223 scope - 2.5-10x32 pst vs 3-12x44 bushie

[pez_rz]

Hi all,

I'm a relative novice to accurate shooting, so I've spent the last few months vacuuming up all the info I can to get myself setup with a good rig. I have a rem700 .223 with a 24in med bull barrel (unfortunately 1:13), composite stock and as yet no scope. Most shooting will be less than 200 at small pests eg rabbits, goats, but want to find the limit of the round. I spend more time punching paper at the moment.

The two scopes I'm currently torn between are:

- vortex pst 2.5-10x32 FFP MRAD
- bushnell elite tactical 3-12x44 FFP MRAD (ET3124FJ)
Poss option
- 2nd hand NF 4.5-15 varminter illum, but doesn't have a good reticle, etc.

I would appreciate your advice. I'm in Australia so choices are limited (and expensive!).

My concerns:
PST has great feature set, matched mil/mil, zero stop, lighter weight, etc but only 32mm objective. We do a bit of spotlighting for pests, so light is important (but 2.5 will help). Also 10x limits a little more at the range. Glass is meant to be mediocre (more an issue on the 4-16 though). Clever tweaks (optic fibre, etc)

Elite doesn't seem to have much info available, only found info on the 4200. About $125 more, no zero stop and heavier, but has a larger objective and more zoom. Rumored better glass, FFP & illuminated. Don't know if the reticle matches the ugly high turrets? Unclear if FFP is clear at 3x? Does the illumination have set levels/too high and wash out target?

What would you suggest for the rifle, running 55gn or smaller pills? Anyone got experience with both? Either is special order / no play on store.

Either option will go in a low nightforce direct mount or egw rail & HD rings (depends on price at time of order).

If you've made it this far through my ramblings congrats, you are persistent!

 

[Outlaw Man]

I have a very similar 3-12x44 Bushnell ET on my AR. It's non-illuminated and has the G2DMR reticle. I do miss having the zero stops, but with the G2 reticle, I haven't had to dial much. The reticle looks fine at 3x, though mine is "busier" than the MRAD. It has mil-mil adjustments. I believe the illuminated reticle is adjustable.

That Vortex is one I was considering when I got mine. The zero stops were definitely a consideration, and they may have made the Vortex win out if the Bushnell was just a mil-dot. The caveat is I haven't personally looked through the Vortex, so I can't comment on the clarity. The Bushnell is plenty clear out to the effective range of the .223/5.56 round.

I use heavier rounds in mine, but I have a 1/8 twist barrel. You will definitely have better luck with lighter bullets. I would think the 45-50 gr range would be ideal.

 

[pez_rz]

Thanks for the info. It's looking good but I've found it only has 24moa internal adjustment?

Side question on the scope mounts. Are one piece a nightmare for top loading? I don't have dbm or a hinged floor plate..

 

[hardluk1]

For 200 yard max ether scope is fine but I would want a 40mm + bell on the 2.5-10.

You don't need any extra aiming dots for the distance you are shooting. Its just junk to clutter up a clean sight picture at 400 yards and less.

Personally I would by the V plex reticle vortex below for short range paper punching and small game hunting. No need for all the extras till yardage gets out to 400 plus. I use a 200 yard zero on my AR. No extra lighted reticle ether if it glass is worth a darn.
http://swfa.com/Vortex-25-10x44-Viper-HS-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P48289.aspx

 

[Outlaw Man]

I think that's 24 MOA on each side of center. That's still not as much adjustment as the Vortex. I'm not sure you'll need the extra adjustment for the 223, though.

I've only ever had two-piece on my bolt guns, so I've never spent enough time with a one-piece base to say for sure. Some people say it's harder, though.

 

[pez_rz]

Thanks for the info. I might just have to bite the bullet and find out the old fashioned way Order placed..