I've never owned a scope more powerful the a 3-9x40mm. Also I have never needed a scope more powerful then that for deer hunting. And with a center fire have shot a lot further at deer with that 9X then I ever dream of shooting with a muzzleloader. Now I can understand some of the varmint shoots needed something like that. But just how far do you expect to be shooting this muzzleloader?
Then again, who am I to say what you need. I would think a Leupold, Bushnell, Burrisor one of the better Nikons would do you just fine. Good luck with your rifle and which ever scope you pick.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
I bought a 3x9x40 Bushnell scope from Optic's Planet for $79.00. The recticle is a Circle-X design that is great for muzzleloading. I've fired many heavy duty rounds and the scope held up perfect. I have two scopes I paid over a thousand dollars each for. But that little Bushnell performs as good as they do.
That's funny about the Bushnell scope, I hunted with one for many years, and it preformed as well as a Leupold 3x9 I own.
Anyway, I don't plan on shooting at a deerpast 80-90 yrds, unless it's in an open area or field.
I am going to hunt 1st rifle season elk next year and would want to take the muzzleloader.
I'd like the option to shoot 200-250yrds....if I had to.
I've got a short list of either a Leupold, Burris, or Nikon.
If Bushnell had a decent guarantee, I'd go that route.
But if I'm dropping $150 for a get-by-with, it's smarter to spend an extra $100 for a scope if it doesn't hold up, it'll be under warrantee.
My Nikon Pro Sport has a life time warranty and was only $129.00. I would rate that with any of the better scopes on my center fire rifles. I personally went with a 2-7x32mm because of the eye relief and the fact that was recommended by the gunsmith/store ownerI use. I see no reason I could not shoot out to 200 yards, but like you most my shots are much closer so I set my rifles up for that type of shot. If I get a 100 yard shot, it is a very strange day since my field of view is rarely past 80 yards.
Have you ever looked at them scopes that have a post with a lighted triangle on the top of the post? I have no idea who makes them, but saw them on a hunting show where they were elk hunting. That lighted triangle they showed through the camera stuck out like a sore thumb, and looks like an easy way to aim.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
That's funny about the Bushnell scope, I hunted with one for many years, and it preformed as well as a Leupold 3x9 I own.
Anyway, I don't plan on shooting at a deerpast 80-90 yrds, unless it's in an open area or field.
I am going to hunt 1st rifle season elk next year and would want to take the muzzleloader.
I'd like the option to shoot 200-250yrds....if I had to.
I've got a short list of either a Leupold, Burris, or Nikon.
If Bushnell had a decent guarantee, I'd go that route.
But if I'm dropping $150 for a get-by-with, it's smarter to spend an extra $100 for a scope if it doesn't hold up, it'll be under warrantee.
I am going hunting in 2008 for Elk in Colorado in 1st Rifle Season also. I bought a Savage 10ML to be able to shoot 200 yards,the Savage will shoot that no problem with a 300g bullet. My bullet of choice right now is the 275g Parker Ballistic Extreme.
The Bushness Elite Series has a lifetime guarantee, they are clear, work ing the rain, sleet and snow and are an excellent scope. I have firefly in one and the other is without it. I don't think you can beat them on price and performance. I think the Nikon beats them on price alone, but with rainguard I think the performance is there with Bushnell. IMO.
Chap
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Chapman Gleason
Purcellville Va
http://www.the-gleasons.com
I like to stick to the same scopes on my rifles and ML just to keep it simple. I prefer Zeiss scopes 3x9X50, have used one on several different ML and they hold up real well. The conquest line has made them more affordable but I still drool over those diavari's but just can't bring myself to spend that much on a scope.
Scope choice....
