best caliber for ~600 yards?

[lifebreath]

Get a .308 bolt gun and be done with it. Otherwise, LaRue OBR or PredatAR 7.62? Add an S&B, Premier or Hensoldt 3-12/15X and you're GTG ...

You didn't mention a budget.

I like .308 since good loads are readily available and relatively inexpensive.

[rram4guy]

lifebreath - Good info. Budget is not a concern yet.

All - for glass, what are your thoughts on an ACOG 4x?

[vinsonr]

for throwing lead at a human 50-300 yards away they are great, but a hunting optic they are not.

I recommend a 3-9x or so for reaching out to 600+ with consistency.

[TehLlama]

ACOGs are great for almost Marine-proof durability, and that the FOV is very good among other fixed optics. Not very good precision rifle optics, and not very good for shooting up close - for the 600m application I'd be looking at a 3-9x, or maybe the Vortex 2.5-10x.

[duece71]

Or even a NF 2.5x10x32.......

[rram4guy]

dumb question time ...

assuming this guide - http://www.opticsplanet.net/how-to-c...iflescope.html - is not complete B.S., I know enuf to not stare blankly at the specs page ...

but I don't get why the huge variation in cost for 'similar' units (all @ opticsplanet to keep pricing simple)?

Trijicon TR20-2: AccuPoint 3-9x40 Riflescope for $600
Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44 @ $400
Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 @ $600
NightForce 2.5-10x32mm NXS Compact Illuminated Reticle Zero Stop Riflescope for $1400-1700

the more I learn, the less I know ...

[C-grunt]

dumb question time ...

assuming this guide - http://www.opticsplanet.net/how-to-c...iflescope.html - is not complete B.S., I know enuf to not stare blankly at the specs page ...

but I don't get why the huge variation in cost for 'similar' units (all @ opticsplanet to keep pricing simple)?

Trijicon TR20-2: AccuPoint 3-9x40 Riflescope for $600
Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44 @ $400
Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 @ $600
NightForce 2.5-10x32mm NXS Compact Illuminated Reticle Zero Stop Riflescope for $1400-1700

the more I learn, the less I know ...

Build quality and part quality. Thats like comparing a Honda to a BMW. Both might be four door cars but that doesnt mean they are the same.

[rram4guy]

Build quality and part quality. Thats like comparing a Honda to a BMW. Both might be four door cars but that doesnt mean they are the same.

C-Grunt: Agreed. Great analogy!

All: So a 5 year-old BMW that has been maintained will function as good as a new one - but lacks some cool new gadgetry (e.g. HUD, night vision), some better useful stuff (e.g. better cruise control) and, of course, cache (full disclosure: I own a 14-year old 5 series). Since Fair Market Value for everything varies --

1. The only difference between Vortex glass appears to be:
- HS Turret Style = Capped
- PST Turret Style = Tall Uncapped - CRS Zero Stop
-- is the PST worth a 50% premium?

2. Is the NightForce 2.5-10x32mm NXS Compact Illuminated Reticle Zero Stop Riflescope worth 2x or 3x the cost of the Vortex?

Thanks for the continued insight

[rram4guy]

also ... would high-end glass obviate a spotting scope?

[C-grunt]

Spotting scopes are still a good idea unless you are planning on a 30+ magnification scope. High end scopes are a lot better for spotting your own hits but lack the high magnification most of the time.