Scope questions for semi long range shooting

303hunter

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I’ve recently built a precision AR that I plan on shooting out to 600 yards, and maybe a bit further. It includes an 18” polygonal rifled 3 groove Black Hole Weaponry 5.56 barrel.

The scope that’s on the rifle at the moment is a Bushnell 4500 Elite 2.5-10x50 with DOA 600 reticle. Will this scope be decent for my purposes? I’ve only shot this combo to 300 yards so far, and it’s dead nuts accurate even with XM193 ammo.

I’ve recently got permission to use a range that goes to 1000 yards. This kind of range is extremely new to me, as I’ve only shot to 300. I’ve bought Hornady 75 grain HBPT projectiles to reload.
 
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Anything is possible, but as I understand it, that particular reticle is a BDC type that is only set up for a maximum of 600 yards. Further, BDC reticles generally tend to be intended more for hunting applications and not so much for precision or long range work. If you just want to smack big targets out to about 600, it should do just fine. But if you want to go farther out with precision, where you will have to contend with environmentals, wind, spin drift, holdovers, etc., then I think you are gonna want/need a scope that is much more precise and better suited to that particular application.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Anything is possible, but as I understand it, that particular reticle is a BDC type that is only set up for a maximum of 600 yards. Further, BDC reticles generally tend to be intended more for hunting applications and not so much for precision or long range work. If you just want to smack big targets out to about 600, it should do just fine. But if you want to go farther out with precision, where you will have to contend with environmentals, wind, spin drift, holdovers, etc., then I think you are gonna want/need a scope that is much more precise and better suited to that particular application.

Just my 2 cents.
Thanks, that’s kinda what I figured, but needed to hear it from someone who knows. I’ll upgrade the scope eventually, but it’ll have to do for now. Something like a 4-16 would probably work better.
 
It isn't really the magnification that is the issue, it is the reticle. You will want a reticle with mil or moa adjustments and hashes, rather than BDC reference points. Also, if you are going to be changing distances frequently, you will want exposed tactical turrets for speed/ease of adjustment. I would also highly recommend first focal plane. And while it is always a good idea to buy the best scope you can afford, you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune for a serviceable 1000 yard scope. In fact, when I was running a 6.5 Grendel AR-15 for my match rifle, I shot an earlier version of this scope on a 20 MOA base out to 1000 yards for a couple of years with no issues:

https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-4-14x44mm-ffp-riflescope-arc-2-moa-reticle
 
Agreed, the mag is just fine. Also at that distance first focal plane, second focal plane, it really doesn't matter unless you're trying to engage targets quickly. Even then with the second focal plane you said it and use your holdovers.
 
It isn't really the magnification that is the issue, it is the reticle. You will want a reticle with mil or moa adjustments and hashes, rather than BDC reference points. Also, if you are going to be changing distances frequently, you will want exposed tactical turrets for speed/ease of adjustment. I would also highly recommend first focal plane. And while it is always a good idea to buy the best scope you can afford, you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune for a serviceable 1000 yard scope. In fact, when I was running a 6.5 Grendel AR-15 for my match rifle, I shot an earlier version of this scope on a 20 MOA base out to 1000 yards for a couple of years with no issues:

https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-4-14x44mm-ffp-riflescope-arc-2-moa-reticle

Im currently running the same scope with the mil dot reticle (on a Savage 110) while I figure out if this game is for me or not. Affordable, easy to use, plenty of scope for where I am at right now as a noob/novice in the game and still has plenty of room for me to grow into it.
 
It isn't really the magnification that is the issue, it is the reticle. You will want a reticle with mil or moa adjustments and hashes, rather than BDC reference points. Also, if you are going to be changing distances frequently, you will want exposed tactical turrets for speed/ease of adjustment. I would also highly recommend first focal plane. And while it is always a good idea to buy the best scope you can afford, you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune for a serviceable 1000 yard scope. In fact, when I was running a 6.5 Grendel AR-15 for my match rifle, I shot an earlier version of this scope on a 20 MOA base out to 1000 yards for a couple of years with no issues:

https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-4-14x44mm-ffp-riflescope-arc-2-moa-reticle
This is one of the scopes I’m considering, My cousin has it on his Grendel, and really likes it. Would you recommend the reticle in your link, or the mil dot?
 
