3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
 

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,

RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
 

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.

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RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
 

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.

RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
 

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

RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
 

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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RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
 

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

RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
 

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

RE: 3.5x10 or 4.5x14 Leupold?
 

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