Scope for F Open

[HiWall]

Picking up my new Savage F Class rifle (6.5x284) in a week or so, depending how long the PTA takes - time has come to pick a scope for it.

Present options are -
1..Second hand Nightforce 8-32x56 NF Series (Not sure of reticle until I contact Jimbo)
2..New Leupold VX-III 8.5-25x50 LR Target with Varmint Hunter reticle. (QGE)
3..New Leupold Mk4 8.5-25x50 LR/T TMR reticle (QGE)
4..Burris Black Diamond 8-32x?

1 & 2 are within a hundred dollars in price, 3 is another $400 and the Burris (ex TOZ) is the cheapest by around $400.

Surprisingly there is only about $300 difference in price between local and US - maybe my buck should stay in Aus!!

Any advice on what to get?

[Tony Z]

Nightforce. I believe it has a Double D reticle. This is the best IMO.

[Rinso]

Agree .. go the Nightforce you won't regret it.

cheers
Rinso

[HiWall]

I was hoping you would say that!

[Ned Kelly]

G'Day HiWall,
yup, NF I've got the 8-32BR with DD and love it for F class and varminting.

Cheerio Ned

[HiWall]

I guess the gunshop must have known I was coming and that I couldn't resist. Paid for the rifle and also walked out with a new Nightforce 12-42x56 Benchrest with NP-R2 reticle, a bulk pack of 140gr SMK's and a couple of other items.

Hope the PTA doesn't take too long!!!

[Tony Z]

You won't be disappointed in either the scope or the rifle. I tried a couple of days ago to get a 6BR Savage out of Acacia, and it turns out they haven't even started regular production of them. We might not see them this year. So i bought a Left Right action instead and have a Maddco 8 twist at hand. Cannot wait till next year.

Tony Z.

[Rinso]

Tony Z,

If thats the new savage action with accu-trigger I have heard so much about, I would be interested to know how it specs up as compared to other custom actions.
Just have not been able to get my hands on one to check for myself yet .. apparently there is a concern that I wont give it back for a few years or in new condition.

HiWall,
Excellent choice mate ... as I said you wont regret it.

cheers
Rinso

[HiWall]

I have had the scope out of the box about 10 times in the last 4 hours - can't wait to set it all up and go shooting.

Anyone have a good basic load for 6.5x284 & 140gr SMK's - was thinking of working up from 43gr AR2209, WLR primer, Nosler brass & about 5 thou off the lands. Would 120's be better for the extra velocity?

[Rinso]

Mate,

Using Lapua brass and Fed primers something in the 50 - 53 grn range with a 140 HPBT usually works.

I dont know anyone using 2209 with 140 's

cheers
Rinso

[HiWall]

Thanks for the heads up Rinso, have been looking in the Sierra manual - velocities didn't seem very good for any of the loads. Checked with Uncle Nick - he reckons max of 59gr 2217 for 2900fps. Thats more like it!!

[Rinso]

HiWall,

Sorry mate those loads were with AR2213SC (50-53 grns) I seem to forget more and more as I get older

Personally I would start at 49grns 2213SC.

cheers
Rinso

[HiWall]

No spring chicken myself mate. I will load up a few of each powder and see how they go thanks mate. Don't really want to wreck too many cases during load development, damn things are as dear as poison.

[singleshot]

I have had the scope out of the box about 10 times in the last 4 hours - can't wait to set it all up and go shooting.

Anyone have a good basic load for 6.5x284 & 140gr SMK's - was thinking of working up from 43gr AR2209, WLR primer, Nosler brass & about 5 thou off the lands. Would 120's be better for the extra velocity?

I use 47.5g 2209 with Lapua brass and 142g SMK's. No pressure issues.

Hope this helps,
Cameron

[wem]

I hope you got the mirage tube as well.