Scope Questions on new 22-250

v188 · February 28, 2004, 23:21

I just pikced up a real nice Savage 12 heavy barrel 22-250. Now I need a good, but economical scope. I lean toward Leupold, as I've got one of their best on my Serbu 50, and it's awesome.

I plan on using this for prairie dog extermination at up to 400--500 yards. Could I get by with a 4-12x40 scope?

What about the Tasco SuperSniper that SWFA is always advertising? It's a fixed power. Wouldn't a 16-40 be a little too much?

Give me some ideas, I'm new to the varmint business.

GT · February 29, 2004, 00:13

I will recommend a Bushnell Elite 4200 in 6-24x40. These are awsome scopes for what you want and cost under $400 at places like natchezss.com. I have one of the older Elite 4000 models on a Savage 112 FLVSS in .223 and it does everything I need it to. I have taken it to South Dakota to shoot prairie dogs and it worked well.

Gary

splattermatic · February 29, 2004, 10:59

if that is all you are going to use it for i would go for a straight 10 or 12 or 16 power leupold with adjustable objective..
speaking with a lot of range time on praire rats, a scope with a high top end power will not be used much at the upper end due to heat mirage..
in the heat of summer, high magnification distorts to the extent you cant use it.
you will find yourself turning down the power so the heat waves arent so bad and you can still at least see your intended target..
no need for a variable as the lower end power is really only good for close range rats and a 10x or better can still be used for 100 yard rats, and if they are closer,, use a 22 lr...

just my .02

i use a 4.5 - 14 on my 243 hb, a 4 - 12 on my 6mm-284, etc..
but i have no dedicated praire rat splatterer's..all of mine are also used for deer,antelope, and coyotes..in varying terrain conditions, so i have variables on mine.
heck splattermatic only has a 3-9 leupold on it and i have no trouble splattering them at 300 yards or better..

one last thing make sure you get a crosshair or fine duplex reticle as the thick ones block out small targets way out there..and when you have to hold over the thick part of a duplex may get in the way..

i see no use for a dot reticle..

larphred · February 29, 2004, 12:12

I would recommend a variable power with a relatively high (24-32X) top end magnification. Frequently a dog'll just stick the top of his/her head over the top of the mound. Here you have about a 9 sq.in. target at 300-500 yds. The higher power really helps out there. The variable power allows you to crank the power down for more rapid target aquisition. Ever try to aquire a long distance target with a 24X or 32X fixed power scope. Takes a bit of gettin' used to.

Eclipse · February 29, 2004, 12:15

Simmons 6.5 x 20 x 44 scope with target turrets would run around $150.

Harlan at FAC · February 29, 2004, 12:51

I prefer a 30mm tube for the scope. The larger field of view makes it easier to see point of impact, and the splatter factor. I prefer a larger than 40mm front objective.
A fine reticle is a must at distances past 250 yards. Most of the time I use a target dot reticle, which I find helps in keeping the reticle from getting lost against the background of long range prairie shooting. Some built in reticle markings for windage and distance are also helpful, but you have to decide how complicated a reticle pattern you want to look through at distances past 400 yards.
Side focus parallax adjustment is another option that is helpful for varmint shooting at longer ranges. This option allows you to keep your off hand closer in, and helps to keep the varmint in the scope picture.
Less expensive scopes with magnification over 20x will get darker and darker as you crank up, to the point of being unusable. Level of magnification is a personal choice, but up to 25x is helpful for identifying targets at longer ranges.
Don't feel bad about spending more on the scope than the rifle. You will thank yourself out in the field.
Other helpful tools are a decent range finder, and a good set of ballistic charts that you can quickly use to determine click adjustment for elevation.

**W.E.G.** · February 29, 2004, 13:01

Don't buy TASCO unless you like to eat chilli with no TP in the house.

See
http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...threadid=49248

**Andy the Aussie** · February 29, 2004, 14:21

My Sako 22/250 wears a 3.5-10 Vari X III Leupold and I can't fault it. I have a 6.5-20 as well that may end up on the 250. Leupold is hard to beat.....especially for the $$$ you can get them for in the US. Never forget how lucky you are there compared to the rest of us..!!!

