New scope for my 22-250?

[wisconsinteacher]

I have a stainless steel Ruger M77 in 22-250 with an older Nikon scope on it. The reticle in the scope is very thick and I would like to upgrade. Any suggestions on a new scope that doesn't break the bank?

 

[Potsie]

Would be helpful if you clarified what your definition of “breaks the bank” is.

For some a VX3i is a chunk of change for glass, for others a Kahles or S&B comes in just under that line.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

$300-500 is what I would like to spend.

 

[Caseknife]

How hard are you on your gear? Do you need to dial or just set it and forget. What ranges are you normally shooting? Regular duplex reticle or something with more happening? First focal plane or second? MOA or Mil?

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I'm not hard on this rifle. I would like to dial distances in MOA if possible. I shoot from 100-500 yards. It is more for shooting than hunting.

 

[Sheltowee]

I'm going to get pilloried for this by the label snobs (of which, candidly, I am usually one when it comes to optics), but the basic Vortex Viper would be my choice at your price point. The Leupold Freedom line would be my second choice.

 

[Sheltowee]

I'm not hard on this rifle. I would like to dial distances in MOA if possible. I shoot from 100-500 yards. It is more for shooting than hunting.

Dialing is going to make it trickier in that price range. I'd go with the Vortex Diamondback Tactical if that is a must.

If you can go up to $700-$800, you'll have a lot more, higher quality options.

 

[noharleyyet]

This

VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 CDS-ZL Duplex

The VX®-3HD 4.5-14x40mm delivers legendary performance and elite optical clarity in an incredibly tough, lightweight package. Its extremely popular magnification range is perfect for timber and western mountain hunting.

www.leupold.com

from @schmalts

 

[Potsie]

I'm going to get pilloried for this by the label snobs (of which, candidly, I am usually one when it comes to optics), but the basic Vortex Viper would be my choice at your price point. The Leupold Freedom line would be my second choice.

Bro!

 

[Bowmannate2000]

I put a Meopta Optika 5 on my 22-250. Z plus reticle is basically a BDC reticle, but I really like the center of the cross hair is a very fine dot making a very precise aiming point.

 

[Sheltowee]

Bro!
View attachment 357885

Budget of $500, wants to dial, max. range 500 yards, relatively low recoiling cartridge in the .22-250. Viper would be fine with those parameters.

Keep it up and I'll stick a $50 1994-vintage Simmons on this 25-7 just to spite y'all.

 

[MTLabrador]

There’s not a ton of upside to dialing a .22-250 in my opinion. I’d go with a VX3 or VX2 in anything from 3-9 to 4-12. Zeroed at 250 it’s only around a 2” drop at 300. Past 350-400 it’s running out of steam unless you can use the 80-88 gr bulelts.