Spotting scope for 300yrd shooting less than $1000

[qec]

I've read through a large number of spotting scope threads here and in other forums but have not found exactly what I'm looking for.
Details:
- Able to see .223 holes at 300yrds
- Willing to spend up to $1000 but would prefer to spend less
- I understand the value of buying quality however the buy once cry once argument is not convincing. Any money save here will be repurposed for other shooting stuff.
My current scope on the model 12 is a Athlon Argos 10 - 40X56. Not used it past 100yrds yet (see below)

Also wondering if I should just replace my scope for the same kind of money and use it for spotting. That all assumes a sub $1000 scope can reliably resolve .223 holes at 300yrds. I will not have access to 300 yrds until April so I don't have an easy way to test what I have or even borrow a spotting scope to test.

 

[Stony]

There are so many variables such as shooting direction and where the sun is located, mirage, target composition/backer, etc. I have a Kowa 883 Prominar and use either a 25X LER or a 20-60X variable and a 1.6X magnifier. With the variable at 60X and the 1.6 magnifier I'm up to 96X and struggle at 300 yards with a .223 because my range faces South into the sun. I end up with too much mirage at high power.

I now use a 12" shoot n see target for the 9/10 ring at 300 yards on an SR3 NRA high power target. I can easily see my impacts with just a 25X eyepiece. If I'm in the 8 ring, I won't see the impact and that's fine. If I'm ever in the white 7 ring, I can see those easily.

Shoot n See makes other targets that I can use to mimic F class dimensions at 300 and still see the impacts.
If I were you, I'd spend a few bucks to get some of those before buying a new spotting scope.

 

[Bat Rastard]

I got an Athlon ARES 20-60 x 85 for Christmas. My needs and requirements were very similar to yours.
I haven't gave it a real good shakedown yet, but it looks very promising.
I think 223 at 300 is going to be tough for anything.

 

[jelenko]

Able to see .223 holes at 300yrds

Not going to happen most of the time/reliably.
As mentioned, if the hole is in the black, almost impossible. Has to be NO mirage.
Even at 100 yards, with moderate mirage/cloudy, very hard to see holes in the black.

 

[mtncwru]

Short version:

1. Your 1k budget is plenty, and I don't think you'd get benefit from spending more.
2. Even with infinite money you probably won't be able to spot .223 holes at 300 yards.
3. Try a Shoot 'n' See or up your target contrast before your spend New Gla$$ Money.
4. Consider at a Shotmarker instead of new glass.
5. Spotting scope over new riflescope for your situation unless...
6. ...if your riflescope is missing a feature you want, go ahead and upgrade.

Based on your description, I'd say your budget is plenty: you're well into "Buy once, cry once," territory with a $1k budget, in that the options in that price range will meet your needs just fine, and I'd be hard pressed to justify spending more myself. Thinking of the optics I have in my library...yeah, I'd say you're good.

As others have mentioned, .223 holes at 300 yards are going to be REAL tough, even with the latest and greatest Kowa or Swarovski spotting scopes. Ability to spot holes of that size at anything past 200 (and sometimes even 100) is almost completely a function of lighting and target & background color than glass quality. They tend to disappear real fast with any hint of mirage, too. Some of your options for maximizing that ability are using a Shoot 'n' See, not using a cardboard backer (or using one with the center cut out), and hanging a contrasting backer about a foot behind your target. All of those have downsides, but they're also very cheap, and you should be able to see a difference at 100 yards too. Probably worth exploring while you're waiting for April to roll around.

In terms of what to buy for your price range I'd consider a Shotmarker. That solves your "spot the bullet holes" issue at any range, should save you some walking, makes saving data easy, and gets you velocity at the target. Has the advantage of working for any/all your rifles, too, so long as they're using supersonic ammo. You'll need to check that your range is OK with them: some places get funny with devices downrange, and you'll want to build your own frame to mount them on besides. I bought one in 2020, and it was some of the best money I've spent on my highpower setup.

If you were to update your optics library I'd recommend spotting scope assuming that your current riflescope isn't missing a feature you want. Something from the Vortex Viper line is a solid choice, or any of the Kowa scopes. You'll want a spotting scope stand, too: a standard camera tripod can work, but a proper spotter stand will let you setup lower and closer to your position if you're shooting from prone.

If your riflescope is missing a feature you want (e.g. First Focal Plane, zero-stop, etc.) then I'd say upgrade that instead of getting a spotter. Knowing a bit more about your shooting would help make better/more meaningful recommendations, but the Vortex Viper line is fine and should be in your price range. You could also move to a higher-end Athlon, or keep an eye on the classifieds here for a Leupold or Sightron you like.

Good luck on your search!

