Scope question. About reticles

[TAB]

Well its time for a new scope for the old weatherby  257 mag ( Built some time in the 50s off a muaser action, it was a gift from a client that was a big time african game hunter.   No its not for sale, it never will be). 

I was looking for some feed back about diffrent reticles people have.   Mil dop, duplex( and the many varations on that theme) and illuminated versions... 

The rifle will mainly be used for killing stuff.   Both med sized and varments.( at reasonable ranges)    I'm looking at 3x9 or 4x12, something in that range.

[Big Frank]

Unless you already know how to use a mil-dot or are ready to learn it all, don't get one. I don't think you should get one for animals that run around much either. If they stand still long enough you can use a mil-dot to estimate the range and compensate for wind drift if you remember how. I prefer duplex reticles for most things.

[MikeBjerum]

I like a simple clean duplex.  I have some mildot variations, but I find that a clean crosshair brings less distraction to the party. 

In my case, the less distraction and reason to think the better.  Know your range, your hold over or under, put the crosshair on target and squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez!

[tombogan03884]

As a machine operator running high volume production of parts I've found that a loading, machining, inspection process that requires less thought generates less scrap, simpler is better. I would expect that to transfer to scopes as it does to so many other things, like rifle actions, for some reason I ALWAYS forget to work the bolt before trying to fire a second shot on bolt actions  If my life ever depends on a PUMP shot gun please send flowers 

[pioneer]

Mil dots are handy for military snipers taking 1000 yard + shots, but for most of us mere mortals, simple cross hair reticles are the easiest to use and master.  I prefer duplex style, simply because they are easier to see with my aging eyes, and simple to use.  If I have to do math to take a shot, I won't take the shot.   

A 3-9, or 4-12 variable power scope will suit most N. American hunting needs.  I prefer to leave mine on the lower setting, and if the shot turns out to be a long one, I can dial up a higher magnification. 

Different folks recommend different ways to zero scopes.  Some can get real complicated, but I prefer the KISS principle.  Keep It Simple Stupid. 

[Sponsor]

[HAWKFISH]

Well, I would get whichever reticle I felt more comfortable with. These days they are some good scopes out there. Since it is going on a magnum too.. I would recommend the 4-12 scope. Yes, 3-9 will work for most anything..but for just a little more.. you can get approximately 25-30% more power for about the same price.. I feel like you can get more for your money.. I mean even on the lower power there is not much difference in 3 or 4 power, but there is somewhat of a more noticeable difference on 9 vs. 12 or even 16 on a 4-16. I put a Nikon Monarch (2.5-10x42) on my 7MM Magnum and it works great. But, I often kick myself when I think that I could have got a 12 or 16 power for like $40-$50 bucks more  . It would certainly help at 150 yrd-200 yrd shots. 3-9 will work too..but even target shooting at the range I wish I had got little more power when trying to see what I hit after shooting my targets. Most importantly though.. try to get the best quality scope that you budget will allow.. then no matter what it will be clear and hold up.

[kmitch200]

I was looking for some feed back about diffrent reticles people have.   
The rifle will mainly be used for killing stuff.   Both med sized and varments.( at reasonable ranges)

For hunting, IMHO, mildots are useless.
Illuminating reticles are nice, especially in the woods around sundown. This might infringe on your price point.
For killing stuff at reasonable ranges, a quality 3x9, 4x12, 4x14 plain duplex will do just fine.

If you have a choice, get target knobs. With a ballistic chart and a rangefinder, you're good to go if shooting at longer ranges is your thing.

[m25operator]

I like duplexes alot, but the european style with real heavy bars on the outside, much easier to pick up in low light, but I like the german #3 reticle, same as a duplex but no upper verticle heavy bar, better viewing area. I do like illuminated reticles but they are not a deal breaker at all, and I will spend more for etched glass reticles, regardless of type.

Reticles and scopes are all about how small or large the target, and how far away.

[Hazcat]

I have a Bushnell 3x9 Dusk to Dawn with a duplex on my Savage 30-06.

Works fine.  Paid about 90 for it.

[DesertMarine]

So much good information given that I cannot add too much more.  I'll repeat one point and that is get the best quality scope that you can afford.  I see too many people get a good rifle and put a cheap scope on it, doesn't make sense unless that is all you can afford.