RE: to this forum. I've been reading it for months and finally decided to get in on the exchange of
Hi corditesmoke,
Welcome! I'd have to agree with the majority....it is awfully hard to go wrong with a Leupold. There are some nicer scopes out there, and their price reflects it. If money is tight you might consider checking out Leupold's new Rifleman series. You can have either a 2X7X33 or a 3X9X40 for under $200. I have not personally tried the Rifleman series yet...but I have owned many other Leupolds...and can vouch for their customer service. It is one of the best in the industry.
My experience with Leupold has always been with either their Vari-X II series...or the slightly more expensive Vari-X III series. And I have never been dissapointed.
Trying several different loads should help you pick out a particular load that your rifle prefers. You didn't mention where you'd be hunting Caribou at. But, if it is in big bear country I'd look hard at something 160 grains or heavier and in a premium bullet. A good example would be something on the order of Federal's Premium with 160 grain Nosler Partitions. (But there are many other great loads with premium bullets available!)
Good luck with your preparations and upcoming hunt!
P.S. If you are using a friend's reloads.....be absolutely sure it is someone you trust! Have him start with any of the 160 grain Premium bullets and go from there!