2.5-8 OR 3.5-10?

jmad_81

Handloader
Feb 14, 2007
2,938
3
So I'm starting my 270 WSM project this month. I'm all excited about it and can't stop thinking about it. I have both a VX-III 2.5-8 (375 Ruger) and a VX-III 3.5-10 (338 WM) already and love them. This rifle will be about in the 7.75-8.25 lb range including scope. Most of the hunting I do is in open country, and shot range from 50 yards to as far as a guy feels comfertable shooting (about 450 for me right now). I'll be shooting 140 gr ABs out of it and am going to try to get between 3150-and 3200 fps. I don't want anything bigger than a 40mm objective. So... what do ya think 2.5-8 or a 3.5-10. I'm open to other brands but, lueps are made right here in Oregon, and are pretty good quality.

I do have a VXIII 4.5-14x40 LR hanging out, but I think that would be to much for a mountian rifle.
 
jmad_81

The 2.5x8 is one of my favorites. You can easily hold on a 6" black bull at 500 yds at 8x. 2.5x is great for those close shots, mine is about 10 yds.
If you need more than this, go with the 3.5x10.

JD338
 
I have VXIII 3.5 x 10s on most my guns. A VXIII 2.5 x 8 on a 35 Rem and a VXIII 4.5 x 14 AO on a 300WSM. My Sako 270 WSM carries a VXL 3.5 x 10 and is my "GOTO" gun.
My opinion, 3.5 x 10 for the 270WSM. It is the do all scope. By the way if you are buying a new one, I have been using the BC reticle on my last 4 scopes and really like them. Easy to "calibrate" the different yardages with any Ballistics program.
 
I have to second the vote for the 3.5X10, and the suggestion of the Boone and Crockett reticle. Those are great scopes, I had two and really enjoyed them.

I however, was not worried about the weight issue and went to the 4.5X14 LR scope. The fellow I sold the two 3.5X10 scopes to could not be happier.

The 3.5X10 Leupold with the B&C reticle is a small, light scope that has good optics and the reticle makes long range shooting much easier. There is no AO feature to fool with or get damaged. All in all, a great scope.
 
I do like the B&C reticel, the 3.5-10 that is on my 338 has it. I'm thinnking mil dot or B&C on the 3.5-10. Thanks guys
 
jmad_81":2vkjg0tq said:
So I'm starting my 270 WSM project this month. I'm all excited about it and can't stop thinking about it. I have both a VX-III 2.5-8 (375 Ruger) and a VX-III 3.5-10 (338 WM) already and love them. This rifle will be about in the 7.75-8.25 lb range including scope. Most of the hunting I do is in open country, and shot range from 50 yards to as far as a guy feels comfertable shooting (about 450 for me right now). I'll be shooting 140 gr ABs out of it and am going to try to get between 3150-and 3200 fps. I don't want anything bigger than a 40mm objective. So... what do ya think 2.5-8 or a 3.5-10. I'm open to other brands but, lueps are made right here in Oregon, and are pretty good quality.

I do have a VXIII 4.5-14x40 LR hanging out, but I think that would be to much for a mountian rifle.
....................Suggestion!....Get a 1.5-5x20 VX3 for your 375 Ruger, transfer your 2.5-8x36 V111 to your 338 WM and then mount your 3.5-10 VX111 on your 270 WSM when done.

Why?......Although a 2.5x8 can be used on a 375, imo it is a little over magnified for a 375 along with having a reduced FOV on the lower power. Whereas a 1.5x on the low end, will offer more quickness to the target and a wider FOV especially at the shorter ranges. A 1.5-5x20 imo is a better magnification for a DGR and is very suitable for any 375 hunting distance, game, purpose or situation.

The 2.5-8x36 is more an ideal magnification for your 338 WM as opposed to your 3.5x10 you have on it now. The 3.5x10 imo, will be better suited on your upcoming 270 WSM. Although your 4.5x14 can be used on the 270 WSM, the 3.5x10 is better suited on that rifle and will accomplish anything that a 4.5x14 will.

Imo, making those adjustments allows for a better all around magnification match, which will be better suited to those cartridges.
 
You guys are BRILLENT!!! I went to my local shop and was looking around and found a 1.75-6x32 with a duplex. Was a really good looking scope. I'm thinking that I might be putting that on my 375 and then doing the rotation like B_S suggested! They wanted $470 for it, and the 1.5-5 was the same price. I think I'm going to try to trade him my VXIII 4.5-14 LR for it and a few other goodies that he had laying around the shop.
 
Just a heads up...I have bought 5 new Leupold VXIII's since they stopped making them. I have bought three 2.5-8X36mm and two 3.5-10X40mm. You can get a brand new2.5-8X36mm on Nosler's sight for $359.00. I have been getting the 3.5-10 for under $400. The 1.5-5X20, 1.75-6X32 and the 2.5-8X36 should all be the same price. The shop you are referring to is high, even for the "new" VX3. Cabelas and others are selling the new VX3 in that magnification for $430. I have been buying up the "old" VXIII's instead.


Just my $.02


Rob
 
No, the first models were Vari-X III, then came VXIII, now it is VX3. The VXIII is no longer in production, it is now the VX3.
 
Yeah I found a 1.75-6x32 VXIII on gunbroker for $360 something. I knew this shop would be way over priced as they are on about everything, (they can do that in a good ol boys, one hourse town) but it gave me a chance to look at several different scopes. I'm in no hurry. If I have my 338 WM and my 270 WSM I'll be set for anything I might draw this year.
 
I have a Vari X III 3.5x10-40mm on my 270WSM Model 70 in Low Leupold mounts and man, it is my favorite rifle. The glass is very clear. 10x is nice for shooting at the bench and with a longer shot, the 10X is nice. I don't think you can go wrong. My buddy just put the same scope on his 270WIN with the B&C reticle. It is another great scope and would make long range shooting easier. The 270WSM shoots so flat as it is, 400 yard shots are pretty easy with a top of the back hold. Good luck with your project, I think you are going to really like the 270WSM. Mine is a great rifle, and it has alot of capability. Scotty
 
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