putting a caliber specific scope on a different caliber rifle

[whatever]

I am contemplating buying a nikon p223 (designed for the ar platform) to put on a rifle of a different caliber (a h&r handirifle in .308 for now but ultimately a single shot .357 in a few months).

Does putting one of these caliber specific scopes on a rifle of a different caliber make any sense? Will it do any harm? Will a scope designed for a .223 hold up to the recoil of a .308?

My reasoning for choosing this scope is I am looking for a compact 3-4x scope that doesn't break the bank and the nikon fits the bill (at least on paper).

 

[<*(((><]

The only thing I would be worried about is as you mentioned the recoil. Other than that the only reason it is cartridge specific is for the "bullet drop compensator" as it's setup for the 5.56/.223 cartridge at a specific grain bullet.

Maybe someone will chime in on using the p223 on a larger caliber, greater energy platform.

I just purchased this very scope it arrives tomorrow. Going to mount it up on my AR.

Sorry I won't test mine out for you on my 30-06.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Usually it's just a matter of how much recoil (and what type of recoil) the scope is built to handle. Something set up for the .223 might not hold up with .308 bouncing it around though Nikon tends to build some tough scopes.

 

[Teachu2]

If using a BDC, it will need to be recalibrated to the new ballistics as well.

I tend to move scopes down the chain to lighter calibers, not up.

 

[rcmodel]

The Nikon P223 is built to center-fire standards or it wouldn't stay together on a slam - bang AR-15.

As stated, the built-in drop dial will be a little wrong with a .308, and real wrong with a .357.

However, you can figure that out by shooting it and remember what range settings correspond to different ranges with the other calibers.

rc