3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?

[340WBYMAG]

Well I finally decided to go with the Sako 75, Stainless Synthetic in 300 Wby instead of the Lazzeroni TRG-S. Now the new dilemma, Scope/Bases/Rings?

Scope will be a Leupold VX-III with the B&C Reticle, 40 mm objective. Thinking either the 3.5x10 or 4.5x14. Using it for moose hunting clear cuts and valleys, 300 to 400 yard shots maximum. Any opinions on magnification, which is better/overkill?

The scope will be matte black. Should I go with silver or black bases and rings (Sako Optilocks)? Thinking silver bases and black rings............. What have you used or seen that looks good.

Thanks
340,

either one is acceptable. When I moose hunt, I used a 4.5-14 but the 4.5 can be a little too much. But I have never had a problem. We was walking down a mountain once and bull ruan thru a clear cut about 25 yards, and the 4.5 was a little much.

[Deleted User]

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[340WBYMAG]

Thanks Otis,

Down sizing from the 340wbymag and getting rid of the muzzlebreak. I think I put less effort into purchasing my last car then I did on this new rifle.

[stubblejumper]

The 3.5x10 offers more than enough magnification for 400 yard shots on big game.

[elkaddict]

For a moose rifle, I would absolutely choose the 3.5X10--I might even consider a 2.5X8. Moose are large enough that the extra power is not necessary at 400 yards. On the other hand, I can easily imagine circumstances where 3.5 power was way too much for running shots in thick country at close range. If this was to primarily be a deer rifle where long shots were the norm, I probably would go with the 4.5X14. By the way, I nearly purcased the identical set up this year--nice choice ( I ended up finding a killer deal on a used but mint Mark V).

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[ColoradoElk]

Hi .340

I have both the scopes you mentioned, the 4.5 on a .300 and the 3.5 on a .25-06. I REALLY like the adjustable objective on the 4.5-14x and wish I had it on the 3.5. I would get either one, as long as it had that feature.

Spend the extra money and get optilocks. I have a Sako 75 in .416 rem and those Leupold bases were constantly shooting loose. Never happens with the optilocks.

Good luck
CE

[GordonGekko]

In my experience, I don't like anything over 12x for large game (deer or bigger). It's just more magnification than needed for a 400 yard shot or less. I had a 4.5-14 on my 300 WSM and switched to the 3.5-10, because in field situations the 4.5 was a little narrow for quick shots.

Gordon

[handloader1]

Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x40 would be my choice. Good luck with your new rifle!