[HABU]

I have decided on a new rifle in the form of a Weatherby Accumark 30-378. It's definately time to set up for rifle reloading.

My delima is what optics to select for a long range rifle. I want something in a high variable magnifacation, 50mm minimum and true MOA. Unfortunately, I know naught of optics. What considerations do I need to be aware of to make an educated purchase? How can I tell if a manufacturer calibrates to true MOA or rounds down? What about rings? Are there high end scopes with low profile tactical knobs for ease of adjustment at different ranges with a large adjustment range?

Any high end optics input will be appreciated!

[Zak Smith]

Suggest looking at Leupold (M1), Nightforce, and Schmitt and Bender. If you really want to dial elevation and windage in the field, I suggest getting a scope from the "tactical" side of the menu.

A larger objective usually does not give you much besides 10-15 more minutes of usable light at dawn or dusk, or for night shooting.

-z

[HABU]

A larger objective usually does not give you much besides 10-15 more minutes of usable light at dawn or dusk Exactly! Exip pupil is king in the timber or dawn/dusk. Thanks for the recomendations.

[HABU]

What, nobody else has any knowledge they are willing to share about the finer pionts of optics selection?

C'mon guys, pile on!

[Zak Smith]

Any of the premium scopes should be able to handle the recoil of 30-378, if you doubt that, make sure it comes with a good warranty.

The characteristics of the scope depend more on how you want to use it.

For example, you could put together a lightweight, simple to operate 30-378 rifle with a basic scope without field-adjustable turrets. You could have a point-blank distance of about 285 yards - hold right on from 0 - 285 yards, and the bullet wouldn't be more than 2" high or low over the entire distance.


_BC_ _MV_ 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 | YARDS
0.505 3300 > -1.65 0.42 1.69 2.03 1.42 -0.23 -3.00 -6.96 -11.93 | > 30-378 180gr BTHP
Far zero at 245.0, maximum 2.04 at 144.4, falling -0.12"/yd, angle 0.00140 rad


A simple 2x-8x or 2.5-10x scope would do this nicely, and would bring the weight of the gun down. 10x is more than enough scope to shoot something Elk-sized at 300 yards.

Leupld LPS 2.5-10X:
http://www.leupold.com/products/images/Scopes/LPS/LPS_2_5-10x45_p.gif
Leupold VXIII 2.5-8X:
http://www.leupold.com/products/images/Scopes/VX-III/VX-III_2_5-8x36_p.gif


Alternatively, if you want to precisely range the targets and dial elevation - your basic "tactical" style scope:
Nightforce 3.5-15X NXS:
http://www.nightforceoptics.com/351550nxs.jpg
Leupold MRT 3-9X:
http://www.leupold.com/products/tactical_products/images/Scopes/Mark_4_MRT/Mark4_3-9x36_MRT_M1_XL.gif
Leupod 4.5-14X M1:
http://www.leupold.com/products/tactical_products/images/Scopes/Mark_4_LRT/Mark4_4_5-14x50_LRT_M1_XL.gif

Be aware that one of these big tactical scopes will add noticable weight to the rifle.

-z

[artherd]

For some reason my post didn't register.

Nightforce NSX is very good, this weapon deserves (and may require) the rugged 'tactical' type scope. US Optics is also highly regarded.

I have a Shepherd V1 on my Armalite AR-30 in .338 Lapua Mag, I love it, absolutely silly-easy to make hits at any range. 1000yds and beyond. I 'plink' clay pidgions at 500yds.


The AR-30 itself I also love, very mid recoil (and a 250gr Scenar at 3,000fps! Damn!)

The shepherd reticule is calibrated for bullet drop, and looks like this:

I would only make 2 improvements.

1) Make the tube 50mm obj, 300mm tube (and wider FOV and more MOA ajustability). Stock FOV is kinda narrow, and 40mm objective, 1" tube. Harder to find rings.)

2) Make the lines a twinge thinner so I can see more of the target.