Andy

Pat Adams · February 29, 2004, 16:29

My Sako 22-259 sports a "world Class" Tasco because my 223 Winchester varmint gun has my Buris and I can't afford another Buris at this time. The Tasco isn't as nice but it lets me shoot "dogs" out to 450 varified yards. It has been my experiance that I hardly ever crank up my scopes beond 12 to 15 power. And I like the 40 mm bells better because it's more comfortable for me. I don't even try to hit just the heads peeking up past 100 yds. Ever once in awhile a dog will sneek a peek at me real close in. I found that holding over his head will compinsate for the distance between the scope and the barrel, so as to not hit the berm in front of him. It takes their little heads right off. Oh the sickness of it all!

v188 · February 29, 2004, 18:50

Well, update. I went back to Dick's Sporting Goods, and decided to just buy the right scope, instead of the Savage package scope.

Settled on a Leupold VX II fine duplex in 6-18x40. Man, I should be able to take off their heads from quite a distance. HeHeHe

Raining too hard to try it out this afternoon. BTW, I got the scope, bore sighted and mounted for $365.00 (new). I think I did good.

February 28, 2004, 23:21	#1
v188 Registered FALaholic #: 1154 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Huskerland Posts: 716	Scope Questions on new 22-250 I just pikced up a real nice Savage 12 heavy barrel 22-250. Now I need a good, but economical scope. I lean toward Leupold, as I've got one of their best on my Serbu 50, and it's awesome. I plan on using this for prairie dog extermination at up to 400--500 yards. Could I get by with a 4-12x40 scope? What about the Tasco SuperSniper that SWFA is always advertising? It's a fixed power. Wouldn't a 16-40 be a little too much? Give me some ideas, I'm new to the varmint business. __________________ At All times preach the Gospel, use words if necessary!

February 29, 2004, 00:13	#2
GT Registered FALaholic #: 5807 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Four Corners area of New Mexico Posts: 342	I will recommend a Bushnell Elite 4200 in 6-24x40. These are awsome scopes for what you want and cost under $400 at places like natchezss.com. I have one of the older Elite 4000 models on a Savage 112 FLVSS in .223 and it does everything I need it to. I have taken it to South Dakota to shoot prairie dogs and it worked well. Gary __________________ FN-FALs, don't ya just love 'em?

February 29, 2004, 10:59	#3
splattermatic "THUG" MODERATOR FALaholic #: 2223 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: southwestern,usa Posts: 6,791	if that is all you are going to use it for i would go for a straight 10 or 12 or 16 power leupold with adjustable objective.. speaking with a lot of range time on praire rats, a scope with a high top end power will not be used much at the upper end due to heat mirage.. in the heat of summer, high magnification distorts to the extent you cant use it. you will find yourself turning down the power so the heat waves arent so bad and you can still at least see your intended target.. no need for a variable as the lower end power is really only good for close range rats and a 10x or better can still be used for 100 yard rats, and if they are closer,, use a 22 lr... just my .02 i use a 4.5 - 14 on my 243 hb, a 4 - 12 on my 6mm-284, etc.. but i have no dedicated praire rat splatterer's..all of mine are also used for deer,antelope, and coyotes..in varying terrain conditions, so i have variables on mine. heck splattermatic only has a 3-9 leupold on it and i have no trouble splattering them at 300 yards or better.. one last thing make sure you get a crosshair or fine duplex reticle as the thick ones block out small targets way out there..and when you have to hold over the thick part of a duplex may get in the way.. i see no use for a dot reticle.. __________________ the worst thing about making it to middle age, is watching people you know and love, start dying off. i miss you cubby 10-10-08 kim, thanks for being my friend.

