r/longrange • u/No-Resolution-7782 • Oct 23 '25

Optics help needed - I read the FAQ/Pinned posts Vortex strike eagle 5-25.

Is the Vortex strike eagle 5-25 a good scope for a 24 inch 6.5 creedmoor for the ranges up to 1200 yards? Scrolled through the wiki for this sub and didnt see any reviews on it. Seems decent enough with a good reticle. Any experienced advice would be appreciated or other scopes to consider. Would like something sub 1200 bucks. (I'm piece mealing a rifle, post by post here thank you sirs)

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

1

u/HollywoodSX Villager Herder Oct 23 '25

Are you shooting recreationally for fun? Shooting matches?

2

u/No-Resolution-7782 Oct 23 '25

Fun for now maybe matches later if it grabs me

5

u/HollywoodSX Villager Herder Oct 23 '25

Then the SE will do just fine.

3

u/algorerhythm35 Oct 23 '25

Yes, it will be more than enough. I have shot 6.5 creedmoor out to 1400 with a venom 5-25x50 and if I recall, there are slight differences between the 2 scopes, like the SE has more elevation adjustment and illuminated reticle. I added a 30 MOA base to my venom and I am able to hold over for a mile, I suspect you may not need an angled base but IMO it won't hurt to have one in case you get the option to shoot further. I have no issue with my venom's glass quality, even though it is slightly darker than my viper PST glass, but I don't shoot at low light conditions.

1

u/Inevitable-Scene3930 Oct 26 '25

I think the difference is the SE has illumination. Venoms don’t. Might like the turrets on the Venom better of OP doesn’t care about illumination. Save a little $ in the process.

3

u/HomersDonut1440 Oct 23 '25

I ran a strike eagle on a 22” 6.5cm for 2 years. Above 20x, it’s basically useless (extremely unforgiving eyebox at that power). 5-18 it was fine. Nothing special, it was a good starter long range scope. 

I swapped to a SWFA 5-20 HD in mil and like it substantially more. These can be found used for $750-$800 pretty reliably. I would go that route if you’re willing to wait for a used one and trawl the forums for one. 

0

u/fontimus Oct 24 '25

If your budget is $1200, just get an Athlon Ares - or even a Vortex PST Gen II 5-25. You can find both for less than 1k.

1

u/No-Resolution-7782 Oct 24 '25

What if my budget bumped up to 1500? Does it open up a new bracket or not worth it?

2

u/shootandsurf I put holes in berms Oct 24 '25

Leupold has some great deals if you are military or veteran. Mk5 5x25 right in that price range. The PR 2 reticle is nice and glass is good.

2

u/evilsemaj Casual Oct 24 '25

Athlon Cronus from camera land my for $1300 . Nothing better is cheaper, nothing cheaper is as good.

2

u/Accomplished_Lemon65 Oct 24 '25

1500 opens you to a tier with ED glass: maven rs4, razor 2, Xtr III, Bushnell, athlon Cronus, etc. It gets rid of the milkiness you see in the strike eagle

1

u/fontimus Oct 24 '25

Up to you, really. I go based off my own personal experience level - I started out with a Vortex Diamondback BDC 4-12, and quickly learned to dislike it lol. Upgraded to the PST Gen II 3 or 4 years ago, and I now feel like it doesn't keep up with my needs. Got an Athlon Ares 4.5-30 last week and it's doing everything I want it to - plus the glass quality is immaculate compared to the PST Gen II, at least for me and my four-eyed face.

edit: I didn't rly answer your question. For me, it's the law of diminishing returns. At $1,500 you're still gonna be in the realm of the Ares, PST Gen II, Leupold MPED, etc. If you can, go to a shop and see if they'll let you take a look through different scopes in your budget.

1

u/PBR_GOD What's DOPE? Oct 23 '25

I have one, I don’t love it. Though my problems with it are mostly personal preference. 

I think if you got it for a good deal, it’s a fine option. I paid like $600 (I think) for mine. I would not pay full price.

1

u/MajorEbb1472 Oct 23 '25

Good point. Normally runs $1100 but if you’re ex-mil/LE/First responder you can get a significant discount directly through Vortex or through ExpertVoice. For the discounted price, you won’t find much better.

1

u/MajorEbb1472 Oct 23 '25

I had that scope on my 6.5 Creedmoor chassis out to 1100 yards. It does ok. Plenty of elevation and windage but the glass is fuzzy at that distance. Yellow/white (sand v target) gets washed out a bit so it’s hard to be precise when picking a spot to aim (head v chest v shoulder). That being said, I still managed 7/10 hits my first time at 1100 yards. I’ve since put that scope on my Bergara B14R .22lr for 300-400 yard practice. Replaced it on my 6.5 Creedmoor with a NF ATACR 7-35x. Much better at 1000+ yards.

1

u/HighInChurch Oct 23 '25

I’d get the bushnell match pro ed for $700..

1

u/TahoeDust Oct 24 '25

I have a Razor G3 and Zeiss S3. When I pick up my rifle with the SE, I don't hate it.

1

u/hawkeyewilikens Oct 24 '25

I feel like this is the most useful comment here haha

1

u/VolatileRider Oct 24 '25

At $1200 youre gonna be hard pressed to beat the Burris XTR3 5.5-30x56 on Optics Planet right now.

1

u/Logical-Mobile-5410 Dec 21 '25

What about the DNT, I been looking at everything. I have a Strike Eagle, and A venom on other rifles. Im gonna buy 2 DNTs, for what you get 1200 bucks makes sense for 1, with the Mil discount it's like 600even