I posted a similiar question to this up under the gear reviews forum but nobody has responded. I've been looking into getting a new scope for my .22-250. I need a clear and reliable one for heavy use(woodchuck hunting and range-shooting for fun) I read a couple of articles on some supposedly sweet scopes that had range finding characteristics. Comparing the Shepherd range finding scope and the Burris ballistic plex scope ( both probably in at least 18 or 24 power), what would you guys suggest? Has anyone had experience with either of them? if not, what scope do you use for varmints? I've got a tasco 6-24X on my rifle and it seems to get knocked off zero to easily, not to mention it is has unclear optics at the higher powers. I would appreciate any help. thanks.

Aardvarkslayer;

I have the Burris Signature 6x24x50 In the Matte Black finish. It has adjustable parallax, with a light collector, and target knobs. I have this on my Remington model 700 varmint. 22-250. I love the scope. It has never fail me, fogged up, no problems what so ever. But like buying a scope is like buying a truck. Everyone will have their favorites. This is just my opinion. But I think you'll be happy with the Burris.

Coyote Caller

all i use is weaver and simmions scopes on my 22 mag i have a 600$ weaver wich is comein off soon as i get a box of sheels so ican put it on the 30.06

I have looked through both Burris and Shepard scopes. They are both high quality scopes that you shouldnt have any problem with clarity or light transmission. The shepard rangefinding system just seems very complicated and is caliber specific. The Balistic plex by burris is very simple and burris has figured out the 100 sight in for all major calibers(even some using different bullet weights). So you are getting good optics either way, but for just plain old hog bustin I think the Burris is more than enough. Just remember, in optics, it really holds true that you get what you pay for. You are "praying" good money for either of these scopes and either will be a huge improvement over your tasco.

Thanks for all the replies so far; has anyone actually had experience with either of those scopes? THe ballistic plex reticle and the shepherd rangefinding reticles are the same idea, except the shepherds have circles for the yard markers which equal 18 inches at that specific yardage. just put the animal in the circle and pull the trigger. my only concern with this is windage, there is really no way to indicate windage. I'm obviously no sniper and that's training i wish i could get. my gun clubs all have 100 yard rifle ranges only and it's not like wind affects my bullets to much at 100 yards, so it's hard for me to tell where the bullet's going out on the fields with the longer range shots when i'm hunting. determining wind speed and direction is tough around where i hunt cuz it constantly changes. does anybody have any similar problems? Well, i'm kinda starting to regret getting my 22-250..Not the gun, the gun is awesome, but the caliber. i probably shouldve gone with a 270 or 308. i want to not worry about the wind so much. anyways, if anyone has had experience with those scopes, let me know if the caliber specific ballistic reticles are actually accurate. thanks.

AardvarkSlayer,

I have a 220 swift with a 5.5x22power nightforce on it an had no problems. NightForce has a laser etched illuminated reticles which I found to work really well the only drawback is that it is a fairly heavy scope as far as gathering light the 50mm objective lens is great. I have also been lookin at a sheppard scope for my deer rifle but the boss says NO..... good luck in your choice..........JmP

On my two varmint rigs I have an Elite 3200 5x15x50 on one and a BSA Contender 4x16x40 on the other. Normally I wouldn't recommend any BSA scope but this one was on the gun when purchased and I don't see the need to replace it until it fails. Satisfied with both.