Scope and reticle guys are using on their 22-250 or 243 for Prairie Dogs

[stmichaelalou]

I have both of the rifles mentioned and was curious what you guys are using. Now I have a 4-12 Vortex with the BDC on the 22-250 and a 4-15 Nikon Buck whatever from Nikon on the 243. Read quite a bit, but there isn't anything that really stands out. I have had a Leupold recommended maybe with a 6-24 or something with a max of 24 power on the scope. Probably variable. Probably a 50 mm with a 30mm tube. 22 is a Rem Varmint and the 243 is a Stevens LA with a varmint aftermarket barrel. 22 is loaded with a 55 gr Vmax and the 243 probably a 105 Amax for now as i have a box to load.

Thanks in advance to all advice.

[dcloco]

NO BDC reticles. No thick reticles. Even standard duplex are too thick at 5-600 yards.

1/8 MOA target dots are ok, but easy to lose in bright sun.

Leupolds varmint hunter reticle works rather well.

Prefer EFR (extra fine reticles) over anything else.

...and turrets. Dial up and go.

Best scope, for the money..... 6.5-20x50 or 8.5-25x50 Leupold VX3 with M1 turrets and EFR or VH reticle. VH works better if shooting in the wind. I buy them used when possible. M1 turrets or VH reticle can be added by Leupold custom shop. A new Leupy with the above, will be close to $1200. Used, they run $550 to 850. Don't overlook Mark 4 16x50's either....usually sell for 750 to 850.

The real best scope for the money - old Tasco scopes that are made in Japan (stamped on eyepiece or tube - "made in Japan"). Can be had for 150 on down to 20 bucks. Just picked up a 6-20x40 for $110 shipped on the net.

Scopes are kind of a funny deal. Fortunately for me, some people seem to need the newest/latest/greatest...and sell off yesterday's scope at a significant discount.

[CJ in WY]

IORs with MP-8 reticles get the call for most of my long range doggin guns. The 6-24s get set at 18x so the hash marks are MOA instead of ½mills.
For anything under 300 yards the 12x Leupolds with fine duplexes work just fine.
http://photos.imageevent.com/cjnmn/prairiedogs/websize/4-26-08Murdo%20008.jpg

[Joe O]

Fine X hairs and reticles.Vortex offers a nice dot,(.091) ON THEIR 6.5-20X44 SCOPE,WHICH i FIND IS PERFACT TO 500 YDS OR SO.sOME mIL DOT SCOPES HAVE FINE WIRES AND SOME DON'T.

[319]

Leupy VXIII 6.5-20X40 LR with VH reticle, Sightron SIII with target dot, IOR 4-14 and 6-24 with MP-8, and a NF 5.5-22X50 NP-2DD.

[BoilerUP]

I have one of the aforementioned Japanese Tasco scopes (6-18x40) on my Ruger No.1-V in 22-250 - works quite well for my needs.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the Burris Ballistic Plex reticle; very unobtrusive yet functional.

[jpdown]

I like the Leupold VH reticule better than the thicker lined ballistic plex reticules. I don't want to spend time fooling around with "clicks" when in a hot dog town. So haven't done much PD shooting with dots or single cross hair reticules.

[stmichaelalou]

Thank you for the responses. I appreciate it as it is difficult to look at all the potential scopes and reticles. I will get at least one before June and may have to save for second over the winter. I have checked out a Leupold 6x20 VX III with the varmint reticle. Very nice in a store, but hard to tell how it will look in action. Can't remember if it was a 50 or 40, but about the same price point as a Vortex or Sightron in the same variable power would be nice on the 22. The IOR with the MP-8 reticles is impressive. Again thank you for the responses.

[Cover Dog]

I have a Zeiss 6.5-20x50 with their varmint reticle , a Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 with the wide/thin duplex and Sightron SIII 6-24x50 with a target dot. The Zeiss is my favorite with it's clarity and the extremely black etched reticle but they all will work well. Most days anything past 16-18 power and the mirage starts to take over.

[03mossy]

I banged my head against my computer screen for over a year. I read ever article and forum topic that google could find. I ended up putting a Leupold vx3 6.5-20lr with the varmint hunters reticle. I only have about 100 rounds down range with it but so far I love it! The crosshairs are extremely finest there not going to block those lil prairie poodles at long range