February 29, 2004, 12:12	#4
larphred Registered FALaholic #: 1555 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Sandy, Ut. Posts: 3,098	I would recommend a variable power with a relatively high (24-32X) top end magnification. Frequently a dog'll just stick the top of his/her head over the top of the mound. Here you have about a 9 sq.in. target at 300-500 yds. The higher power really helps out there. The variable power allows you to crank the power down for more rapid target aquisition. Ever try to aquire a long distance target with a 24X or 32X fixed power scope. Takes a bit of gettin' used to. __________________ Michael O'Sullivan was my great friend. But I don't ever remember telling him that. The words that are spoken at a funeral are spoken too late for the man who is dead. What a wonderful thing it would be to visit your own funeral. To sit at the front and hear what was said, maybe say a few things yourself. Michael and I grew old together. But at times, when we laughed, we grew young. If he was here now, if he could hear what I say, I'd congratulate him on being a great man, and thank him for being a friend. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --the forty-four spoke and it sent lead and smoke, and seventeen inches of flame. ----Marty Robbins

February 29, 2004, 13:01	#7
W.E.G. Administrator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 1211 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Virginia Posts: 31,056	Don't buy TASCO unless you like to eat chilli with no TP in the house. See http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...threadid=49248 __________________ . . . Ask me about the Mason-Dixon FAL Collectors Association.

February 29, 2004, 12:15	#5
Eclipse Registered FALaholic #: 725 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: South Dakota Posts: 1,549	Simmons 6.5 x 20 x 44 scope with target turrets would run around $150.

February 29, 2004, 12:51	#6
Harlan at FAC Registered FALaholic #: 548 Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 875	I prefer a 30mm tube for the scope. The larger field of view makes it easier to see point of impact, and the splatter factor. I prefer a larger than 40mm front objective. A fine reticle is a must at distances past 250 yards. Most of the time I use a target dot reticle, which I find helps in keeping the reticle from getting lost against the background of long range prairie shooting. Some built in reticle markings for windage and distance are also helpful, but you have to decide how complicated a reticle pattern you want to look through at distances past 400 yards. Side focus parallax adjustment is another option that is helpful for varmint shooting at longer ranges. This option allows you to keep your off hand closer in, and helps to keep the varmint in the scope picture. Less expensive scopes with magnification over 20x will get darker and darker as you crank up, to the point of being unusable. Level of magnification is a personal choice, but up to 25x is helpful for identifying targets at longer ranges. Don't feel bad about spending more on the scope than the rifle. You will thank yourself out in the field. Other helpful tools are a decent range finder, and a good set of ballistic charts that you can quickly use to determine click adjustment for elevation.

February 29, 2004, 14:21	#8
Andy the Aussie Dinosaur Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 216 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Down Under Posts: 12,727	My Sako 22/250 wears a 3.5-10 Vari X III Leupold and I can't fault it. I have a 6.5-20 as well that may end up on the 250. Leupold is hard to beat.....especially for the $$$ you can get them for in the US. Never forget how lucky you are there compared to the rest of us..!!! Andy

February 29, 2004, 16:29	#9
Pat Adams Registered FALaholic #: 8385 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lowell, Arkansas Posts: 120	My Sako 22-259 sports a "world Class" Tasco because my 223 Winchester varmint gun has my Buris and I can't afford another Buris at this time. The Tasco isn't as nice but it lets me shoot "dogs" out to 450 varified yards. It has been my experiance that I hardly ever crank up my scopes beond 12 to 15 power. And I like the 40 mm bells better because it's more comfortable for me. I don't even try to hit just the heads peeking up past 100 yds. Ever once in awhile a dog will sneek a peek at me real close in. I found that holding over his head will compinsate for the distance between the scope and the barrel, so as to not hit the berm in front of him. It takes their little heads right off. Oh the sickness of it all!

February 29, 2004, 18:50	#10
v188 Registered FALaholic #: 1154 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Huskerland Posts: 716	Well, update. I went back to Dick's Sporting Goods, and decided to just buy the right scope, instead of the Savage package scope. Settled on a Leupold VX II fine duplex in 6-18x40. Man, I should be able to take off their heads from quite a distance. HeHeHe Raining too hard to try it out this afternoon. BTW, I got the scope, bore sighted and mounted for $365.00 (new). I think I did good. __________________ At All times preach the Gospel, use words if necessary!

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