Nikon Prostaff 5 4.4-18x40 or 3.5-14x40 on .204 Ruger

i.hunt

i.hunt

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Just getting a feel for this long range predator shooten, what ya think about these scopes on my .204 Ruger. Looking for some info on these two scopes if anyone uses them.. Thanks in advance.
 
Either one will work fine. I don't see the need for max power higher than 14 but that is not really an issue as long as the size and weight are the same. Nikon makes very good optics and I am sure it will handle what you are using it for.
 
I have 2 each of the 4.5-18x and 4 of the 3.4-14x Nikons.
Both will do 700 yards+ with no issues on most rifles. I have them on .223s to 7-08. When out in the p-dog fields I'm usually never past 12x, I will run to max when I am looking closer at something, but back down to shoot. All mine have the mildot reticle.
 
Originally Posted By: i.huntJust getting a feel for this long range predator shooten, what ya think about these scopes on my .204 Ruger. Looking for some info on these two scopes if anyone uses them.. Thanks in advance.

What do you consider to be long range? Im not trying to make fun or ruffle any feathers but I dont consider the .204 to be a long range cartridge.
 
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Looking to do 500-600 at most, I have some real long range shooters but they are for big stuff not little critters... I gotta be able to see them and was looking at the 14-18 power for PD's
 
Originally Posted By: IvetI have 2 each of the 4.5-18x and 4 of the 3.4-14x Nikons.
Both will do 700 yards+ with no issues on most rifles. I have them on .223s to 7-08. When out in the p-dog fields I'm usually never past 12x, I will run to max when I am looking closer at something, but back down to shoot. All mine have the mildot reticle.


Thanks for the info. that's what I am looking for... there is $75 difference between the two which isn't much Think I will go with the 18 so I can crank her up to get a better look...
 
Originally Posted By: coyotezapperEither one will work fine. I don't see the need for max power higher than 14 but that is not really an issue as long as the size and weight are the same. Nikon makes very good optics and I am sure it will handle what you are using it for.

Thanks for the info they are about the same in weight so going with higher magnification one.
 
Originally Posted By: i.huntLooking to do 500-600 at most, I have some real long range shooters but they are for big stuff not little critters... I gotta be able to see them and was looking at the 14-18 power for PD's


204 will handle this range just fine.
 
Originally Posted By: coyotezapperOriginally Posted By: i.huntLooking to do 500-600 at most, I have some real long range shooters but they are for big stuff not little critters... I gotta be able to see them and was looking at the 14-18 power for PD's


204 will handle this range just fine.

not in my experience. but that is just mine or maybe me.

guess it really depends on what you expect of it at those ranges.
 
If you going for 500-600 for P-dogs then go for the 14-18 at the top end. Id like to know what .204 you are shooting. I dont have any experience with one but a friend of mine has one and it struggles to keep up with both of .223s and his .223
To me regardless of the velocity, the .204s enemy is the wind.
 
Is this a fast twist 204 shooting heavies? I just don't see how in any way a standard 204 is even a viable consideration for 500+ coyotes.
 
With the 39 grain sierra you could get out there. Wind is the issue. But if guys are reaching out there with a 22-250 with say a 50 grain vmax, it's doable in a pinch. I guess it's the same foot pounds as a 22 mag at 50 yards or so. The 204 is one of my favourite calibers. Just not in big wind. Run the ballistics, it's better than a lot of 22-250 factory loads.
 
Willy, Wow, a 39gr for the .204....the BC listed for that Sierra bullet is .287 @ 3600fps and higher, which is pretty impressive. Can you give us velocity for this bullet?
Im not trying to get into a debate because I am definitely one that believes "to each his own".
Persoanlly speaking, I dont see the advantage. Two of my heavy barrel .223s are sending a 53gr Vmax at 3550fps and its a high BC bullet (.290) for its weight class. It does very well at 500yds
 
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Originally Posted By: Lefty SRHWilly, Wow, a 39gr for the .204....the BC listed for that Sierra bullet is .287 which is pretty impressive. Can you give us velocity for this bullet?
Im not trying to get into a debate because I am definitely one that believes "to each his own".
Persoanlly speaking, I dont see the advantage. Two of my heavy barrel .223s are sending a 53gr Vmax at 3550fps and its a high BC bullet (290) for its weight class. It does very well at 500yds

I ran the factory loads at 600 yards and got this. With a 10 mph 90 degree angle wind value

204 ruger with 39 blitzking 3750fps at muzzle

600 -58.55 -9.32 37.87 6.03 1812 284 0.69

22-250 blitzking 55 grain

600 -66.83 -10.64 43.31 6.89 1645 330 0.74
 
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That ballistic data runs real close to my .223 data I use in the field.
600yds with 3550fps at the muzzle
Drop -64.5"
Wind 10mph @ 9 oclock 36.8"
Velocity at 600yds is 1794fps
Energy 379 ft/lbs
TOF .718
 
Originally Posted By: Lefty SRHThat ballistic data runs real close to my .223 data I use in the field.
600yds with 3550fps at the muzzle
Drop -64.5"
Wind 10mph @ 9 oclock 36.8"
Velocity at 600yds is 1794fps
Energy 379 ft/lbs
TOF .718


You really got that 53 vmax cruising. That speed is almost 100 fps faster than the superformance factory load. Which is 3465 or so. You put that 53 vmax in a 22-250 bolt gun with hand loads and that should outrun these pretty easily.
 
Originally Posted By: Lefty SRHThat ballistic data runs real close to my .223 data I use in the field.
600yds with 3550fps at the muzzle
Drop -64.5"
Wind 10mph @ 9 oclock 36.8"
Velocity at 600yds is 1794fps
Energy 379 ft/lbs
TOF .718


What bullet?
 
Originally Posted By: Lefty SRHWilly, Wow, a 39gr for the .204....the BC listed for that Sierra bullet is .287 @ 3600fps and higher, which is pretty impressive. Can you give us velocity for this bullet?
Im not trying to get into a debate because I am definitely one that believes "to each his own".
Persoanlly speaking, I dont see the advantage. Two of my heavy barrel .223s are sending a 53gr Vmax at 3550fps and its a high BC bullet (.290) for its weight class. It does very well at 500yds

Velocity is a typo, right?
 
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