 

[dbduff]

I've read through a large number of spotting scope threads here and in other forums but have not found exactly what I'm looking for.
Details:
- Able to see .223 holes at 300yrds
- Willing to spend up to $1000 but would prefer to spend less
- I understand the value of buying quality however the buy once cry once argument is not convincing. Any money save here will be repurposed for other shooting stuff.
My current scope on the model 12 is a Athlon Argos 10 - 40X56. Not used it past 100yrds yet (see below)

Also wondering if I should just replace my scope for the same kind of money and use it for spotting. That all assumes a sub $1000 scope can reliably resolve .223 holes at 300yrds. I will not have access to 300 yrds until April so I don't have an easy way to test what I have or even borrow a spotting scope to test.

I've read through a large number of spotting scope threads here and in other forums but have not found exactly what I'm looking for.
Details:
- Able to see .223 holes at 300yrds
- Willing to spend up to $1000 but would prefer to spend less
- I understand the value of buying quality however the buy once cry once argument is not convincing. Any money save here will be repurposed for other shooting stuff.
My current scope on the model 12 is a Athlon Argos 10 - 40X56. Not used it past 100yrds yet (see below)

Also wondering if I should just replace my scope for the same kind of money and use it for spotting. That all assumes a sub $1000 scope can reliably resolve .223 holes at 300yrds. I will not have access to 300 yrds until April so I don't have an easy way to test what I have or even borrow a spotting scope to test.

I used this for high power-223 and 308 on black target In early summer evenings. Holes were identifiable, but comments/statements in response to your question are relevant. Lots of situations with sun, clouds, mirage affect the image you may or may not see. Scope is in pristine shape. Let me know if you’re interested. $750 plus insurance and postage from 13646.
David Duff

 

[Jeff Porter]

Celestron Regal 80mm is surprisingly clear and high resolution glass for its price range. As others have said atmospheric and lighting factors will limit you more than money spent. Your eyes impact that too. How well you see before you look into a scope can limit the results.

Best 900 dollars I spent was on a ETarget. I can see holes out to 1000 yards with that.

 

[cbailey1956]

Maybe try a longshot marksman for 300 yds. Mine is used to 200 and can see 22lr holes. Ask what others see at 300.

 

[21PHX]

I suggest you go to the main site and search on High end spotting scopes. Read the article by Danny Reever. If after reading it you are interested in a Pentax 80mm I have an extra one available for sale with the 20-60x eyepiece. I currently own 2, the other one is the smaller 65mm and I find it is all I need for short range benchrest and 6mm bullet holes.

 

[qec]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Looks like the first step is change my targets. Certainly a lot cheaper. If I had another use for the spotting scope then even a grand might be ok but I don't.
Replacing my barrel on the .223 next week and then off to the range!

 

[rwj]

Maybe try a longshot marksman for 300 yds. Mine is used to 200 and can see 22lr holes. Ask what others see at 300.

Works great @300 yards too!

 

[MikeRu]

Less $ and better view by setting a camera in front of your target, view on an iPad, like Bullseye SME. Works at any distance out to …. long ways.

 

[qec]

What exactly is Bullseys SME? I looked it up but not sure I found the right thing. It it a brand name product? I have an Android tablet in case it matters

 

[Liven The Dream]

SELLING Kowa TSN-82SV Angled Spotting Scope $900 Posted right Here right Now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​

 

[SS GO DEVIL]

Pentax PF80 EDA ($696.00)

Pentax SMC XW 10mm Eyepiece (1.25") ($269.00)​

I did tons of research and this is THE BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK. Mine easily sees bullet holes in most conditions to 600 and sometimes 1000. To look through comparable glass be ready to spend 3-7K. I promise you will appreciate this piece of glass once you look through it. If you're curious look on the birding and celestial viewing forums to back up my advice.

 

[RickKr]

Less $ and better view by setting a camera in front of your target, view on an iPad, like Bullseye SME. Works at any distance out to …. long ways.

What exactly is Bullseys SME? I looked it up but not sure I found the right thing. It it a brand name product? I have an Android tablet in case it matters

Works great @300 yards too!

Bullseye SME is a long distance "spotting" camera, like the Longshot. I have the Longshot Marksman and love it, as do my shooting buddies. I've only used it at 100 yds. I no longer bother with a spotting scope. Specs claim the Marksman is good out to 300 yds. LR-3 claims 2 miles.

Not only does it let me really see each shot, each shot can be marked, groups can be marked with different colors. It has a function to locate the last shot ("blinker") but I don't use it much as it typically is just not necessary. You can take photos of what is on the screen so the shot markers are preserved for later working up shot group info from the actual targets.

Set it up so it sees all the targets you set out and then zoom in to just the target you are shooting at. Apps for iOS and Android systems.

 

[Kittitas George]

If you can find a Bausch & Lomb 15X-60X it will be more than adequate. I've used one of these for many years, too big for sheep hunting or packing, but very good for range work. I've seen these on Craigslist from $85 up to $200.