Understanding the Savage 220 and Its Ballistics
The Savage 220, a bolt-action shotgun chambered in 20 gauge, has earned a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional accuracy. This makes it a favored choice among hunters who demand precision at varying distances. However, the inherent potential for accuracy in the Savage 220 is only fully realized when paired with a high-quality optic. This article dives deep into the world of scopes, providing a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect scope for your Savage 220, ensuring you make the most of its capabilities and enjoy a successful hunting season.
Before diving into scope specifics, it’s crucial to understand the Savage 220 itself. This shotgun deviates from the typical pump-action designs, featuring a bolt-action system often associated with precision rifles. This design, combined with its carefully engineered barrel, contributes significantly to the 220’s exceptional accuracy. This means you can potentially reach out farther than with many other slug guns, assuming the right ammunition and, most importantly, the right optic.
The 20-gauge slug round presents unique ballistic characteristics. These rounds, usually between three-quarters and one ounce in weight, are larger and slower than many centerfire rifle rounds. This means that the trajectory of the slug is more curved, especially at longer ranges. Understanding the trajectory, drop, and wind drift of your specific slug is critical for accurate shot placement. The effective range of a Savage 220, and therefore your chosen scope, depends largely on the ballistics of the ammunition used, along with your personal shooting skills. The combination of these factors affects what you will be able to ethically harvest.
Several factors influence the ballistics of the slug. Bullet weight directly impacts how far the slug will drop at various distances and how it will be affected by wind. Muzzle velocity also plays a critical role; faster velocities generally translate into flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift. Proper selection of ammunition that suits your intended purpose and the characteristics of your Savage 220 is the first step to a successful hunt. Understanding the trajectory of your chosen load is the foundation on which you build the decision-making for your scope choice.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Scope
The world of rifle scopes is vast, with options ranging from basic to highly advanced. Choosing the right scope for your Savage 220 involves considering several key features that affect performance and suitability.
Magnification for Success
Magnification determines how much closer the target appears. For hunting with the Savage 220, a scope with a variable magnification range often offers the greatest versatility. A magnification range like two to seven times, three to nine times, or even four to twelve times is often optimal for the typical engagement distances. This flexibility allows you to quickly adapt to varying environments, from dense cover where lower magnification is beneficial, to open fields where you might need higher magnification to identify and take a shot on game.
Higher magnification allows for greater precision at longer distances. However, it can come with some trade-offs. High magnification scopes often have a smaller field of view, which can make it more difficult to acquire targets quickly in close-quarters situations. The larger the magnification, the greater the chance of shake from your hands. Therefore, choosing a magnification that is appropriate to the distance and conditions is imperative.
Objective Lens Size and Light Gathering
The objective lens, located at the front of the scope, collects light. Its size significantly impacts the scope’s light-gathering capability, particularly in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk, when many hunters are in the field. A larger objective lens (measured in millimeters, e.g., 40mm, 50mm) gathers more light, providing a brighter image and clearer view.
However, a larger objective lens also typically requires a higher mounting position. This could alter how you feel when you shoulder the gun. So while a larger objective lens might be desirable for maximizing light transmission, it must be balanced with mounting height.
Reticle Selection: Guiding Your Shot
The reticle, the crosshairs or aiming point within the scope, is another critical consideration. There are several options, each with its advantages.
Duplex Reticles: Simple and effective, duplex reticles have thicker outer lines that taper to a finer center. They are generally quick to acquire, making them a favorite among hunters. They are simple and do not overly complicate the act of aiming.
Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) Reticles: These reticles incorporate holdover points calibrated for specific distances, allowing hunters to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges. While a BDC reticle can be useful, it’s important to ensure the reticle is calibrated for the specific ammunition you are using. A range finder will also greatly help you on your hunt.
Illuminated Reticles: These reticles feature an illuminated center, providing enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. This can be particularly helpful when hunting in shaded areas or during dawn and dusk.
The best reticle for your Savage 220 depends on your hunting style and preferred shooting distances. Consider where you plan to hunt. A simple duplex reticle might be sufficient for shorter-range engagements, while a BDC or illuminated reticle may be advantageous for longer shots.
