Leupold LR Duplex or B&C reticle vs Zeiss Rapid Z

Duk Dog · #1 03-30-2010, 03:52 PM

So I've been doing some thinking on scopes that are designed (with practice of course) to take some of the guess work out of longer range shooting. Now for me I'm thinking along the lines of say a 400 yard shot presents itself and rather than trying to guess at hold over with a standard duplex reticle having a reticle designed with a 400 yard mark.
I've been trying to read up on the Leupold LR Duplex and their Boone & Crockett reticles. Generally speaking they work on a 200 yard zero with hash marks for 300, 400, 450, and 500 yards. I currently have a couple of Leupold Vari-X and VX-III scopes with the standard duplex reticle. I am considering if possible getting my reticle changed (I am checking with Leupold). This would be my least expensive option. The more expensive options would be buying a new Leupold scope with one of the long range reticles (LR Duplex or B&C) or a new Zeiss scope with the Rapid-z reticle system. I did try the Zeiss z-reticle last year and it was dead simple to use. (not sure what was involved with setting it up initially)

Anyone have any experience with the Leupold B&C reticle, the Leupold LR Duplex reticle, or the Zeiss Rapid-Z system?

Rackmastr · #2 03-30-2010, 03:59 PM

Out of the two Leupold options, I much prefer the LR reticle for simple shooting out to 400 yards. If a guy wanted to get a bit more serious you could go with the B&C but the LR Reticle is so nice and clean it presents a really easy sight picture and not a lot of 'mess' in the scope to contend with.

You know my thoughts on the subject at least from our last talks, but for my money, its LR reticle. If I wanted to get more serious than that I'd go with turrets.

The Zeiss is a sweet scope too, so if you were buying new it might be an easy option for you but its a tough one to decide when looking at all 3 options.

I definatly like the ballistic ranging system over turrets alone for dead-simple quick shooting at moderate ranges.

Duk Dog · #3 03-30-2010, 04:00 PM

With my initial talks with Leupold and my scope models (Vari-X III and VX III) the LR Duplex doesn't appear to be an option, but the B&C reticle might be - depending on the age of my scopes. I e-mailed them the serial numbers so I will see what they say.

Rackmastr · #4 03-30-2010, 04:09 PM

Ya, and I think it would probably come down to a decision on a new scope with the LR reticle or the old scope with the B&C reticle.

Most likely for a guy like you the B&C reticle would work nicely for ya. I didnt want it overly 'cluttered' and as simple as possible for my wife to shoot without trying to figure out which crosshair to use, etc. (if that makes sense)

So ya, depending on your options I'd say B&C reticle on your old scope or else purchase of whichever (out of the 3) that work best out of the other three....

double gun · #5 03-30-2010, 04:46 PM

I like them all, but in order my favorite is the rapid Z, then B&C, followed by the LR reticle. Just personal preference.

Pathfinder76 · #6 03-30-2010, 05:27 PM

I shoot both the LR and the B&C and would like something of a hybrid. If you could go custom (and you may be able to) I would have one single crosswire installed where the lower dot is on the LR reticle would be and call it a day.

#7 03-30-2010, 05:42 PM

Depending on your cartridge and load, the B&C reticle can be out as much as 10 inches at 500 yards. The hash marks are not necessarily a true representation of 300, 400 and 500 yards whereas the Rapid Z gives you that ability to fine tune.

Wrongside · #8 03-30-2010, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rackmastr

Out of the two Leupold options, I much prefer the LR reticle for simple shooting out to 400 yards.

I agree. I think the VXIII/3s would be just about perfect if Leupold would offer the LR Duplex as an option.

wwbirds · #9 03-30-2010, 05:53 PM

Is very easy I have two of them. Since they can't make a system that will deal with all calibres and loads if you are not shooting one of the recommended (tested) bullet and velocity for your calibre you can easily calibrate your load by shooting a group at 200 yards with the cross hairs. then from a measured 300 yards shoot another group still using the cross hairs using your lowest power on that particular scope. Holding the cross hairs on the 300 yard group slowly turn the power up until (the field of view will get smaller as you turn up the power) the 300 yard hold point intersects with the 300 yard group. Check the magnification setting when that happens and you are recalibrated for your particular rifle bullet and load ONLY WHEN you are on that power setting.
Rob

#10 03-30-2010, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwbirds

Since they can't make a system that will deal with all calibres and loads

Actually that's exactly what the Rapid Z does.

riderpride55 · #11 03-30-2010, 07:44 PM

I have a vxII with the LR reticle, its for argument sake bang on @ 200,300,400, and I have not tried 500 yet. If you want we can hook up and you can give it try

Duk Dog · #12 03-30-2010, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riderpride55

I have a vxII with the LR reticle, its for argument sake bang on @ 200,300,400, and I have not tried 500 yet. If you want we can hook up and you can give it try

I may just take you up on that.

Duk Dog · #13 03-30-2010, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

I shoot both the LR and the B&C and would like something of a hybrid. If you could go custom (and you may be able to) I would have one single crosswire installed where the lower dot is on the LR reticle would be and call it a day.

Comparing just the standard LR duplex and the B&C reticles what are your thoughts comparing the two? Any significant differences/advantages/disadvantages in your opinion?

Duk Dog · #14 03-30-2010, 10:09 PM

You can view a short video (see the video tab) on the Leupold BAS here.

