429.95
More%20Info... Buy%20Now
6233 Kahles 3-10x50 Helia CL Multizero 51723, Matte finish, 1" tube, plex reticle, side focus, fast focus eye piece, Allows you to zero your scope at five different ranges, no ring marks, close to new condition. $1,315.00 $749.95
If you look at Kenton Ind http://www.kentonindustries.com/ they have some target knobs that will help but they only make them for certain scopes fortunately the 4-16x40 Bushnell 4200 is one of them and you can always hunt it at 4x so you use the high end when you have a good solid rest and for the price you cant beat it.  The Kahles scope is a lot more money but gives you a way to compensate for distance also.
 
 
About the Bushnell.........on the parallax adjustable models only, Bushnell will change reticles for you, at their custom shop, for $55!!!   Big%20Grin
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 5.648 seconds.