Athlon Helos BTR Gen2, 4-20x50

Initial results and sighting in with my new Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 4-20x50 optic. Testing is completed on a Savage 110 Swicthback chambered in 6mm ARC, with a 22" tube, 1:8 twist. We test both factory ammo and the 87gr Vmax from Hornady with CFE 223. Testing at 100yds, velocity gathered via Labradar.
/ robsreloading

[@toddparsons2980]

Yes would like to hear more about this rig.

[@RngrfromtheMtns]

I just ordered the Helos 4-20 for $300 on a flash sale through a prodeal site. I'm excited to see it and like the locking turrets.

[@josht1138]

Funny enough I'm watching this video to see if I wanna buy it on that same flash sale ur talking about 😂

[@RobsReloading]

@@josht1138 I really like the optic. For 300 is a no brainer.

[@ZachaPrecision208]

haha Me to, Im thinking it must be to good to be true.

[@3231bsln]

About to do the same on expertvoice🎉

[@OC_Lofton]

@Rob's Reloading Did you notice the Switchback feeding and extracting better once you removed it was out of the "factory setup"? I keep seeing feeding and extraction issues on many Switchback videos. I just want the barreled action to put into an aftermarket stock/chassis and the Switchback prices are hard to pass up.

[@lizardking5264]

As of 1/6/2024 Athlon has both scope covers, sunshade, optic cloth,and a power ring throw lever in the box.

[@jcmunoz5961]

What's the height for the rings

[@formulajoe2]

I’ve got the Helos BTR 2-12X42 on my 6ARC AR15. Impressive little optic for the money.

[@CaveWyatt]

Your 2-12x is exactly the scope I’m looking at for my longer barreled 5.56, 6.5 Grendel and probably 6mm ARC as I’ll never be a LONG range shooter, that’s my son. Might try the reviewed 4-20x on my AR-308 (6.5CM). But your “for the money” comment scares me, it’s why I bought an Arken 4-16x that I’m a little disappointed in. Anything you’re disappointed in about it?

[@RobsReloading]

@@CaveWyatt I do not own super high end optics. The most expensive optic I have is the midas tac 5-25. At this time visually I cannot tell muchdifference. But they are different mag ranges as well. So far I wouldn't hesitate to buy another helos btr gen 2.

[@parkerkimber2446]

Does the reticle on the 2-12 bug you ever? Looking at getting either the 2-12 or 4-20 for my 6arc gasser and I really like the size of the 2-12 but the reticle is what is pushing me to the 4-20.

[@formulajoe2]

On the 2-12, the MOA and Mil versions have different reticles. In my opinion, the Mil version has the better reticle, so I got the Mil. I really like the reticle for hunting coyotes, but I do not like it for target shooting or load development. The center dot covers up a 1MOA dot at 100 yards. So, it’s not that great for precision work but works great on coyotes!

[@parkerkimber2446]

@@formulajoe2 yeah that's what I was afraid of. I'll be using mine for a little bit of everything, and the outer circle/horseshoe in the reticle looks pretty busy to me. And thanks for the info on the center dot thats pretty big.

[@CaveWyatt]

Perfect timing! I’ve just been looking at these along with the Crimson Trace Hardline Pro. And this specific model and focal length for my AR308 (6.5CM). I bought an Arken 4-16x that was a that was a little disappointing compared to what I’m used to but it is a pretty darn good scope “for the money”. The new Japanese glass model might completely cure my problems with it. Thanks, a minimalist review but the shooting was worth a thousand words.

[@FlatEarthFighter]

Hey Rob have you had any problems ejecting cases with your savage, I'm thinking of picking one of these guns up also

[@ddgslegs4516]

I have a switch back never had any problems ejecting the only problem i have is feeding issues but other than that super accurate rifle after you replace the stock of course, i replaced my stock with a bell and carlson bottom bolt release m40 stock

[@chrisfisher3900]

Thinking of this same rig to run the 70gr varmageddon bullets.

[@venom762]

Did the switchback drop in the MTD stock?

[@RobsReloading]

Yes. This is the switchback in the mdt chassis.

[@venom762]

@@RobsReloading thanks, is it the xrs?

[@RobsReloading]

@@venom762 yes, mdt states on their website, savage sa will fit any of their chassis

[@toddparsons2980]

XRS

[@MrBoostin18]

Curious how you set the zero stop a few mil lower than zero. I have the helos btr gen 2 6-24x56.

[@RobsReloading]

Set the stop where it is not contacting the little stop tab, and set it slightly above the bottom surface. I usually use a thick piece of paper to set this height. That ensures when you turn the turret down it does not bottom out until it hits the stop tab. If it's your first time you may have to play with it a bit to get it set. It's really not hard if you have done it before.

[@RobsReloading]

If you can't figure it out I could make a quick video this week to show you

[@MrBoostin18]

If you could create the video that would be great. I tried finding videos and couldn’t.

[@RobsReloading]

@@MrBoostin18 I just posted a short video on my channel how to set the zero stop below zero. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpysqaSbpJecfJY

[@MrBoostin18]

@@RobsReloading thanks sir i will check it out.