We’ve covered the Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35×56 and the Mark 5HD 2-10×30. This time we’re looking at the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 we tested on the new 7mm PRC Bergara B-14 Squared Crest!
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About the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 has the same features as the rest of the Mark 5HD family, but with a 5-25x magnification range.
This places it neatly between the compact Mark 5HD 2-10 and larger Mark 5HD 7-35x. Our test model has the FFP PR2 Mil reticle.
John-Kyle Truitt of Foundation Stocks also runs this scope on his PRS rifle. It has 0.1 Mil clicks, M5C3 (ZeroLock) elevation turret, HD glass, side focus, is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, and weighs in at 30 ounces.
From Leupold:
Leupold’s Mark 5HD riflescope delivers superior edge-to-edge clarity and extreme low-light performance, while the versatility of its multiple reticle options will give you an advantage at the range or in the field. With three revolutions of elevation adjustment, the Mark 5HD scope was built to max out the performance of the latest long-range rifles and ammo.
What’s in the Box
This optic comes with flip open scope caps, a sunshade, a sticker, Allen wrench, and printed material.
Installation
It’s important to note that this scope, like others in the Mark 5HD line, takes 35mm rings.
I used the Leupold Mark 4 Medium Matte 35mm aluminum rings, which come with proper torque specs.
Live Fire Testing
Given my previous experience with the Leupold Mark 5HD line, I had high hopes for this scope and it did not disappoint. Paired with the Bergara B-14 Squared Crest in 7mm PRC, I achieved half inch groups at 100 yards, mirroring the accuracy of our .308 B-14 Squared Crest.
This was impressive for a lightweight magnum rifle. The larger scope added a bit of weight, which was helpful.
The integrated throw lever is easy to manipulate on the range and the M5C3 turret made it easy to adjust the scope’s zero.
This turret has an indicator button that helps you quickly and visually keep track of how many rotations you’ve gone.
I also shot out to 700 yards, using the BANISH 30 and MDT CKYE-POD.
Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig
The Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig, designed and built in house, measures actual optics performance using precision 100 yard targets (MIL, MOA) and camera positioning to sub -0.0005”.
It tests tracking, zoom, parallax, and distortion. Though we do not currently have a way to capture optics image quality in a meaningful way, the glass on this scope is exceptionally clear.
To test tracking, we took the scope up, down, left and right 3.0 mil, noting where we landed on the target. We had a bit of mirage while shooting, which made it look as though the reticle was moving without us touching the knobs. Given this occurrence during the test, we still noted that the scope tracked reliably and accurately.
For parallax, we started with the center of the scope scope and camera collinear. With the parallax set to the testing range (100 yards), we moved the scope left and right 0.050” to simulate varying head position. We saw no shift, even at high magnification, passing this test with flying colors!
To test image distortion, we took one frame from the video and aligned it with a rectangle to see if there is any pincushion effect. All lines were parallel, indicating zero distortion.
Conclusion
This setup, the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25 x 56 with the 7mm Bergara B-14 Squared Crest represents what I would personally run as a big game hunting rifle.
This scope is incredibly versatile and though not specifically designed for hunting, it can be a great option. It is especially suited to PRS, just like the Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35×56 is. I was very happy with this scope, which is also made in the USA!
Get the Gear
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 at Midsouth Shooters Supply
Leupold Mark 4 35mm Matte Medium Rings
Bergara B-14 Squared Crest – MSRP starting at $1,999
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Thanks,
Gavin Gear
