Scope for the 280

[Greg Nolan]

Now that I've got load info I need to pick a light scope with at least 12 power top end and BDC of some sort. What would you put on this ultralight?
Thanks
Greg

 

[sask boy]

I think that leupold makes a 14x in the VX3 with a CDS system. That would really top off that rifle they have some great deals on them at Cabelas right now.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[wildgene]

...well, since you need 12X+, if you start comparing specs (weight, length, available configuration) you probably find that a Leupold 4.5X14 VX-3 is a perfect match to your Ultralite...

 

[Guest]

I'd sure consider the Zeiss Conquest in 4.5-14x44. The one I have on my 300Wby is a duplex, but you could get the rapid Z and you'd be fine. Or a Bushnell Elite with their DOA reticle. Or for that matter, check out the Minox ZA5 in 3-15 (I think that's it) with their ballistic reticle. Good luck.

 

[velvetant]

Leupold 4.5x-14x-40 with Boone & Crockett reticle.
All my big game rifles have the B&C reticle. I really like them

Randy

 

[JD338]

Greg,

Any reason why you need 12x + power?
The VX-3 3.5-10x40mm with the CDS dial is still fairly compact and would be just about perfect for the Ultralight. Depending on the load, you should be able to get out to 700 yds with a single spin of the CDS dial.
This is the exact set up I put on my 280 AI with the 140 gr AB.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

My Remington LSS Centennial Edition wears a Swarovski Z6 1.7-10 X 42. My Featherweight wears a Kahles 3-9 X 42. Each works pretty well for me. I've never felt handicapped, and I am compelled to hunt by braille in most instances.

 

[BK]

I know you said 12x minimum, but the two scopes I would think about would be a VX3 3.5-10x40 and a Conquest 3-9x40.

 

[SJB358]

I'd sure consider the Zeiss Conquest in 4.5-14x44. The one I have on my 300Wby is a duplex, but you could get the rapid Z and you'd be fine. Or a Bushnell Elite with their DOA reticle. Or for that matter, check out the Minox ZA5 in 3-15 (I think that's it) with their ballistic reticle. Good luck.

Yeap, after using the ZA3 3x9, that ZA5 in 3-15 / 2-10 with BDC is a scope I will have shortly! No comparison to my VX3 4.5x14 for clarity. Scotty

 

[SJB358]

Leupold 4.5x-14x-40 with Boone & Crockett reticle.
All my big game rifles have the B&C reticle. I really like them

Randy

I do like Leupolds B&C the most out of all the ranging systems thus far. Easy to use and easy to learn. Not too complicated and very accurate with normal hunting rounds.. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

I do like Leupolds B&C the most out of all the ranging systems thus far. Easy to use and easy to learn. Not too complicated and very accurate with normal hunting rounds.

There's no question but that the B&C reticle is a great adjunct for hunting.

 

[6mm Remington]

Leupold 4.5x-14x-40 with Boone & Crockett reticle.
All my big game rifles have the B&C reticle. I really like them

Randy

I love the same scope on my kids 6mm. He does have a 3.5-10x44 Zeiss Conquest on his new 300 WSM and that sure seems so far to be a good one. It has the A600 Reticle. Zeiss does the 4.5-14x44 I believe too and that would be a great one since you want the higher magnification. Good luck.
David

 

[Greg Nolan]

They all sound good. I have a B&C reticle in one of my scopes and it is nice. I'm picking 12 power because I've used that range and above all my adult hunting life and I've never been overpowered only underpowered. Not for the shot but for picking the buck or bull out of the milling herd in the trees and bruch at long range. I missed a shot at a spike bull once going from binoculars to scope. They changed position and then went into the timber. I do like Zeiss and the Minox is nice too. I love making this kind of decision.
Thanks everyone. I'll keep you posted.
Greg

 

[ScreaminEagle]

Vortex all the way!!!

 

[JD338]

Greg,

Since you don't mind the bigger scopes, look at the VX-3 4.5-14x40mm. The Leupold customer service is second to none.

JD338

 

[brianwyo]

Here is a picture of my Weatherby Ultralight in .280 Remington. It is scoped with a Swarovski 3-10X 44. I have owned it for 5 years. Antelope, Deer and Elk have been taken with this rifle. Looks like you have decided to go for the rifle it is a great choice. Brian

 

[JD338]

Brian,

Nice looking rifle!

JD338

 

[Greg Nolan]

The 4.5-14x40 with B&C may be the answer. The balllstic turrets I've had got turned at times by other things and cost me a couple of nice mule deer so I won't use them for hunting. Just target and varmint shooting. The Vortex, Hmm? I've never looked through one of them. I'll have to check it out. What model?

 

[Greg Nolan]

Now that's nice. What reticle? It looks light and trim and classy 8) I like it.
Greg

 

[brianwyo]

Greg,

Not sure what Swarovski call it. Just a plain old simple duplex. I have a Leopold with a CDS and a Swarovski with a Ballistic turret. I have not hunted with them. I should give them a try it interests me. I need too work on those two rifles but I work too much in the summer. Brian