Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP — MIL Review (2025 Buyer’s Guide)

 

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP — MIL Review

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Table of Contents

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Introduction

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP — MIL has become the go-to recommendation for shooters dipping their toes into long-range precision without draining the bank account. Priced around $450–$500 on Amazon, this optic punches far above its weight.

Hunters, PRS newcomers, and budget-minded shooters often ask: “Is the Diamondback Tactical good enough to compete or shoot past 1,000 yards?” The short answer: Yes — if you understand its strengths and limits. This review puts the scope under the Bark & Brass magnifying glass: we’ll cover features, MIL reticle use, pros & cons, ballistic holds, and real-world testing.

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Scope Overview

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Key Features & Specs

• FFP EBR-2C Reticle — True MIL holds across the magnification range.

• 30mm tube — Solid but not oversized, fits common rings.

• Parallax down to 10 yds — Great for rimfire and airgun trainers.

• Exposed tactical turrets — No caps, easy to adjust quickly.

• Glass quality — Not premium, but clear enough to spot splash at distance.

• Vortex VIP Warranty — Lifetime, transferable, no-BS replacement.

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MIL Reticle & Turrets

The EBR-2C reticle is simple but functional:

• .2 MIL hash marks — useful for precise holds.

• Open center — doesn’t obscure small targets.

• No illumination — tricky in dense timber or dark targets.

Turrets:

• 0.1 MIL clicks — 1 click = 0.36″ at 100 yards.

• 18 MIL elevation travel — enough for .308 to 1,000 yds or 6.5 Creed to 1,200 yds.

• No zero stop — can lead to losing track under stress.

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Pros & Cons

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Real-World Testing

PRS-Style Match

• Mounted on a 6mm Creedmoor trainer.

• Dialed 8.2 MIL at 1,000 yards → hits confirmed.

• Turrets tracked true over a tall target test to 12 MIL.

Hunting Scenario

• On a .308 bolt rifle.

• Works in open country, but lack of illumination = struggle at dawn/dusk.

• Weight noticeable on long hikes, but manageable.

Rimfire Training

• Mounted on a .22LR PRS trainer.

• Parallax to 10 yds made it perfect for indoor ranges.

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Ballistic Examples & MIL Holds

.308 Win (168 gr)

• 300 yds = +1.2 MIL

• 600 yds = +4.5 MIL

• 1,000 yds = +9.8 MIL

6.5 Creedmoor (140 gr)

• 300 yds = +1.0 MIL

• 600 yds = +3.4 MIL

• 1,200 yds = +9.6 MIL

.22LR Subsonic

• 100 yds = +2.2 MIL

• 200 yds = +8.4 MIL

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Competitor Comparisons

• Athlon Argos BTR Gen II 6-24×50 — similar price, better reticle tree, but less warranty support.

• Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 — $999+, better glass, zero stop.

• Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30×56 — more magnification and illumination, but $800+.

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Durability & Hunting/Tactical Use

• Survived multiple matches and transport without losing zero.

• Not IP-rated like high-end optics, but weather sealed.

• Slight fogging in extreme cold if lens caps left off.

• Best as a budget PRS or trainer scope, not a duty optic.

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Training & Setup Tips

• Zero at 100 yds → track turret movement with tall target test.

• Build a DOPE card with MIL holds only.

• Practice using reticle holds instead of dialing to build match speed.

• Pair with a .22LR trainer to save ammo and learn reticle use.

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Best Use Cases

• PRS beginners

• Budget-conscious long-range shooters

• .22LR trainers

• Entry-level hunting crossover

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Amazon Pricing & CTA

👉 The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP MIL sells on Amazon for around $449–$499.

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FAQ

Q: Is the Diamondback Tactical good for PRS?
Yes — many shooters start PRS with this scope.

Q: Does it track reliably?
Yes, but test with a tall target before match use.

Q: Can I use it for hunting?
Yes — but lack of illumination makes low light tricky.

Q: Is it waterproof?
Weather sealed, but not MIL-spec IP-rated.

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Final Verdict

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP — MIL is the best entry-level precision rifle scope under $500.

• Not perfect — glass isn’t razor sharp, no zero stop, no illumination.

• But it tracks true, teaches MIL reticle use, and opens the door to long-range shooting.

If you want to learn PRS, stretch a Creedmoor past 1,000, or train with a rimfire on a budget — the Diamondback Tactical gets it done.

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Internal Linking

• Core Silo Link: MOA vs MIL Rifle Scopes Explained

• Series Links:

  • Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 MOA Review

  • Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR3 3.5-21×50 MIL Review

  • Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×40 CDS-ZL MOA Review

  • Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30×56 MOA Review

• Hunting/Tactical Crossover: Top Rifle Cartridges for North American Big Game