Aluminum rings Vs. Steel rings?

[DaveC]

While doing some price checking at wally world I noticed they carried a full line of Leopold Rifleman rings and bases at a decent price. They also carry some Simmons and Weavers, but they are both made in china and therefore out of the question for me.

So, are the aluminum Leopold rings as good as steel rings?
Or should I just stick with steel Leopold rings when outfitting my new .308 Striker?

Is there any advantage to the vertical split design over the horizontal split design?

Thanks for the help!

[Roskoe]

In the lightweight Striker, the .308 is going to be fairly hard on the scope and rings. I would go with steel rings/mounts. Leupold dual dovetail with horizontal split.

Well, the aluminum is not as strong as steel in my opinion. Alum is more rigid and stiff per thickness but doesn't handle shock as well aschromoly steel. I notice the rifleman rings are made a tade thicker than than the Leupold Standard. I have always used the standard and never the aluminum.

I bet they would work fine for a 308. I sure wouldn't put them on a 300RUM or anything.

[Vapodog]

I've always used steel rings.....however if Leupold puts their name on them I'd go for it.

[James B]

I have used quite a few of both kinds and have never had any of them fail but I would think the steel ones mya have an edge. My 416 had Ruger Rings whatever they are made from held up very well.

[DaveC]

Sounds like steel is the way to go, but if for some reason I cannot find any locally then the rifleman series would work in a pinch.

Thanks for the help!