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SWFA SS 10x42 HD or Leatherwood ART 2.5-10x50

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Savage11B View Drop Down
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    Posted: May/02/2012 at 09:28
Hey shooters, this is my first post, so forgive the ignorance. I am trying to decide between the SWFA SS 10X42 HD or the Leatherwood Hi-Lux ART M1200. I have never really dealt with anything from Leatherwood, but I haven't heard anything bad about them either. My range is from 500-1200 meters. I'm going to be putting it on a Savage 10-fcp-k .308, I now have a Vortex Viper on it, but I'm going to move that over to a Rem 700 6MM. I appreciate any feedback.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/02/2012 at 09:49
Welcome to Optics Talk. 

The only guy I know who has much intel on Leatherwood, is a member who's call sign is "Kickboxer". 
Koshkin may have fooled with one too, but I don't know. 

Hard to beat the SS 10x though.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/02/2012 at 18:11
You've placed me in a hard situation.  I have the 10xHD and love it.  I have the Leatherwood M1000, two Sporters and one of the Weaver/Leatherwood scopes from VietNam era.  They are all fine scopes.  I have a friend who has the M1200 on a 243WSSM and it is an excellent scope for that rifle.  I've had mine on almost every rifle I own. 
If you are shooting out to 1200, the magnification advantage on the M1200 is significant.  The SS10XHD is one of the toughest scopes on the market, has truly accurate AZ/EL adjustments with plenty of range for anything you need, and the glass is excellent.   I set up my friend's rifle with M1200 and it also has very good glass.  I believe the quality has improved since that scope was purchased.  One of the neat things about the Leatherwood is the ability to rapidly get on target without EL adjustments via the knobs.  You should watch the videos on the Leatherwood site about setup and use. 
Since I have Leathwood and consistent access to the type of scope you are looking at, and I have the HD, I can truly say that either one is great for your use.  The added magnification will provide advantage at longer ranges.
I don't put one scope on one rifle and just leave it... I swap around a lot.  Both scopes mentioned are excellent.  The 10xHD was designed for tough use in a tough environment and not much can beat it.  The Leatherwood is designed for rapid acquisition precision fire.  It is rated for 50BMG, but I've never put mine on that rifle.  Just haven't had a need to, yet.  The 10XHD is currently on my 50.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Savage11B Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/02/2012 at 23:18

thanks a lot for the input, I just started looking at the Leatherwood's yesterday, the price point almost seemed to good to be true. I have watched the videos and I can see how it would be good to transition from target to target.. but then again I really like the MRAD reticle, I've yet to shoot a moa-moa scope and really want to try it.. my typical shots are around 800 yards, but I'm wanting to stretch it out and start shooting between 1000-1200 yard shots, I believe the savage 10-fcp-k can do it, please correct me if I'm wrong. also, completely off topic but I just ordered a Bushnell 1200 ARC laser rangefinder, I'm needing to range targets for my SDM in the afghan mountains, did I make a good choice, or would yall suggest something else?

 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/03/2012 at 00:27
You can certainly shoot to 1200 with that rifle. 
You need to understand the limitations of the Bushnel LRFs... that 1200 range is with a highly reflective target.  I believe the 1200 is under 500yds for game.  I have the 1600 and it ranges to 1000 for trees and like 850 for game. 
The 10xHD is an awesome scope. If you choose that one, I don't think you will ever be unhappy. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Savage11B Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/03/2012 at 03:00

hmm, alright, I'll take a look at the 1200 and see if it's worth it here. There's not just a whole heck of a lot reflective here, so we'll see what happens. preciate the feedback.

yeah I think I'm gonna go the the 10x42HD, I have done a lot more research on it, no offense to Leatherwood, I'm sure I'll pick one of his scopes up later on down the road.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/04/2012 at 17:45
I have had some hands on time with both scopes, but a lot more with the SS 10xHD.  Leatherwood ART is an intersting concept and when properly set up it does work.  However, personally I prefer the 10xHD.  I am naturally distrustful of external adjustments and the whole things is quite a bit heavier to boot.

