.30-06 + Leupold Mark 4

[Brilton]

Hey guys, I just wrapped up building an AR and am now setting my sights on a good all around bolt-action in .30-06. I am currently deliberating between a 700 and a Sako 85Finnlight, but my main concern are optics. I have heard nothing but great things about the Leupold Mark 4 but I am concerned that .30-06 may be too powerful for the milling/reticle.(?) I don't know a lot about ballistics and things. The rifle will be mainly for targets, hunting and down the road and heaven forbid, SHTF. I just want an optic that can do it all rather handily. I had the Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T M3 Front Focal in particular in mind. GO!

 

[wgp]

Almost all of my rifles wear a Leupold of one model or another. Every one has been excellent and trouble-free. My favorite deer rifle, for years and in spite of a safe full of other rifles, has been and is a Remington 700 Classic .30-06 with a Leupold Vari-X III 2.5x 8. I recommend that combination highly.

 

[TexAg]

700 .30-06 with a VX-III 2.5-8 too! Love it.

 

[splithoof]

I use that exact optic on a 700P and have had great results, but it is way too heavy for carrying around in a hunting scenario. If you research the BDC options for that scope, most are designed to use a 168 BTHPM at velocities more common to the .308 Winchester, but you can also special order BDC dials that are matched to your particular load. The scope is very stout, and will easily stand up to repeated firings of more powerful cartridges.
For a hunting rifle, you can save considerable $$ by using one of their Vari-X models, and still have a very reliable, well built optic that will do the job.
The MK4 also has a 30mm maintube, requiring larger, heavier rings. This however gives the long range shooter more adjustment through the BDC ranges. For most hunters, this is way too complicated.

 

[Art Eatman]

The Leupold on my '06 survived some 3,500 or more rounds. Mostly 150-grain max handloads.

 

[BrokenSailor]

I run the scope you describe with a Mil-Dot Illuminated Reticule. Mine has been on an M14 for five years or so and takes 300 rds a shoot. I am using .308. 173 grain match stuff. I don't think you could go wrong with a Mark 4. That is a very tough Mil Spec scope. It has fantastic light gathering capabilities. You get what you pay for with this series of scope and it shows.

 

[samoconnor123]

The scope you are looking is way over kill for the uses you've stated.
That's assuming your not looking at decent long range targets (500yrd +).
If you are I think a Sako finnlight is probably not a great choice for a long range target rifle, and if its for a light hunting rifle theres no point in getting such a big heavy scope.

I'd recommend a VX-III with some for of BDC reticle, if your set on Leupold.

 

[Brilton]

great responses everyone I really appreciate it.