Help to a novice
Could anyone help with some suggestions on how I (a rank novice) could acquire a good scope for my Savage Model 10 LE2b in .308 caliber? My goal is to be able to shoot in the 400 - 600 yard range.
The gentleman that sold me the rifle advised 168 grain ammo. I'd like to try to get accurate with it by target practicing, eventually to hunt White Tail. I was told this rifle was up to the job.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. It currently has a Springfield Armory 6 x 40 1st. generation scope on it, with Leopuld rings. I've read a number of mixed reviews regarding this scope, regarding reliability. I haven't fired it yet. I don't want to rely on it, if it's going to fail on me at some point.
Thanks for sharing any counsel you have.
Sincerely,
Verne
The gentleman that sold me the rifle advised 168 grain ammo. I'd like to try to get accurate with it by target practicing, eventually to hunt White Tail. I was told this rifle was up to the job.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. It currently has a Springfield Armory 6 x 40 1st. generation scope on it, with Leopuld rings. I've read a number of mixed reviews regarding this scope, regarding reliability. I haven't fired it yet. I don't want to rely on it, if it's going to fail on me at some point.
Thanks for sharing any counsel you have.
Sincerely,
Verne
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A Bushnell 3200 is a great scope in the $200 range. Get one that goes up to 12 power and you could make a 400 yard shot.
What are you going to be shooting at in the 600 yard range?
I am not familiar with the Springfield Armory scopes.0 -
Try it with the scope you have first. As far as shooting game at "400-600yd" you have a long row to hoe before your ready to play that game.
1st you have to find a load that will hold a sub-MOA group out that far.
2nd you have to be willing to practice, from field positions, at those ranges.
3rd you have to do your practicing under the worst conditions (wind, rain/snow, temprature, etc) that your willing to hunt in.
4th your maximum range is that distance at which you have a 95+% confidance in placing your first shot within 3" of your intended impact point (this distance changes with position and weather conditions).
Note to the "don't shoot over XXyd" guys, #4 would eliminate 85+% of the "hunters" in the US from ever taking a shot over 50yd
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Verlin
My goal is to be able to shoot in the 400 - 600 yard range...
...I'd like to try to get accurate with it by target practicing, eventually to hunt White Tail.
Are you thinking you need 400-600 yard range accuracy to take white tail deer, or are you accuracy desires and hunting plans unrelated? In most areas of North America, deer are close to "domesticated" -- 100-200 yard rifle proficiency is more than sufficient.
"Strength is the outcome of need; security sets a premium on feebleness." -- H.G. Wells (The Time Machine)0 -
[8D]Shoot what you brung! Don't change it if you haven't already shot it. No one can guarentee YOUR accuracy-especially at 400 yds and farther. You have to first find a place that you can practice shooting that far- and like Tailgunner says, from different positions. If your not an Accomplished hunter, without an accurate RANGEFINDER FORGET ABOUT 400 yds+++[8][8][8][8]
On your mark-get set- go away!!0 -
Verlin,
If money isn't an issue go with a Leupold. Model and magnification is up to your wallet. [:)] The .308 starts to really drop at 400 to 600 yards so you are going to need a scope that is going to give you enough elevation adjustments to get out there. Badger Ordnance makes a nice scope mount for the Savage Short Action that has a 20MOA cant, runs around 165.00 I believe.
I just read an article about the exact same gun you have and it shot a .12" group using Blackhills 168gn Match ammo. The other ammo they tested were all under 1/2 MOA.
By the way, I saw a Leupold Mark 4 8x to 25x 50mm objective with 30mm tube for 850 brand new on Ebay. Thats a 1200.00 scope.0 -
That was gonna be My question.....Where in the world are you going to be hunting Whitetail that You need to shoot 400 to 600 yards...?
There's nothing wrong with the Scope You discribe and the 168gr. Bullet is capable of knocking the deer down....But until you become proficient Just work on shooting with accuracy to 100 to 150 Yards..
Welcome to the Ask the Experts Forum and becoming a member of the <gunbroker.com> family.....Best.............
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
Thank you everyone for your advice and suggestions. I think I was figuring that 400 to 600 yards was an appropriate distance for deer hunting. Competentone, you mentioned that up to 200 yards would be more likely. Perhaps I'm too worried about the scope on the rifle now, and should use it until it shows me good reason to replace it?
It does have 'ammo drop compensation' markings on it, although I haven't the vaguest idea how to utilize them. Maybe I'm listening too much, to people who have just had bad luck with this model scope.
Can anyone advise me where I can go (don't get funny now) to practice long range shots with my rifle? I'd like to go somewhere that expert help and direction is available. I know this is all old hat to most on this site, but I'm new to this entire area, haven't done any shooting since I was a kid up in the Cascades, with an old .22 long rifle my dad had. I found it calming and invigorating at the same time, if that makes any sense. I enjoyed it then, and would like to pick it up again.
Thanks for your help, it is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Verne0 -
Check with your state game and fish commission. Here in Arkansas the G&F Comm. maintains a range that has an informative and very helpful staff. You sound like a beginner so I also would recommend a hunter safety course. We as shooters owe it to ourselves and the community at large to be as safe and ethical as we can be. 0
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