10xHD is also better optically.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Savage11B Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2012 at 06:04
I appreciate the feedback, I do believe I'm gonna go with the 10x42HD, I've always liked swfa scopes, and I really like that it has an MRAD reticle. So, does anyone know more about the price tag on the 10x42HD, meaning, I still have about 5 months before I'm stateside, should I purchase it now at this price or do yall think it will stay about the same? I'm not sure how stable their price points are typically.. thanks
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2012 at 08:29
Hey Savage, I bet if you check out some ballistic calculators you will find that your 6mm smokes that 308 past 600 yards. And its better in the wind. The 308 is great round, but past 800 yards, it really starts to fall on its face. To get the most out of the 6mm, it would require an investment into reloading gear, but that just makes shooting cheaper in the long run. Specifically I would check out the 105gr. AMAX bullet. Which in that cartridge will be  pretty easy to get 2950fps(dependant on how long your barrel is, I assume at least 24")
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2012 at 11:41
Savage11B Thanks for your service & welcome to the OT!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jjrgr21 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2012 at 12:54
you could always get a normal SS10x, and then upgrade later. you won't be disappointed in any case going with the SS series.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Savage11B Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/06/2012 at 02:01
billy: I actually have never shot this particular 6mm, I traded with my brother for it and have yet to get to shoot it, sad I know.. and yes I have been looking at some ballistic tables, and I love the way they look, the reason I am actually putting the Vortex Viper on it is because you have to be at 14x to read as true mil, and since the 6mm shoots straighter than the .308 I decided to put it on the 6mm so I can hold at 14x for farther shots, than having to dial back my magnification to shoot farther with the .308, I might sound like a babbling fool, but it makes sense in my mind.. and yes, I have really wanted to get into reloading, any suggestions for a good started kit?
stickbow: thanks for the welcome, hopefully I don't ask to many stupid questions.
jjrgr: So, what makes the HD twice the price of the SS10x? is it just the glass? I mean I understand the whole HD part, but is it a $400-500 price difference? just curious, and yes I have thought about that a lot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/06/2012 at 09:29
I have an original SS10x42, and It won't disappoint. Especially if you wait until they bring out the new ones with new reticle, and mil-adjustments. The HD version is more than just glass, it also has totally re-designed internals. The HD could also stand for Heavy Duty, as well as High Definition.
 As far as reloading goes, the Rock Chucker Supreme kit has just about everything you need for about $400. It is what I use, and is probably the most used press. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/06/2012 at 09:37
There isn't anything light duty about the original SS line, either. They are really nice scopes.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/06/2012 at 09:45
No it isn't, mine has stood up to just about 900 rounds of 300 wsm without a hiccup. I switched out for the new 5-20 SS Yippeesimply because I needed one! (that's my story, and I am sticking to it!).
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jjrgr21 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/06/2012 at 09:50
as far as i know, it's just the glass. and now the original line will be available in mil/mil-quad. i have an original and used it out to about 900 on my savage 308. you can punish them and they don't care. i would get one of the original/new scopes, and go from there. i was gonna get a 10xhd, but i think i'm just gonna get a 12X newer model.

good luck in the stan.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/06/2012 at 19:32
The 10xHD has higher quality glass and internal improvements... not just glass.
 
Though the old SS10x is great for the money, the 10xHD is much better... for the money...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Savage11B Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/07/2012 at 04:35
wow, well yall didn't help out at all... just kidding, I shall see what my budget can withstand, I'm pretty sure that's gonna be the deciding factor, but knowing me I have to have the biggest and best, so I'll probably be eating ramen noodles for a while... I'll look at the Rock Chucker, I have heard good things about it in the past, so I'll probably start with that.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote porkchop401 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/12/2012 at 05:47
Sav, take a look at the Lee anniversery kit, It isn't nearly as nice as other brands but is certainly capable of loading accurate ammo. I am currently loading .223 for my sav 12vlp that will sub 1/2" moa and though 600 is where it starts to peter I still take it out  to 1k.Not every thing I have is Lee equipment but most is , I just figured I would replace the stuff with better quality as it gives up but I have had verry litttle problems and I am currently loading about 150 rnds a month.
As for the SS scopes go they are what made me a lover of long range shooting. I am shooting my ss10 moa at our range along side NF,Ziess and other pricey optics and what I give up is not due sub par optics.
Clarity of glass and rock solid tracking realy make this scope a looker at any price.
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