What would you recommend for a 20" Weatherby Vanguard in .308, meant as a range toy and maybe to hunt a few hogs?
I expect that Weatherby of yours is capable of good accuracy. When you mention the range I assume you might be interested in exploring what you and the gun can do in the way of accuracy and/or groups. Here are my thoughts based on my preferences and my eyes. (I believe some scopes suit some people's eyes better than they do other people. If I get a scope that doesn't provide a clear image with very good resolution, I sell it. I've owned quite a few scopes that didn't work for me, optically, so I sold them. These included 4 Leupolds, a Sightron S-TAC, and soon a Nikon.)
- For target shooting at 100+ yards, I like to have 24x or more on the top end. That's because I end up shooting for best groups and more magnification (assuming the scope is good and clear) = smaller groups for a good shooter. I have some 36x target scopes, but sometimes they are just too tedious to enjoy as much as a fixed 24x or a variable that goes to 24x. If I'm not overly serious about pinpoint accuracy or best groups, I can live with 14 - 16x on the top end.
- I'm fine with 4 - 6x on the lower end for hunting or plinking because I've never had any trouble quickly finding my target through a scope -- I don't need a huge field of view.
- My favorite overall scope is something in the range of 6-24x because I can use it for almost anything I want to do. I have several Weaver V-24s (6-24x) and Sightron SII 6-24s. For situations where I'm okay with lower magnification on the top end, I am happy with a 6.5-20x or 4-16x or 4.5-14x. I have several Weaver Grand Slam 4-16x44s and several of the above-mentioned Burris 4.5-14s. All of these scopes just work very well for my eye.
- I don't really like to go below 14x on the top end.
- For value and optical quality, I think it'd be very difficult to beat the 4.5-14x Burris discussed above. And for hunting hogs in brush, the 4.5x low end should work pretty well. When people talk about bang-for-the buck, it usually brings to mind "settling" in the interest of saving money. However, in this case, the Burris isn't "settling" for my eyes unless you're talking about spending 3-4X what the Burris is going for these days. For my use I would go with the E1 version with the Ballistic Plex reticle because I like Side Focus and I like that reticle.
- I slightly prefer the Weaver Grand Slam 4-16x vs. the Burris, but that scope is hard to find nowadays, close to $500 if you do find one. And now that Weavers have been discontinued by the parent company I'm not sure what Bushnell will do if you approach them with a warranty claim for a Weaver (perhaps offer you a Bushnell?). I'm not concerned about that, but you might be. Burris' Lifetime Warranty is as good as any in the industry.
Though, I will say your decision to invest in reloading equipment is very wise. Unfortunately, I believe that once you are reloading more accurate ammunition, you will want to UPgrade your scope once again.