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-s...3-3-5-10x40mm/

Duk Dog · #15 03-30-2010, 10:10 PM

For what it is worth I am shooting a 30-06 and typically use 180 gr Federal Premium Nosler Partitions. (factory ammo)

Pathfinder76 · #16 03-30-2010, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duk Dog

Comparing just the standard LR duplex and the B&C reticles what are your thoughts comparing the two? Any significant differences/advantages/disadvantages in your opinion?

The LR is definitely simpler, but I don't like the middle dot. If they got rid of that I'd have that reticle for everything without a second thought. The B&C is a little more "cluttered" but not overly so and I don't find it distracting when trying to shoot. Even quickly.

Hows that for not answering your question?

Duk Dog · #17 03-30-2010, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

The LR is definitely simpler, but I don't like the middle dot. If they got rid of that I'd have that reticle for everything without a second thought. The B&C is a little more "cluttered" but not overly so and I don't find it distracting when trying to shoot. Even quickly.

Hows that for not answering your question?

That will do.

Pathfinder76 · #18 03-30-2010, 10:18 PM

What kind of shape is your VX III in? 3.5-10X40?

#19 03-30-2010, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duk Dog

For what it is worth I am shooting a 30-06 and typically use 180 gr Federal Premium Nosler Partitions. (factory ammo)

If I remeber correctly, the B&C reticle was designed for a 300WM shooting 180s.

Duk Dog · #20 03-30-2010, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

What kind of shape is your VX III in? 3.5-10X40?

Both my VX-III and Vari-X III are 3.5-10x40. The VX-III has a dint in one of the turret caps which can very easily be replaced (courtesy of Trev in the Willmore

) and the Vari-X III has a minor dint in the tube in the area of where one of the rings would be. It has been checked out by Korth and is a-ok.

Duk Dog · #21 03-30-2010, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheephunter

If I remeber correctly, the B&C reticle was designed for a 300WM shooting 180s.

I'm hoping to speak more with Leupold to get a better feel for things. I will also get around to chatting Zeiss with you as well. In a perfect world swapping of reticles would work and save some money. I still have a video camera to buy for this fall.

Pathfinder76 · #22 03-30-2010, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duk Dog

Both my VX-III and Vari-X III are 3.5-10x40. The VX-III has a dint in one of the turret caps which can very easily be replaced (courtesy of Trev in the Willmore

) and the Vari-X III has a minor dint in the tube in the area of where one of the rings would be. It has been checked out by Korth and is a-ok.

On the right day I might could be talked into trading you straight across for my 3.5-10X40 B&C VX III.

Duk Dog · #23 03-30-2010, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

On the right day I might could be talked into trading you straight across for my 3.5-10X40 B&C VX III.

Hmmm we may have to chat.

Rackmastr · #24 03-30-2010, 10:29 PM

On the right day Chuck has been known to make a good deal. I would be snapping that one up if I was a guy like you Duk....heh

Duk Dog · #25 03-30-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rackmastr

On the right day Chuck has been known to make a good deal. I would be snapping that one up if I was a guy like you Duk....heh

7 days in a week, odds are good there would be a "right day" in there somewhere.

Not to mention a swap works quite nicely with my budget.

Mad_Mikee · #26 03-31-2010, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrongside

I agree. I think the VXIII/3s would be just about perfect if Leupold would offer the LR Duplex as an option.

Exactly. I prefer the LR duplex as well.

Ice Fishing Maniac · #27 03-31-2010, 08:37 AM

I have the VX3 BC reticle on my two 270WSM's and a VX2 LR duplex on my 243. They both work great. I had a BC reticle installed on a silver X3 3.5-10x40 back in 2004 as you could only get the BC reticle in the matte black models. The other is a VX3 4.5-14x40.

The BC reticle works great with the 270WSM shooting 140gr Accubonds-both factory Winchster Supreme Accubonds and reloads. Both rifles are dialed in. Inital sighting in was easy-follw the instructions for the caliber/bullet. For the 270WSM Leupold only listed the 130 and 150gr bullet. I went with the 150gr setup.

As for the LD duplex mounted on a Sako m75ss 243....works great. Again it was quick to sight in after I installed the scope at the range. So far the LR duplex is on target out to 400 metres.

As mentioned, the LR duplex is easier to see thru at your target as some people may not like the extra cross hairs in the BC reticle. FOr me the BC reticle does not bother me.

Leupold will build you a custom reticle (like the BC or LR duplex) to match your ballistcs for the caliber you choose. Might be another option to look into.

I cant comment on the Zeiss model, b from what I have read about it on the web and magazine articles, should be just as good.

serviceberry bill · #28 03-31-2010, 09:16 AM

check out www.shepherdscopes.com i just got one and am very happy. took me 3 bullets from the 7mm to zero then i was hitting propane tanks at 800yards. they cost about $1000.00 again i am very happy with mine!

TangoKilo · #29 03-31-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheephunter

If I remeber correctly, the B&C reticle was designed for a 300WM shooting 180s.

This incorrect!

The B&C Recticle calibrates to a variety of different cartridges.

https://www2.leupold.com/resources/d...an_02Jun08.pdf

#30 03-31-2010, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TangoKilo

This incorrect!

The B&C Recticle calibrates to a variety of different cartridges.

https://www2.leupold.com/resources/d...an_02Jun08.pdf

I was actually talking about the original B&C reticle that didn't incorporate the three position magnification ring. As Duk was thinking of adding this onto an existing scope, I doubt he'd see the performance offered from the newer style B&C reticle scopes, although I could be wrong. I'm pretty sure, however, the original B&C reticle was designed for a 300WM. The newer style does offer a bit more versatility for sure but it can still be up to 10" out at 500 yards even when dialed to the appropriate cartridge category.