Thanks for all the responses............. I should have mentioned the 4.5x14 was a long range unit with parallax adjustment and a 30 mm tube. Really don't know if it would make a difference optically, but this was the model I was leaning towards.

What I'm worried about is the 3.5x10 is really a 3.3x9.7, not much difference from a 3x9? The 4.5x14 is really a 4.9x14.3, almost a 5x15. Nice numbers? you'd think Leupold would have corrected this with the new versions!

But they are still Leupold, great reputation, warranty and the best eye relief.

I've got basically the same setup you've got, a stainless Sako 75 chambered in .300 Wby mag. I've got a 3-9X40 Zeiss Conquest on mine in the Optilock mounts. I'm very happy with both gun and scope. I've also got a 7mm Mag Sako 75 with a 4.5-14x44 Conquest also in Optilock mounts. However, right now I've got a Leupold VX-III 3.5-10X40 on order to replace the 4.5-14 Conquest. I just haven't been as happy with the 4.5-14. I think you're just kidding yourself if you think you need a high magnification scope (over about 10 power) on a big game hunting rifle and I don't think you need the parallax adjustment either. The 4.5-14 Conquest I have has the side parallax adjustment and to me it's just a nuisance.

As some others have said, the Optilocks are the way to go and make sure you go with the lowest ones. I've tried Leupold and Millets also, but they just don't hold a candle to the Optilocks.

For your application the 2.5 x 8 is the way to go.
You don't need all that magnification for moose and you will be very glad you have the lower setting at 2.5.

Nice lightweight scope with lots of eye relief.

I just remembered, I've got a set of 30mm Optilocks that I'm not using. If you do decide to go with a 30mm scope I could let you have them for a lot less money than new ones would cost you. These are stainless and I think they're the lows. I'll have to check and make sure. Let me know if interested. I don't think I'll ever buy another 30mm scope, so I really don't have any use for them.