Florida Shooters Network

I just got a Bench rest 6.5 x 284 rifle and will be using only at 200 yards and out. I will be shooting at Manatee with steel at 565 yards and I know I will want to shoot at 1000 yards in time. I'm trying to scope up and don't want to run out of MOA'S at the end. I do not know if I need angle mount or not and what is a great set of rings, I'm thinking about a one piece set. I believe I will be shooting 142 Sierra's MK. It seems no one really knows the answer but I know I've been talking to the wrong people and know there will be plenty who can help on here. I really don't want to spend a ton but if need to I will I really don't want limitations on my equipment. Would someone teach me right. Grasshopper I have a lot of good choices but I rather listen to someone who has made these choices before and knows. Oh yea if you have some starting loads for this round it would be helpful.

Are you asking for help choosing a scope, a mount or rings or all three? And what's your budget?

I'm not familiar with the ballistics of 6.5 X 284 but all scopes tell you what their MOA elevation travel is. Once you know the ballistics then look for a scope with enough elevation to get you to your maximum planned distance. If the scope you want doesn't get you there then you'll need to get a mount with built-in elevation - 10, 15, 20 MOA or whatever you need.

A 20 MOA mount will get just about any decent quality scope out to 1,000 yards.
But it all depends on how much $ you can spend on a scope and what scope you get.

You want 20 MOA in the base, which should be seperate from your rings. Farrel, Evolution Gunworks, are good bases for distance shooting. Ah, scopes. You will not find a scope that will survive the recoil, over time, from a 6.5x284 for under $900.00. Sightron, Leoplod, Nightforce all make good scopes. Check out Accurateshooter.com for info, it'll open your eyes. German Salazar, who runs the sight, is one of the best shooters on the planet. Good Luck

flapanther wrote:I just got a Bench rest 6.5 x 284 rifle...

I previously mentioned knowing the ballistics. A round that shoots flatter will need less taper in its base. A round like .308, which is like lobbing artillery at distance, will need more taper in the base. Only get what you need to reach your distance because too much taper can cause problems shooting in closer.

Thanks for your help. I'd like to have a budget less than $ 1000.00 but I only like to do things once and I'm prepared to spend $ 2000.00 for a scope set up if it is what I really want. My biggest concern is the Scope so the base and rings will be fairly easy. I would like recommendations on what scope people would buy and why. I am going to Manatee this weekend to see what others shoot and help in my decision. Any specific name and model numbers would be helpful.

flapanther wrote:I just got a Bench rest 6.5 x 284 rifle...

This is a gun that probably has about a 30" barrel and will only be used from a static position to punch the smallest groups in your target, correct? In that case the scope's weight shouldn't matter. Go see what's being shot at Manatee and pay attention to who's using fixed vs variable power scopes. The late Glockpacker used variable power scopes until he figured out he rarely changed it from the highest magnification.

nice to hear a glockpacker reference
what a nice man
amazing that he could compete even though he had macular degeneration

Thanks you are right. I have a savage model 12 benchrest model with a 29" barrel and this will be my long range tack driver at longer distance. I want to shoot real little holes. I had already planed to go to Manatee this Saturday or next Saturday and shoot my 308 and my 22-250. I will be there for that reason to see what is best set up for the 6.5 x 284. I know I will shoot 500 clays and 565 steel and I'm sure farther in time. What I may do is use my 6 x 24 mil dot off my 308 and put it on here for a while so later I make the right choice rather than just a choice. Anyone going to be that way let me know the only thing holding me back from this weekend is to load some rounds.

I was sitting on the sideline watching this post. Long range shooting is very tempting, however a 20 or 22" barrel won't keep me in competition beyond probably 600 yds. Besides, there aren't any ranges of that yardage down south here. One day, I do intend to get up to Manatee to observe.

I am curious as to the rings you LD fellas use. My personal preference thus far is the Burris Signature Zee Weaver style rings. I haven't had any problems whatsoever with them, and the inserts do allow for adjustments to keep your scope optically centered. Does anyone use them in long range competition?

We have a 600 yd. match the first sat. of the month at Port Malabar Rifle & Pistol club. Calendar events are on the website.We use the shoot/pit setup. The matches are open to non-members and are a good place to see if you're up for blowing your kids college tuition funds on new toys. Glockpacker's 284 was on the line with it's new owner this past weekend, still shooting like a f*%! laser.

Here are my thoughts Nightforce NXS 12 x 42 .25 MOA (45 MOA OF ELEVATION) VS Nightforce 12 x 42 Benchrest .125 MOA I'm waiting to see if I have enough clicks on either for the 6.5 x 284 if I sight in at 200 yards how much elevation will I have on either may need 20 MOA rail or less power ?