Can anyone give me an idea on the merits of either scope on a 243 sako. Mainly bush hunting with longer shots to 250m. I am swinging toward the 2.5-8x36 due to its more compact size.

FWIW, I would go with the 3.5-10 on a 243 unless it's a compact rifle and the larger scope would make look or feel unbalanced. Also, it depends on what you're going to hunt and the terrain. If you're going to primarily hunt coyotes and deer size critters and your shots are under 250-300 yards, I'd go with the 2.5-8. I like as small of a scope as possible. Lou

I own both these scopes....they are excellent.

If you feel you will use the 2.5 power setting for the type of hunting you do, the smaller one will suit nicely. It might be more use on a stand or in thick brush.

I would probably get the 3.5-10 X 40, but I prefer a bit more power for longer shots.

Either is available with the B&C reticle if you are interested. (Both mine are this type.)

Cheers,

Dan

Honestly, I don't think you will go wrong with either.

I have used both, and to be honest can't tell the difference in hunting situations.

I have the 2.5x8's on my lightweight Remington 700's w/synthetic stocks in 270 win and 338-06.

I have a 3.5x10 on my custom Kimber in 270 Win.

Go with what looks good on the rifle.

Tommo.
Gidday Mate,
Go for the 2.5-8x it's the one I have. At the lower setting it's great for the bush at the top end it will give you more magnification than you will ever need.

I have both scopes. I much prefer the 2.5-8x for all my hunting. It can do everything I need from close shots to elk at 300-400 yards. I have never needed more.

I also have both.
I really like the 2.5X8 , can't think of a better choice for a short to medium range rifle.
...tj3006

Cheers fellas
The 2.5-8x36 it is. Now I'll need to order one...

I have both scopes and for brush shots the 2.5-8 X 36 is better since it remains focus in 2.5 power at five steps, the 3.5 –10 will need ten steps.
Also go for the Boone & Crockett reticule, I use mainly Remington’s 90 grain Scirocco and Federal’s 100 grain Sierra Game King factory ammo sighted as follow:

For Scirocco’s, Zero at 180 yards, having your max. difference between your reticules and your bullet drop of only 1 inch between 93 and 131 yards.

GROUP ZERO
YARDS A 180 DIF.
200 0.00 -0.70 0.70
300 -6.88 -7.40 0.52
400 -20.11 -20.10 -0.01
450 -29.50 -29.10 -0.40
500 -40.95 -40.00 -0.95

For Sierra’s GK, zero at 200 yards, having your max. difference between your reticules and your bullet drop of only 1.6 inches between 100 and 138 yards.

GROUP ZERO
YARDS A 200 DIF.
200 0.00 0.00 0.00
300 -6.88 -7.00 0.12
400 -20.11 -20.30 0.19
450 -29.50 -29.70 0.20
500 -40.95 -41.20 0.25

And if you want even more options of distances you can use the space between reticules as shooting device.

Caliber 243 SCIR 90 GNS LARGE T. ZERO 180
YARDS RETICLE RET. DROP BULLET D. DIFERENCE
200 1° 0.00 -0.7 0.70
250 1°/2° -2.87 -3.4 0.53
300 2° -6.88 -7.4 0.52
350 2°/3° -12.81 -13.0 0.19
400 3° -20.11 -20.1 -0.01
425 3°/4° -24.61 -24.4 -0.21
450 4° -29.50 -29.1 -0.40
475 4°/5° -35.02 -34.3 -0.72
500 5° -40.95 -40.0 -0.95
MAX. DIF. BETWEEN 97 YDS 135 YDS 1.20 INCH


Caliber 243 SIER GK 100 LARGE T. ZERO 200
YARDS RETICLE RET. DROP BULLET D. DIFERENCE
200 1° 0.00 -0.4 0.40
250 1°/2° -2.87 -2.8 -0.07
300 2° -6.88 -7.0 0.12
350 2°/3° -12.81 -12.8 -0.01
400 3° -20.11 -20.3 0.19
425 3°/4° -24.61 -24.8 0.19
450 4° -29.50 -29.7 0.20
475 4°/5° -35.02 -35.2 0.18
500 5° -40.95 -41.2 0.25
MAX. DIF. BETWEEN 100 YDS 138 YDS 1.60 INCH

quote:

Originally posted by Tommo:
Cheers fellas
The 2.5-8x36 it is. Now I'll need to order one...

That's the right choice for a well proportioned medium-action rifle. Unless you are shooting small vermin at more than 200 yards, you have all the magnification you can use. The next-best (virtually equal) choice would be a VX-II 2-7x33.

I have VXIII 2.5x8 on all of my big game rifles, it's all I've ever need for shots out to 350yds or so. Under 300yds, I don't like the extra size & wt. You could also go w/ a 3x-9x compact?

Tommo,
Hunting&Fishing were offering them at a good price in there latest catalogue.

Thanks guys

I have just ordered a 2.5-8x36. Didn't have alot of choice really as my 1 year old son managed to pull my rifle scope first (VX2 3-9) onto the kitchen floor (tiles). This all happend 1 foot away from me while in pulled my boots on to go outside! Need less to say he scope needs to be sent back to Leupold because it won't hold zero anymore. All my fault...