Scope for testing reloads

[pohorsky]

First, I am cheap and I know it. I have several rifles that I want to start reloading, and plan to use iron sights for right now. I was thinking of picking up a scope to test accuracy of my loads. As something that I would only use occasionally, I can't see dumping too much money into it. It's not something I would ever have to worry about low light or anything like that.
What I have looked at so far are. Any thoughts?
Vortez Diamondback 4-12x40 $140)
older Zeiss Conquest 3-9x50 ($240)
used Weaver Kaspa 2.5-10 ($100, obo)

[Droppin Deuces]

At minimum, buy the best thing you can afford. You can't expect a whole lot out of a sub-$350-$400 scope. A big part of accuracy testing is eliminating variables, so the more of a variable your scope is, the less dependable your conclusions will be.

If all you're doing with it is accuracy testing, then try to find something in a fixed magnification from a reputable brand like SWFA. There are some made by Weaver as well, but I'm not sure about the quality of their lower priced models. I know their higher end stuff is very good.

[J-cat]

Get the Zeiss Conquest. Best bang for your buck. It has amazing glass for the money.

[67Cuda]

Wouldn't the accuracy of your loads depend on the accuracy of how well you shoot?
I think there was a thread here on Calguns about using a chronograph to find out what load shoots best out of the gun, then shooting with that.

[JMP]

It depends on if you are using the scope exclusively for load development. If so, get something with high magnification since you are shooting on paper. Obviously, it must track well. Something like a SWFA fixed 20x would be a cheap option for 100 yard paper shooting, but it's no good for a lot of other types of shooting. For consistency, the most important thing is that you hold an identical point of aim for each shot. A chrono is helpful for measuring your velocity ES.

[HK Dave]

What round are you shooting?

If it's a light recoiling round, you may get away with a cheap scope, but if you're into anything with any real recoil, you're going to have to question whether the scope is holding zero.

Can't load develop if the scope isn't holding zero. You'll be chasing your tail.

[LynnJr]

Tasco 8-32 gives you 32 power and a cheap price.
Check eBay for the cheapest price.

[pohorsky]

What round are you shooting?

If it's a light recoiling round, you may get away with a cheap scope, but if you're into anything with any real recoil, you're going to have to question whether the scope is holding zero.

Can't load develop if the scope isn't holding zero. You'll be chasing your tail.

The most punishing round would probably be 308 right now. Right now I am leaning to the zeiss. It is differently more than I want to spend, but the deal (40% off) seems to make it worth it.