Burris Droptine or Nikon Prostaff Scope

In process of choosing one or the other.

I want a better scope for my Marlin 336 .30-30. I like a couple different models but it is possible to sway me a bit to something else. What I need is some advice from someone who used BDC type scopes or mil-dot reticules.

The Droptine series and the ProStaff scopes have different type BDC reticules; different from a Mil-Dot because the Mil-Dot reticules I have had incorporate the Mil-Dots on on all 4 crosshairs. The BDC reticules (I may heve missed something) seem to have the drop compensated but do hot have much to offer in the windage department.

I am not finished with this thread yet, as I have to dig up some pictures, but if anyone has experience with any of these types, chime in. I will post pics of the scopes I am considering and their reticules.

To be continued...

http://www.burrisoptics.com/droptine4x14x.html
http://www.burrisoptics.com/droptine3x9x.html
http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/Nik...Scopes/index.page#c54-CID-1342536894925-tab-3

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/Nikon-Products/Riflescopes/PROSTAFF-3-9x40-Matte-BDC.html




I am really looking hard at the 4.5-14x42mm because it has an adjustable objective. Because I will be using the rifle at unknown ranges up to MAYBE 200 yards max I like the adjustable focus which the AO provides. My eyes need all the help they can get.


This scope will also go well on my Savage .308 bolt gun.


BUT, here is why I want this for the 30-30: I want one scope setting I can work with using the fast moving reloads with jacketed bullets AND the slow movers using plated. The plated bullets shoot dead on windage wise but are very low…about a foot or more at 50 and 100 yards. I am loading more this week with a bit more fire but the drop will still be significant.


I sight at 100 yards and the jacketed are good but the plated bullets are low, so far too low. Maybe adding another grain of powder will help but I went from 26.1gr H-4895 to 27.1 gr and saw just a little rise in the group. Still too low. I will add another grain, but this will just go over the 1600 fps recommended by Marlin and the bullet company. (Marlin says 1600 fps for accuracy purposes for lead, and these are basically lead with copper paint. Bullet company says 1500 fps so the copper doesn’t disintegrate. ) I will still be testing higher velocities to see how far I can go without fouling. If I can get the groups up without fouling I won’t need a new scope…I will get one because it will be far better and will last longer than the factory scope I got with the rifle.

BOLD Powder Charge above is WRONG! I was going by memory. Glad I don't have to rely on it...Ma made me larn how to rite.
Actual first and second test charges were H-4895: 20.6 gr and 21.6 gr. Next step is 1 gr more...22.6 gr.

The other charges were still way below max, but though safe, they would probably be inefficient loads. 34.0 gr is max in the Lee Manual #2.


And there ya have it..
Let me know what you think...BDC or Mil-Dot.
Thanks in advance.
hombre