Chris-NZ

I've decided I want a mid size spotter for range use and the occasional deer trip. Already have a full size Kowa but it's heavy and not fully waterproof. Interested to hear what users of either of these have to say about them. thanks ChrisNZ

I assume you are talking about variations with the same batch/brand of cases? Certainly not true with a brand change

Following up, how did they go?

That seems cheap to me. It's an improvement on my Mk.1 which was still good enough to get me a win in our Nationals a few days back

Yeh but do they shoot?? It's well known that bullets can tolerate some asymmetry at the front but pretty much none at the base.

There was a very similar thread on our (NZ) forum recently. Like this one, there were all sorts of suggestions but the reality with your very basic needs is that damn near anything will work long as you're not shooting up or down significant slopes, eg more than say 25 degrees. One reply in our local thread I identify with- the guy suggested one of the Aliexpress models, eg Sndway, which would be about 45 quid for you guys delivered. I use Leica Geovids for hunting and my gunsmith buddy Swaro RF binos. Both of us are also into PCPs and we each got a clone of the Sndways at that price I gave. Both of us were stunned as to the bang for buck the Chinese ones deliver. We were side by side at his place and ranged a sheep up the hill - both gave identical readings, roughly 450yds away. Tried another sheep at about 600- same result within of course a couple of yds. The local guy had bought his as an interim measure but has stuck with the unit as it does all he wants as he never gets out past 400yds apparently. I wouldn't ever say I'd sell the Geovids but it gives you a cheap option if you can live with the basic optics.

I must be getting close to the top of the waiting list but doubt I'll have it before Xmas. Those videos F-Class John put up about assembling it, etc are very useful.

So what max distance are we talking about here? Near anything will work at sub 300yds but a deer at 600+ yds with flat featureless ground behind them is a very different story.

I don't know how UK deer are different to ones here but I -levelled- three sika on Wednesday with three successive shots. Just the boring old 120 TTSX out of the 7-08. Used by truckloads of hunters here.

Exactly what I'm using til the V4 arrives

The critical starting point is the scale and I'm afraid to tell you that if you're serious, you need to suck it up and get a mag restoration force scale like the AnD 120i. All the cheap scales are strain gauge based and will often have drift and other issues. The throwing/ trickling isn't that involved, eg you can get a basic thrower and trickler and still end up with a perfect result. If you want the other extreme, put your name down on the waiting list for the V4 Auto Trickler. https://autotrickler.com/pages/autotrickler

I actually gave him some for his 6 Dasher Gary but he likes the 95 TMKs as they shoot waaay better. Agree about the red mist factor with that combo. I actually went to 75 VMaxs in my 6BR as the 87s just weren't coming apart adequately but the vel of a 6-284 is on another planet.

When comparing bullets of different calibres, it's more useful to state BCs, not simply the weight. It's an apples to apples situation rather than unnecessary confusion and potential controversy. As for 20s, it seems the 39 Blitzkings are about optimal for most factory guns. I don't own a 20 but have seen my buddy's in action extensively and it's pretty damn impressive on bunnies. However, like a std twist .22-250, they get murdered in decent wind. That's why we use 6mms for the long range stuff. He's still to do the final loads for his 6-284 and that should be mighty impressive waay out there Clearly not for volume shooting though.

Good luck with the sale. Your rifle is a close relative of my old fullbore rifle that my son grabbed and converted to FTR use. Has an RPA CG-2000 action. It now wears a 32" Broughton bbl, the one pictured is the orig Krieger fullbore bbl.

Our TV news announced the multiple deaths/ apparent suicide in the UK. Condolences to any affected by this. I just hope there are no Dunblane-type consequences for you licensed firearm owners. They haven't yet finished the fiasco over here in New Zealand after the Christchurch massacre.

The stainless will definitely rust, especially if you live in a coastal area. I pulled my brother's one down prior to it being suppressed etc and there was moderate rusting under the action. It had seen action on deer off his commercial boat in Fiordland so we'll excuse it..

Same as mine, and on my 6x47!

I can relate to this. Over the years, I've at times had a handful of rounds that had suspect components, or just weren't "up to scratch" for various reasons. An example- using up a half dozen projectiles pulled with side cutters because I didn't have the appropriate puller collet. Testing them on paper or on electronic targets invariably showed they were indistinguishable from their std brothers. It's almost annoying to not find a difference.

Ok, I'm qualified as I only use a Harrell's/Dandy with my AnD. Having said that, I've "expressed interest" in the Ver.4..

but it's a well-baited hook if you're easily impressed with "science"..

So the quinoa causes constipation? Another good reason why I hate the stuff

I'm used to both NXS and ATACR N/Fs as well as Swaros. I shoot F Class as well as hunt. One of my fullbore clubmates has a 5-50 Delta and some of us looked through it one day. It is razor sharp but without exception, all of us were struck by just how critical the eye relief is when you get above say 35X. Put me right off.

Yup, forgot to mention that.

Can't make out what you mean. Can you explain more thoroughly. As for mats/wind shields/ holding your head at a funny angle.., I do nothing. Screens removed, no mat, std mains power and scale at Fast. Never once had an issue, only directly breathing on the pan will affect it.

With regard to the 30 cal 130s, I can assure you it's not inherent to the projectile. Zillions are used here, particularly through "Bushpigs" ( shortened suppressed carbines) and believe me, they group.