Scope Mounts

[Appowner]

New to this 6.5 CM business so I have a question regarding scope mounts with 20 or more MOA built in. Haven't seen this addresses anywhere but I could be wrong. But here goes:

Is there a rule of thumb as to what range one uses a mount with 20 or more MOA built in? Or do we just kind of wait until the scope is at something like 80% of its travel?

Again, shooting 6.5 CM out of a 24" barrel. Current scope has 52 MOA vertical adjustment.

 

[Drop Port]

All depends on what distance you plan on shooting, how much internal adjustment the scope has and where it zero's.

 

[CJ6]

Personally 500-1000 yds, anything less than 500 no.

 

[SKWERLZ]

As said depends on your needs and scope.
My 338 has a 45 moa rail and often uses all of it and more.

52 moa will get you out there a bit with a 6.5 CM

 

[std7mag]

Typically a 0 MOA is 500 yards and less.
20 MOA for 500-1,000 yards.

 

[Appowner]

I know I left a lot of variables out but I was basically looking for a starting point. A what to expect kind of thing. A couple of you provided that. Thanks!

I'm new to the serious side of this and hope to eventually work my way to 1000 yards or more. The scope I currently have (Sig Tango4 6-24x50) has 52 MOA of adjustment. There is a 20 MOA mount available from the same company as the scope so maybe I'll get one to have on hand. Maybe eventually one of those fancy adjustable mounts that cost more than my scope. Of course I'd maybe need a fancier scope to put in them too.

My goal is to have fun. I doubt I'll ever compete but rather be something of a long range plinker. I've always enjoyed precision shooting. But mine was more shooting out the bottoms of Coke bottles by passing a 22 round through the neck without touching it. Used a Winchester model 06 22 cal pump with open sights at 50 feet and more. Use to use the same rifle to shoot crows for the farmers. Ah.... the pleasures of youth!

Thanks all for your help, suggestions, etc. I think I have my answer and it's 500 yards. In the meantime I have a barrel to break in, a new gun to get use to and I need to find a range in my area that is more than 30 yards.

 

[std7mag]

If your plan is to get out to 1,000 yards, i'd go ahead and get a 20 MOA base.
You can still zero & shoot at 100 yards. Just lets you adjust to shoot to 1,000.

I use EGW one piece bases.
Decently built with out breaking the bank. $39 - $69 depending on model.
EGW's bases are kinda tall.
But being so allows use of low rings up through a 50mm objective depending on barrel contour.
I have a Sightron SIII 10-50X60 mounted in low rings on a Savage with heavy varmint contour barrel.

If your looking for decent rings, EGW's Keystone line are seriously overbuilt!!

 

[Drop Port]

If your plan is to get out to 1,000 yards, i'd go ahead and get a 20 MOA base.
You can still zero & shoot at 100 yards. Just lets you adjust to shoot to 1,000.

I use EGW one piece bases.
Decently built with out breaking the bank. $39 - $69 depending on model.
EGW's bases are kinda tall.
But being so allows use of low rings up through a 50mm objective depending on barrel contour.
I have a Sightron SIII 10-50X60 mounted in low rings on a Savage with heavy varmint contour barrel.

If your looking for decent rings, EGW's Keystone line are seriously overbuilt!!

+1

With the info you supplied I can add a little to think about. Assuming you are running 140's in the creed you will need Approx. 26.5 to 29 MOA at 1k depending on your load. The Sig tango 4 is listing 60 MOA internal travel. With a zero MOA base I've seen factory rifle use up half the internal adjustment to zero at 100 yards. If this happens, you are left with 30 MOA (+or-) up adjustment which will almost bottom out the adjustment and just get you to 1K.
My newest NX8 has 110 internal MOA If it were only going to 1K I wouldn't worry in the least, I still throw a 20 MOA base on everything without an integral 20 MOA rail.
As std7mag added "KISS" keep it simple and strong, one piece rail and strong rings. Stay away from added adjustments set it and forget it. For actions without built in rails I like Badger rails and Nightforce rings but there are plenty of others that will get the job done for less $. Just my.02

 

[Walt Schmidlin]

+1 on the 20MOA base, the cost is the same.

 

[JFrank]

Speaking ONLY for myself the objective is to have the scope be close to optically centered at the distance I’m competing.
In my case with my particular LR scope when shooting 600 a 20 moa is nice but not required yet at 1000 it’s a must have.

 

[std7mag]

Even most of my hunting rifles wear 20 MOA bases.
Not that i plan to shoot game that far, but i like to go to a local range that has 1,000 yard capability.
Shooting 600 - 800 yards allows you to verify your velocities & BC for a ballistics calculator.

 

[boltfluter]

Speaking ONLY for myself the objective is to have the scope be close to optically centered at the distance I’m competing.
In my case with my particular LR scope when shooting 600 a 20 moa is nice but not required yet at 1000 it’s a must have.

My thoughts exactly. Resolution optically is at its best, when close to being centered. All mine run 20 moa bases.
Paul

 

[Appowner]

Thanks again all! All good things to think about. You guys are great.

The instruction card I got with the scope said it has 52 MOA of adjustment. Not 60. Either way I guess I'll find out when I start to spin the dial.

Sig has a 20 MOA mount so maybe I'll go ahead and get one and mount it. Use the zero mount as an excuse to buy something else.

I agree with the KISS principle. My other hobby is aviation related and for those of you who know him:
Burt Rutan - “the technology you leave out cannot fail you.”

 

[1K Luver]

I'm suggesting "... just kind of wait until the scope is at something like 80% of its travel". If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[Appowner]

I'm suggesting "... just kind of wait until the scope is at something like 80% of its travel". If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Those are my intentions though I don't know if I'll go 80%. Maybe something a little lower. But we'll see. Lots of play it by ear here. Need to get the barrel broke in next. If this weather ever cooperates.

 

[6BRA]

a 20 moa rail could put you as high as 4 to 5 inches at 100...with scope bottomed out.

 

[Minshooter]

Another option:
The Burris XTR Signature rings (not the crappy original split base signatures) can give you up to 40 MOA
elevation and windage mounting corrections, using the ring insert sets.
A scope can be internally centered (using V blocks or a mirror, not by just counting clicks) and brought
very close to almost any sub-1000 POI desired, using the inserts.
They are on the bulky side, but allow adjustments no other mounts can do.
Plus, they ensure exact alignment of rings with your scope tube; no chance of dings.

I don't work for Burris, or get one cent for this opinion.