Scopes? Leupold CDS

[markt308]

anyone have a Leupold scope with the Custom dial (CDS) where you send in your specific caliber and grain and they send you back a dial for your scope/gun? Any thoughts on these? are they gimmicky? are they great? The Vx-2 CDS is the one in my price range.

I need a new scope for my X-bolt 300 win mag and I'm looking to spend max $500 (we all know that means more like max $600) I would love to hear recommendations! doesnt have to be leupold, i would be willing to look at vortex or others. im just tired of researching and wanted to hear what fellow HBC'ers had to say.

[REMINGTON JIM]

I have a VX111 3.5 - 10 CDS on my 240 Weatherby and i really like it NOT a gimmick works GREAT ! Cheers RJ

[monasheemountainman]

Yep they work well.

[goinghunting]

Ive got three leupy's with cds and there unreal! Not gimmicky at all.

[Salmon Belly]

Have a look at new Vortex Diamondback HP, released at Shot Show 2014. Sub-$500 and available in BDC reticle. Kenton industries will also make a custom turret for you for $69. Reputable source I trust claims they are on par with Leupy VX-3, tho a few oz's heavier. 4x zoom and 4" eye relief.

i bought one earlier this year and am impressed by it.

SB

[Paulyman]

Just bought the vx3 4.5-14x40mm such a sweet scope. I bought a leupold rangefinder. This is an awesome combo

[todbartell]

CDS works well if your dial is built to your load specs. I hit the gong first shot yesterday at 500 yards with my 260, after sighting in at 200 yards. Scope is the Vx3 3.5-10x40 CDS.

I also did the same shot with another 260 and my 7mm, both topped with the Vortex Viper HS Long Range 4-16x50. I much prefer these scopes for LR shooting, only downside is they're heavier than the Leupold. Otherwise I find the adjustments better, glass is every bit as good, and you can shoot twice as far on one turn of the dial

Diamondback HPs are basically the same scope as the Viper HS, but built on a 1" tube. No exposed turret though, and no zero stop. Look for a healthy price drop on them too for 2015. Worth a look! I have the 2-8x32 on my Ruger No1 303 and love it

[Drillbit]

They work properly, but mine would turn too easy, and wouldn't be where I always set it at 100. It was always working it's way to 660.

[markt308]

They work properly, but mine would turn too easy, and wouldn't be where I always set it at 100. It was always working it's way to 660.

Thanks everyone! I think i know what you mean and this kinda worried me about the turrets. am I correct that you need to keep an eye on them since they are exposed and make sure that while your hiking or driving your scope is still zeroed? is it a constant annoying thing to always be checking your turret to make sure you dont shoot 5 feet over the back of a booner standing at 100 yards? or is this not really an issue

[BCHoyt]

I havent owned a leupold scope before but did have bino's from them... They were ok but have been since upgraded..

As for scopes I have a Vortex on one rifle and it has never caused me any problems but on my main rifle I have a Nikon Prostaff 5 with BDC reticle and I absolutely love it and would highly suggest them!

[todbartell]

I havent found the CDS to move much at all when bushwacking. I drug one atop a 260 Ti up and down the alder choked Skeena mountains for six days with no problems

[markt308]

I havent found the CDS to move much at all when bushwacking. I drug one atop a 260 Ti up and down the alder choked Skeena mountains for six days with no problems

right on thanks. that good to know! I think i'm gonna go for the Vx-2 cds

[Brez]

I've got the VX-III 4.5 - 14 on my 300 WM and really like it. Only mistake I made was having it start at 200 yds. If I was to do it over, I'd start at 300 yds. I have yet to try it at 600 to 800 yds but it's right on at shorter distances.

[todbartell]

Any particular reason why you'd prefer a 300 yard zero? With a 300 Win Mag, that puts point of impact 3" above point of aim from 85 yards to 245 yards, peaking at 4.6" at 160-170 yards (180gr Accubond @ 2960 fps). Doing the 300y zero would increase the distance of your CDS dial from 700 yards (200y z) to 750 yards. With the 200y zero the point of impact stays within 1.5" of point of aim right out to 230 yards. Most hunters tend to hold on the upper half of an animals vitals, at any distance. YMMV

[BCBRAD]

I like dots.

[Drillbit]

I havent found the CDS to move much at all when bushwacking. I drug one atop a 260 Ti up and down the alder choked Skeena mountains for six days with no problems

Mine was ok in the bush.

Pulling it out of a scabbard sometimes spun it.
Truck seat always maxed it out after a few k.

Only missed a few coyotes because of it, but frustrated me enough to get rid of it.

[Brez]

Any particular reason why you'd prefer a 300 yard zero? With a 300 Win Mag, that puts point of impact 3" above point of aim from 85 yards to 245 yards, peaking at 4.6" at 160-170 yards (180gr Accubond @ 2960 fps). Doing the 300y zero would increase the distance of your CDS dial from 700 yards (200y z) to 750 yards. With the 200y zero the point of impact stays within 1.5" of point of aim right out to 230 yards. Most hunters tend to hold on the upper half of an animals vitals, at any distance. YMMV
my upper end on the dial is 750 now - I would get an increase to 800 or more and that is where I would need it (and that's why I got it) if I ever chose to take a shot that far. I'm pretty sure that I could compensate for the 4.6" (actually less for my load) "peak" at the closer distances. I have done a lot of thinking on this. I don't plan on shooting competitively and think that it is plenty good for hunting. Thanks for the info though. I appreciate all I can get as it will help me and any new shooter reading this. Incidentally, I shoot 180 gr Interbonds at 3150 fps.

[Brez]

Any particular reason why you'd prefer a 300 yard zero? With a 300 Win Mag, that puts point of impact 3" above point of aim from 85 yards to 245 yards, peaking at 4.6" at 160-170 yards (180gr Accubond @ 2960 fps). Doing the 300y zero would increase the distance of your CDS dial from 700 yards (200y z) to 750 yards. With the 200y zero the point of impact stays within 1.5" of point of aim right out to 230 yards. Most hunters tend to hold on the upper half of an animals vitals, at any distance. YMMV
my upper end on the dial is 750 now - I would get an increase to 800 or more and that is where I would need it (and that's why I got it) if I ever chose to take a shot that far. I'm pretty sure that I could compensate for the 4.6" (actually less for my load) "peak" at the closer distances. I have done a lot of thinking on this. I don't plan on shooting competitively and think that it is plenty good for hunting. Thanks for the info though. I appreciate all I can get as it will help me and any new shooter reading this. Incidentally, I shoot 180 gr Interbonds at 3150 fps.

To markt308, You gotta remember to dial back down after taking a long shot. That's the only issue I have.