Looking for a Scope

[trackmagic]

I have been searching for a new scope to buy for long distance shooting. I am testing a shooting rest that I designed and I want a target scope that I can see holes at 300-500 (or more) yards. Additionally I want to use this scope on my 0.223 for hunting Coyotes in eastern oregon's open ranges (ie long shots)

I have a list of things I am looking for that I can't quite seem to find a match and I was hoping a scope expert on here might know a good place to look:

1) At least 14x ADJUSTABLE magnification (I believe this is enough to see .223 holes, but maybe I need more?)
2) Fully multi-coated optics
3) 44mm max objective. 40 would be better. (I would rather have less Cant error with long shots. I think with coated optics the 50mm objective's benefits don't make it worth it).
4) Mil-dot reticle
5) 1st-plane focus
6) Availability of custom BDC elevation turrets
7) Side focus/parallax adjustment

I am a Nikon guy, but I also looked at a few others (Leupold, Zeiss, Redfield, Weaver and a few more).

-Nikon is hard to find items 4, 5 & 6 in. In fact I think all their scopes are 2nd-plane focus.
-Leupold is hard to find high magnifications in smaller objective diameters. They have a scope in their AR15 line that is close, but it has the objective focus instead of the side focus.

I just can't seem to find a scope that matches all that above. I don't want to spend more than $1500 (maybe that is part of my problem?)

 

[uncleduke]

The only scope that comes to mind is the IOR Valdada line. I have a 3-18x40 MP8 ffp mildot. Outstanding glass but heavy. You might find one around $1500. Liberty optics is a good dealer for the IOR's.

 

[NateHaler]

I have been searching for a new scope to buy for long distance shooting. I am testing a shooting rest that I designed and I want a target scope that I can see holes at 300-500 (or more) yards.

1) At least 14x ADJUSTABLE magnification (I believe this is enough to see .223 holes, but maybe I need more?)
3) 44mm max objective. 40 would be better. (I would rather have less Cant error with long shots. I think with coated optics the 50mm objective's benefits don't make it worth it).

I bet you're still searching, or, if you found a scope, that it won't do what you want. The idea that you can spot .22 caliber bullet holes at 500y or more is unrealistic, unless viewing conditions are perfect, and you have a massive objective lens and adequate magnification. Restricting your scope to 40-44mm for the objective -- which is a size that I like for better cheek weld and overall weight -- is not going to help spot tiny holes at long range. Cranking up magnification will only make the image darker. You must consider exit pupil, i.e. brightness of image downrange. Try spotting .22 caliber bullet holes at 500y with a Weaver 36x. Unless they're the Shoot-N-See (spelling?) type of target, or a light is illuminating the bullet holes from behind the target, you're not going to have any consistent success.

 

[LESLEY]

I have been searching for a new scope to buy for long distance shooting. I am testing a shooting rest that I designed and I want a target scope that I can see holes at 300-500 (or more) yards. Additionally I want to use this scope on my 0.223 for hunting Coyotes in eastern oregon's open ranges (ie long shots)

I have a list of things I am looking for that I can't quite seem to find a match and I was hoping a scope expert on here might know a good place to look:

1) At least 14x ADJUSTABLE magnification (I believe this is enough to see .223 holes, but maybe I need more?)
2) Fully multi-coated optics
3) 44mm max objective. 40 would be better. (I would rather have less Cant error with long shots. I think with coated optics the 50mm objective's benefits don't make it worth it).
4) Mil-dot reticle
5) 1st-plane focus
6) Availability of custom BDC elevation turrets
7) Side focus/parallax adjustment

I am a Nikon guy, but I also looked at a few others (Leupold, Zeiss, Redfield, Weaver and a few more).

-Nikon is hard to find items 4, 5 & 6 in. In fact I think all their scopes are 2nd-plane focus.
-Leupold is hard to find high magnifications in smaller objective diameters. They have a scope in their AR15 line that is close, but it has the objective focus instead of the side focus.

I just can't seem to find a scope that matches all that above. I don't want to spend more than $1500 (maybe that is part of my problem?)

Save your money for a while longer and get a March or a Nightforce. 223 bullit holes at 500 yards with a scope will will be hard to find