Turrets and Adjustments: Precision at Your Fingertips
Adjustable turrets, typically found on the top and side of the scope, allow you to correct for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). These turrets enable you to zero the scope at a specific range and make adjustments to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift.
When choosing a scope, consider the adjustment increments, often expressed in MOA (Minute of Angle) or Mils (milliradians). MOA is a unit of angular measurement; one MOA is approximately one inch at one hundred yards. Mils are another unit of angular measurement. These units directly affect the accuracy of your adjustments. Precise and repeatable adjustments are essential for accurate shot placement.
Durability and Weather Resistance: Built to Last
Hunting often involves exposure to the elements, so choosing a scope with robust construction and weather resistance is imperative. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof (nitrogen-purged), and shockproof. These features protect the internal components from moisture, condensation, and recoil. It does little good to invest in a scope if it is not able to deal with the environment.
Budget: Value for Your Investment
Scopes are available at a wide range of price points. Determining your budget is an important step in the selection process. While a higher price tag often indicates premium features and performance, excellent scopes are available at all price levels. Determine how much you’re willing to invest. Researching the reviews and features of various scopes will help you find a model that fits your budget while still delivering the performance you need.
Recommended Scope Options for the Savage 220
Choosing a scope is a personalized decision. However, several options are particularly well-suited for the Savage 220, categorized by price point and features.
High-End Options
These scopes represent the pinnacle of optical performance, offering exceptional clarity, light transmission, and durability.
Leupold VX-Freedom: Leupold is a renowned brand known for its quality. The VX-Freedom line offers excellent optics and a rugged design, making it a reliable choice for the Savage 220.
Swarovski Z3: Swarovski is famous for its exceptional glass quality, delivering stunningly clear images and superior light transmission. These scopes provide amazing performance and exceptional optical quality.
Zeiss Conquest HD: Zeiss is another top-tier manufacturer known for its exceptional optics and robust build. The Conquest HD series offers bright, sharp images and reliable performance.
Mid-Range Options
These scopes offer a balance of performance and value, providing excellent optical quality and reliable adjustments at a more affordable price point.
Vortex Diamondback: Vortex offers scopes with a reputation for clarity and durability. The Diamondback series is known for its robust construction and bright, clear images.
Nikon ProStaff: Nikon is a well-known name in optics, and the ProStaff series is a popular choice for its value. It provides good performance for the price.
Burris Fullfield E1: Burris offers scopes with a reputation for reliability. The Fullfield E1 line provides good performance and an easy-to-use reticle.
Budget-Friendly Choices
These scopes provide solid performance for the money, making them a good starting point for many hunters.
Bushnell Banner: Bushnell is a recognizable brand with a wide range of scopes, and the Banner series is often a popular option for value.
Simmons ProTarget: Simmons provides affordable scopes, making them accessible for hunters on a budget.
Mounting and Sighting In Your Scope
Once you’ve chosen your scope, proper mounting is the next essential step. Use quality scope rings and a base that fits your Savage 220. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure a secure and properly aligned mount. A poorly mounted scope will not only affect accuracy but also might damage the scope or the rifle.
Once the scope is mounted, the next step is zeroing. Find a safe shooting range and start by shooting groups at 50 or 100 yards. Then, use the turrets to adjust the scope’s windage and elevation until your shots consistently hit the point of aim. Once you have zeroed at your desired distance, make sure to regularly check your scope’s zero and adjust as needed.
Conclusion
Choosing the right scope for your Savage 220 is a critical step toward maximizing its accuracy and performance in the field. Carefully consider the key features discussed, including magnification, objective lens size, reticle type, and budget. Choosing the best scope will depend on the types of hunts you plan to participate in. When you choose a scope that is appropriate for your hunting style and the ballistics of your slug ammunition, you will significantly enhance your chances of success. Do your research, compare options, and choose the scope that best suits your hunting needs and budget. With the right scope mounted on your Savage 220, you will be well-equipped to experience the thrill of a successful hunt.