3) Make more variants (esp .50BMG, and custom for more $) There is only V1 and V2 right now. You'll want a V1.

http://www.dreamns.com/stuff/shepherd.jpg

[Jick42]

HABU, i think the first question one needs answered to be able to point you in the right direction is how much are you wanting to spend? With that gun and that caliber i am assuming your planning on spending somewhere around the 2000-2500 range with scope, base and rings! So you have several options. I think US Optics, would serve this very well, probably the clearest glass you'll ever look through, and the most rugged hands down. Nightforce, Schmidt & Bender, IOR Valdada & Leupold are all good as well. But do not forget good rings and bases. I say you have 2 very good options here. Badger Rings and bases, or IOR Valdada Rings and Bases. I personally would settle for anything less than one ofthese with that caliber. SWFA has some US Optic Scopes right now for 1400.00. You'll never beat that deal. If you call there factory and have one custom made to your specs, your looking at 2500.00. So you might take a look at SWFA, good guys to deal with when it comes to optics. Oh yeah you could even check out some of the new Zeiss Conquest Scopes. Havent had first hand expirience, but have heard good things. Hope this helps.

[Lee Woiteshek]

My rule of thumb is whatever I paid for the rifle, I pay for the scope. This gets expensive quickly. I have devated once as I purchased a Burris Black Diamond Ballistic Plex for my Weatherby SVM in 22-250. This scope had features I could not duplicate anywhere else, and I'm not sorry for the purchase. My Accumark in 300 Weatherby is wearing a Swarovski PH 3-12 with a 7a reticle. Using Swarovski rings. The reticle comes into its own in low light. Both rifles with listed optics are MOA shooters with Federal ammo. Without handloading, and my eyes that's about as good as I can do. Hope this helps. Lee

[Jick42]

Something i thought of as well. Etched glass for your bigger guns with higher recoil help. Etched reticles, you never have to worry about the reticles breaking. Just something to think about.

[lycanthrope]

Get good mounts as well. Leopold STD won't handle that beast.

[Gewehr98]

For an extra barrel, or at least a chambering reamer to re-cut the chamber after you take an inch off the breech end. I've seen .30-378's roach their barrels in as few as a couple hundred rounds. :what:

[lycanthrope]

Treat the barrel with FP-10 and keep it clean. Don't shoot too many rounds in one string to avoid overheating and the big weatherby will last at least 1000 rounds.

[Jick42]

Good advice lycanthrope. I use FP-10 on my 300wm as well. Great stuff. And like lycanthrope said, 3-5 shot strings at once, and then let her rest. And unless you shoot alot, she'll last along time.

[HABU]

Thanks for the input guys!
I was planning on spending around $1,500 for optics. Does anyone compare to swarovski for clarity? Are there any pitfalls to Swarovski scopes?


I've seen .30-378's roach their barrels in as few as a couple hundred rounds. What is a roached barrel?

[lycanthrope]

The high powered overbored magnums tend to erode the lands quicker than other calibers. This is because they burn powder the whole way out the barrel and create a lot of heat. This results in barrel that is "shot out" or won't hold 1 MOA after several hundred rounds. At this point, you need to rebarrel. The price you pay for speed and power.............


Swarovskis are very nice and have no pitfalls. IMHO, however, a top notch Leopold is just as good and a small bit cheaper. Don't buy any glass you can't look through! You may need the extra money for Badger or Lightforce/Nightforce mounts and rings!

[Lee Woiteshek]

The only pitfalls to the Swarovski's are the cost. I've just purchased a pair of EL binos for $1680!:what: They are kinda like Harley Davidson. If you don't want to pay the high price, the five guys standing behind you in line will. There isn't much of a price difference in shopping around, although there are some online outfits that will sell you Swarovski's that are gently used for a discount. If you are going to put a Swarovski on this cannon of yours you have to get the Professional Hunter (PH) series of scope as its designed for heavy recoil. The glass itself comes into its own in fading light. This is what your really paying the high price for. I prefer the German 7A reticle. Its real easy to see at twilight. Any scope will do for you if your planning to take game at noon. Its been my experience that unless your in the rut, the big ones move at first and last light. I would think that with the 30-378 Accumark/Swarovski rig you are able to cleanly take anything in the Western Hemisphere. Good Luck. Lee