Hey guys I just couldn't pass this up, a 99% Sauer 202 deluxe in 300 wby with a Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x50 scope for $1750.

My plan for this rifle is to take with me out to New Mexico this fall for Mule Deer. 300 wby is a little more then I was thinking about getting but I fell in love with this one.

I recently picked up a Swarovski 3-10x42 AV scope with the intent of putting it on the rifle I got for this hunt.

I'm now torn between leaving the Leupold on this rifle and switching on the Swaro. For my eyes the Swaro is the better scope but the Leupold has more eye relief. Thoughts?

I was also wondering if anybody down loads the 300 wby when all that power isn't needed or if that is just a waste.

Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by GeoffM24:

I was also wondering if anybody down loads the 300 wby when all that power isn't needed or if that is just a waste.

Some years ago I worked on loads that would give me 30/06 velocities in the .300 Wby, with good accuracy. It can be done. You will, of course, use substantially more powder in a .300 Wby case to get the same velocities you would get from 30/06 cases and a 30/06 rifle.

If you have only the .300 Wby rifle but you want 30/06 velocities, you can download to get them. Otherwise, if you have a 30/06 rifle and you want 30/06 velocities, I'd use the 30/06 rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by GeoffM24:

I'm now torn between leaving the Leupold on this rifle and switching on the Swaro. For my eyes the Swaro is the better scope but the Leupold has more eye relief. Thoughts?

In a .300 Wby, eye relief can be an important consideration, depending on how you hold the rifle and how it comes up to your face. That would tend to favor the Leupold scope.

But the Leupold you mention is somewhat larger and heavier than what I think of as ideal for a big-game hunting rifle. The Swaro you mention seems to be smaller and lighter.

If I have to carry a rifle for some time and distance while hunting, I'd go for smaller and lighter, especially if, in this case, you can keep your eye far away enough from the scope eyepiece to avoid getting hit by it from rifle recoil.

Geoff,

If you want the best of both worlds - eye relief and a quality scope take a look at the Schmidt & Bender range. However, as you already have the Swaro I'd opt for that since in the heat of the moment you probably won't notice a thump on the eyebrow although of course it could be a bit tricky at the range.

Best wishes,

Tim

Geoff, I'd go with the Swaro scope in a heartbeat. I've had that same scope on 202's in 375 H&H and 416 Rem, and never been touched by it, at the range or in the field. The 416 is not fun to shoot in my book, in fact that barrel only has 20 rounds through it, and I would sell it and the brass from the fired rounds, and the bag of brass I bought and the bullets I bought right quick!

Back on point though, I don't think 300 Wby should 'bite your eye' with the Swaro scope. I just love my 202's, but hate the fact that they are not supported worth a toot here in the US.

I'm sure you'll enjoy yours.

Last month I read on another forum that Sig is going to be importing them again and reducing the MSRP by 30%. Hopefully it will be true and we can get some more barrels over here, I know I'll be adding a 257 wby right quick!