Burris Black Diamond and XTR

[Carphunter]

I'm currently looking at picking up a scope to use on my rifles for load development / target shooting. ,currently shooting 308, 6.5 grendel, 30-06, .223)

I'm considering a Burris Black Diamond or XTR model. I think they are the same...aside from bells and whistles.

I think I'm opting away from the lower powers and only looking at the 6x24 or 8x32 in either line,I've got my hunting scopes to cover the lower powers).

I've read the optics review page here and understand that they recommend the fine plex over the mil dot for longer range shooting.

My questions... My local range goes up to 300 yds... and locally I can't see shooting more than a 40 away on a good day,440 yards). Should 24x cut it for that?

I know the fine plex reticles on these will occlude .17" at 100 yds @ 24, and .13 @ 32,MD .22 and .17), but what will they occlude at 300 and 400? is it a simple linear progression, or not?

I don't know that I "need" mil dot, but if it weren't a hindrance, I'd consider it. I also wonder if it wouldn't help resale if i sell later.

Would the external adjustments on the xtr line be worth the premium over the black diamond?

,I know there are other brands out there...but for now, I'm going with a Burris)

 

[Thorbird]

I have the black diamond 8x32 and really like it. The only thing I don't like is the internal adjustment, I think it is only like 39 MOA, that is better than some high end Leupold's, but I would like more. Take a look at the Sightron's. They have an 8 x 32 and I believe a 6 x 24. My buddy has the 6 x 24, and it has a hell of a lot of internal adjustment, I think like 80 + MOA. Price would be in the Black Diamond range.

 

[Carphunter]

with the 8x32, can you see bullet hits on a 300 or 400 yard target?,223 or 308)

 

[Thorbird]

Yes I can if there is not a lot of mirage. The glass is very nice. I have used it to shoot a .204 at 300 and have been able to see holes when mirage was not present.

 

[Carphunter]

Thanks.

I'm sort of wondering about maybe going all the way down to the 4x16...but it would replicate my vari-xiii 4.5x14 I've already got.

Reading the Burris stuff, it looks like the XTR's use a different adjustment calibration for sighting in... I kinda understand what they must be talking about,moa adjustments instead of 1/4"). Is this any kinda headache if my primary purpose is target shooting?

 

[Thorbird]

You would want a 1/8 adjustment if you are shooting way out there because of the shifts that a 1/4 adjustment would make at very long ranges. A fine cross hair is also crucial so it won't obscure the target at very long distance. Maybe someone will jump on here who is really knowledgeable about scope adjustments. It is not my strong point.

 

[CJ6]

get either of the Blk.Dia. scopes,6x24-8x32).The Fine part of the Plex on the 6x24FPX substends .07 @ 24 power with 50 MOA adj the fine part of the plex on the 8x32 substends .05 @ 32 power. You wont be disappointed with either of them,Great glass an tractability.I own several of them.

 

[Carphunter]

yeah... that's kinda the route i was thinking.

If they sold the 4x16 with fine plex, that would be in consideration too.

But for my use, I'm really thinking the 6x24 makes sense

 

[NateHaler]

yeah... that's kinda the route i was thinking.

If they sold the 4x16 with fine plex, that would be in consideration too.

But for my use, I'm really thinking the 6x24 makes sense

Carp, you might also consider the Burris-made Pentax LS-30 series. These scopes are cosmetically a bit different, but they are built by Burris in Colorado, and are otherwise identical to the Black Diamond in features and performance. Check CameraLand.com for good deals.

Another scope that I'd recommend as an alternative is the new Sightron SIII, in either 6-24 or 8-32.

Nothing against the Black Diamond or XTR. I've had/have them both, and they are excellent values. Lots of performance for dollars spent. The internal elevation adjustment range of the Black Diamond,and Pentax LS-30) in 8-32 is 39 MOA if I recall. I don't think that's enough.

The internal elevation adjustment of the Sightron SIII 8-32 is about 70 MOA if I recall.

The Black Diamond / LS-30 in 6-24 have about 70 MOA of 'up'. The new Sightron SIII in 6-24 has 100!

Just food for thought. You can't go wrong with any of them.

If you might want an LS-30 in 6-24x50 with mildot reticle, PM me. It's new, never used, but is mounted so I won't know if it has ring marks until I remove it from the rings.

Cheers from the left coast.

 

[Carphunter]

Well, think from what I'm seeing I'm skipping the xtr's.

Either gonna do the Black Diamond 8x32 or 6x24.

Just have to decide if there's some compelling reason not to get the 8x32 for this role.

 

[NateHaler]

Well, think from what I'm seeing I'm skipping the xtr's.

Either gonna do the Black Diamond 8x32 or 6x24.

Just have to decide if there's some compelling reason not to get the 8x32 for this role.

39 MOA of 'up'. Is that enough? There's your compelling issue.

If you intend to shoot a .308 from 100y to 1,000y, then I don't think the Black Diamond 8-32 is a good choice. Why? Because you'll need to craft a load to take advantage of the limited adjustment range, and you'll need to tilt the scope,via canted mount) to ensure you have access to the whole adjustment range. Otherwise, you'll run out of adjustment at the top or the bottom.

The choice is yours. We can't protect you from yourself.

 

[Carphunter]

Let's put it this way.... chances of ever shooting more than 400 yards with this thing are slim to none for me.

300 would be most probable max.

 

[Preacher]

It never hurts to have a bit of extra power for when it may be needed....