.308 Norma vs the world

[Shootist43]

Pheroze, I recently purchased a 308 Norma Mag. I took it to the range and the first couple of shots were almost touching at 50 yds. I moved the targets out to 75 yds. and fired a couple more rounds. It was then that I saw the cross hairs rotating so I stopped shooting. The Leupold scope that came on the gun is very clear but it is from the 60s and does not have 1/4" click adjustments. so I've decided to put a new scope on it. I bought a used Swarovski, but now I'm thinking that is a lot of scope for a rifle that I won't be using frequently. What kind of scope are you going to put on your 308 Norma Mag?

 

[Pheroze]

Pheroze, I recently purchased a 308 Norma Mag. I took it to the range and the first couple of shots were almost touching at 50 yds. I moved the targets out to 75 yds. and fired a couple more rounds. It was then that I saw the cross hairs rotating so I stopped shooting. The Leupold scope that came on the gun is very clear but it is from the 60s and does not have 1/4" click adjustments. so I've decided to put a new scope on it. I bought a used Swarovski, but now I'm thinking that is a lot of scope for a rifle that I won't be using frequently. What kind of scope are you going to put on your 308 Norma Mag?

So jealous that you have yours in hand. On my reloading bench is a brand new Swarovski Z5 3.5-18. I wanted a scope that would allow the maximum flexibility for this cartridge. Also, it was on sale

 

[Shootist43]

The Swarovski that I bought was a Z3 3-9, my consternation is whether or not I need that much scope for 'woods ranges" at max. a 200 yard shot. When I hunt my scopes are usually set at 4 power providing they are adjustable. I use a lot of vintage K-4 Weavers on my 6.5 x 55s, 7 x 57s, and 308s.

 

[Pheroze]

I tend to agree. But a quality scope in my price range with more modest magnification was not really available. This one was on sale so it was hard to say no.

I figure I will never use anything over 6x or 8x max when going after some goat. I used 4x in Africa and it was fine but Marius got me up close, all under 200. The scope is a massive step up on anything else I have and I may use a bit more magnification when I go to Namibia as I understand the shots are longer. It's a great cartridge so you won't be limited by it or the scope.

 

[ZG47]

The Swarovski that I bought was a Z3 3-9, my consternation is whether or not I need that much scope for 'woods ranges" at max. a 200 yard shot. When I hunt my scopes are usually set at 4 power providing they are adjustable. I use a lot of vintage K-4 Weavers on my 6.5 x 55s, 7 x 57s, and 308s.

@Shootist43 My opinion, for what it is worth, is that you should mount that scope on your rifle and see how it works, over the next year. If you leave it on 3x for most purposes and turn it up to it's brightest setting for dawn/dusk shooting, you should be fine.

 

[BC.Pat]

I have a few of 308NM but the one I use most wears a Kahles 4~12x44 and like most of us, it spends most of its life set at 4. I think any quality 3~9 would do fine. But the cartridge is capable of very long range accuracy performance as they bench rest guys run it out to 1000 yards.
cheers
Pat

 

[Shootist43]

Good to hear that. I'm bidding on a Kahles 3~9 x 42 as we "speak."

 

[BC.Pat]

I'm bidding on a Kahles 3~9 x 42 as we "speak."

Good luck, IMHO they make some of the best glass for value out there. ( I think this why swaro bought them) You wont be disappointed.
cheers
Pat

 

[ZG47]

Good luck, IMHO they make some of the best glass for value out there. ( I think this why swaro bought them) You wont be disappointed.
cheers
Pat

My understanding is that Swarovski purchased Kahles in order to obtain their phase coating technology, vital for success, given that it is reportedly much harder to obtain good performance from roof prisms than from Porro prisms.

 

[BC.Pat]

Swarovski purchased Kahles in order to obtain their phase coating technology, vital for success, given that it is reportedly much harder to obtain good performance from roof prisms than from Porro prisms.

ZG47 Sir your obviously much better informed than I. I just know and like Kahles no nonsense approach to their products and the optical quality.
regards
pat

 

[ZG47]

Yes, great scopes. I got the last new 4X in our country after Swarovski told Kahles to only make variable power models