[hombre243]

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

 

[oldbrass]

I have no experience with Burris so I can`t comment..I do have a 4-12 Prostaff on my .308 bolt gun..I`ve had the scope two years and had it out elk hunting last year in some nasty Northwest weather tromping thru the woods. No fog or clarity issues, I took it to the range awhile back and it was still dead nuts on...The sight picture is crystal and eye relief is forgiving....I like the scope

 

[hombre243]

I have no experience with Burris so I can`t comment..I do have a 4-12 Prostaff on my .308 bolt gun..I`ve had the scope two years and had it out elk hunting last year in some nasty Northwest weather tromping thru the woods. No fog or clarity issues, I took it to the range awhile back and it was still dead nuts on...The sight picture is crystal and eye relief is forgiving....I like the scope

Ok, but will it work on a right handed rifle?

I like both brands...it will be hard to choose. Thanks for the pic and the comment. One point for ProStaff.
h

 

[FOUR4D4]

Yes they do work on right handed Winchester 70 Featherweights
Nikon Prostaff

 

[hombre243]

Yes they do work on right handed Winchester 70 Featherweights
Nikon Prostaff

Niiiiiiiiiiiiice! I like the wood stock. Thinking about getting a Boyds for a couple of my rifles.

 

[FOUR4D4]

Niiiiiiiiiiiiice! I like the wood stock. Thinking about getting a Boyds for a couple of my rifles.

Call me an old timer but Nothing Beats Wood Furniture on a rifle Of corse the fiber stock on my muzzle loader I kinda like too

I have another Nikon Prostaff scope waiting to be put on my 444S its a 2x7 the one on the model 70 is 3x9

 

[Gumpy]

I'm like the others. I've not used the Burris, but my prostaff is my favorite. Right now I have it on my Mauser. But if and when I can purchase a .308, it will go on that.

 

[DUTCHS]

I'm going Nikon every time..I had a very bad experience with the Burris Eliminator III...Never again...

 

[hombre243]

I'm going Nikon every time..I had a very bad experience with the Burris Eliminator III...Never again...

Tell me a bit about that...Burris advertises a lifetime warranty. Sounded like a good CS dept.
I did not look at a lot of reviews but 3 out of 3 give that Eliminator III a 4.75 star average. For $1200 to $1400 I cannot imagine the factory stiffing you on a repair.

 

[lingr]

I have two Nikons. A Prostaff on the Ruger .308 and a Buckmaster on the Marlin 336. Best scopes I've ever owned in my opinion.

 

[hombre243]

Let me go at this another way...I can choose the brand...I need info pertaining to the reticule. Mil_Dot or BDC type. As mentioned, I want to use the 3030 with a low vel load and also a hunting load and I need a reticule that will allow me to use the same settings for both. Which type reticule will be most advantageous? One with elevation only dots or circles, or a full mil-dot that has dots on the elevation as well as windage arms of the reticule.

 

[oldbrass]

I like the circles, they natuarally center your eye on the target (like a peep sight)

 

[lingr]

Sorry.......

 

[hombre243]

I just am not sure which type reticule would be best for my application. Trying to use the same scope setting for 2 different type of loads...a normal load and a low velocity load that will shoot low...is like shooting the same load at long distance. I can't decide whether a Mil-dot, or a BDC will work better. Whatever I choose I will have to range each dot, or at least see how much up or down distance the dots represent at my sight in range.

 

[FOUR4D4]

Have you done a comparison in person yet?

 

[hombre243]

Have you done a comparison in person yet?

Nope. And that won't answer my question anyway. Versatility is what I am looking for and it seems no one has the experience needed to answer the question. never mind. I will figure it out.