I have some nice, super accurate, reliable, durable overbore magnum bolt action Rem 700 and Win 70 derivative rifles (.338 Lapua, .338 RUM, .300 RUM, .270 WBY, .30-378 WBY, etc.). All have German and Austrian variable power optics, usually 30mm or 34mm tubes). All of these rigs, I conclude, at 11-ish plus lbs. each, are just too heavy for a 150-lb fit 48 year old like me to lug up shale and sleet covered shale mountain slopes in addition to a 45-lb. wilderness-loaded backpack in search of Dall Sheep. The bolt action rifle I'm having built will be ~ 7.5 lbs. minus scope, chambered in .270 Wby Mag.
Question: what is the optimal rifle scope (water proof, fog proof) size/power? I agree with Craig Boddington that a 1-inch tube should suffice for what are usually 50-200 yard shots, but occasionally 400+ yard shots. However, the power has me flummoxed. 3-9x? 2-7x (given the potential for a mountain grizzly encounter as well?) 4.5-14x?
I am thinking 40mm objective, and Leopold to keep costs down. Every time I pay $3k for a Swarovski scope, I feel both proud ('cause it'll last a lifetime and they're bad ass) and guilty ('cause it costs $3k).
Thoughts?
- CS