Going beyond 600, you'll want to make sure your optic will have enough adjustment and you may also need a mount with 10/20 MOA built-in. A 77gr bullet @ 2750 fps will have about 420" of drop at 1000 yards.
 
Going beyond 600, you'll want to make sure your optic will have enough adjustment and you may also need a mount with 10/20 MOA built-in. A 77gr bullet @ 2750 fps will have about 420" of drop at 1000 yards.
I’ve got a Nikon M223 XR 20 MOA mount I’m planning on using.
 
Also considering the Vortex Diamondback tactical 4-16x44. Anyone have experience with it?
My friend and I both recently upgraded from Vortex vipers to the Diamondback Tactical FFP 6-24x. Same glass as the viper but FFP and more features all around. Unfortunately, we haven't gotten a chance to shoot them yet. For the sub-$400 I paid, I think it's a lot of optic for the money.
 
This is one of the scopes I’m considering, My cousin has it on his Grendel, and really likes it. Would you recommend the reticle in your link, or the mil dot?

My preference is for hashes, not mildot. I think it is simpler, but that is because it is what I learned to shoot long range on. But you should research the pros and cons and choose whichever fits your application best or whatever you are most comfortable with. In my opinion, simpler is better to start out, so I would avoid complex or "busy" reticles at first.
 
My preference is for hashes, not mildot. I think it is simpler, but that is because it is what I learned to shoot long range on. But you should research the pros and cons and choose whichever fits your application best or whatever you are most comfortable with. In my opinion, simpler is better to start out, so I would avoid complex or "busy" reticles at first.
“Busy”is how I describe most of the Primary Arms reticles. Guess I need to just pick one and learn how to use it. I don’t know anyone personally who uses these reticles at long range, and that’s the reason I’m asking here. My cousin has a Primary Arms 4-14, but he’s shot it at 300 yards same as me.
 
Well, I just threw out the Primary Arms line as an example of capability on the cheap. An Athlon Argos 6-24x50 is another decent, long range capable starter scope with an easily useable reticle for less than $400.
 
Well, I just threw out the Primary Arms line as an example of capability on the cheap. An Athlon Argos 6-24x50 is another decent, long range capable starter scope with an easily useable reticle for less than $400.
Not complaining, just confused by the complex reticles required for long range shooting. I appreciate your help!! I’ve grown up using plex or bdc reticles. What I’m saying is I need to choose one and learn to use it.
 
Not complaining, just confused by the complex reticles required for long range shooting. I appreciate your help!! I’ve grown up using plex or bdc reticles. What I’m saying is I need to choose one and learn to use it.

I didn't take it that you were complaining. In fact, you are right about Primary Arms tending to have busy or complex reticles. For that reason, I just wanted to point out another popular option that will not break the bank. There are a ton of scopes out there in the low to medium price range, and most of them are junk. It helps to get scope recommendations or reviews from folks that have actually used the scopes and will give an honest opinion of their experience, not just fanboys or online review shills. I have personally used scopes by Primary Arms and Athlon, and considering the price points, I have had good experiences with both.
 
The better reticles for precision, distance shooting are milrad, ballistic mil, mil dot, mil hash. There are variations on these. Absolutely some of them are crazy-busy (google 'Horus'). I like them simple; but then, I am a simple man.
 
It isn't really the magnification that is the issue, it is the reticle. You will want a reticle with mil or moa adjustments and hashes, rather than BDC reference points. Also, if you are going to be changing distances frequently, you will want exposed tactical turrets for speed/ease of adjustment. I would also highly recommend first focal plane. And while it is always a good idea to buy the best scope you can afford, you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune for a serviceable 1000 yard scope. In fact, when I was running a 6.5 Grendel AR-15 for my match rifle, I shot an earlier version of this scope on a 20 MOA base out to 1000 yards for a couple of years with no issues:

https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-4-14x44mm-ffp-riflescope-arc-2-moa-reticle
My wife asked what I wanted for Father’s Day, and I showed her your link. Is that good timing or what? Ive also got a 20 moa mount ordered. Midway had their AR Stoner mount on sale, so I decided to give it a try.
 
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