Big Game Scope Power

[Fur]

Looking to get a new rifle scope for my 300wsm.

Just wondering what guys on here value more; magnification of FOV?

I had a scope that had 24 power and found I barely used anything past 12 because the quality just goes down so much at 24x even with parallax.

[elkdump]

For 99.9% of all reasonable hunting scenarios ,

2x7x40

Or

3x9x40

[Ranger CS]

For 99.9% of all reasonable hunting scenarios ,

2x7x40

Or

3x9x40

Agree totally, large magnification is not an advantage on a big game rifle and in fact my be a liability.

[elkhunter11]

I use either 3-10 or 3.5-18 power scopes on my big game rifles. I would not have a scope with more than 3.5x on the lowest magnification for big game.

[Huntnut]

I use either 3-10 or 3.5-18 power scopes on my big game rifles. I would not have a scope with more than 3.5x on the lowest magnification for big game.

When you hunt a mixture of heavy timber and open field having a scope going down to 2.5 is a nice feature.

[sns2]

It's nice to dial your scope up when punching paper, but the reality in hunting situations is that there is a reason 3-9x40 is so popular.

[Ray Ray]

2.5 x x10 I love it. Does it all for the game and range I am shooting

[ex811]

Totally depends on your and your Hunting methods/style.

I always prefer magnification, low end 3, top end 12 on my scopes.
I have a 'bush gun' that I like to keep on the low end when hunting, but when hunting a cut line/open field I want to have that extra magnification.
My 'long range' shooter likes the scope on the high end for hunten the prairies or open clear cuts/big cut lines. However I want that low end where close quarter action can be expected.
Long story short, I want good equality versatile magnification for whatever Hunt I am engaging in or could possibly encounter.

As for my objective lens diameter2, 42mm in the bush gun and 50mm for the long ranger shooter. 42 cause it's all that is usually required, and 50 because of the usable light transmission on the higher powers in dim light.

Sorry for being long winded...

[Dick284]

2.5-10
3.5-10
2.5-16

[Fur]

Good info! thx guys.

[Nyksta]

9 power will make a very easy sized deer at 400 yards. You dont need more than 9 unless you are going to be shooting well beyond those ranges, and at 400 yards, an average 10 mph cross wind will be pushing your bullet over 12 inches off target with any caliber.

Heres an example of distance and wind and how sketchy long range shots can get with just a simple 10 mph cross wind. Based on 308 win at 168 grain bullet

100 yards. 1 inch
200 yards. 4 inches
300 yards. 9 inches
400 yards. 16 inches
500 yards. 25 inches

If its an exceptionally calm day of 5mph wind then you can cut those values in half, but even then, youve only got about 5 inches on either side of a perfect center of vitals aim.

9 power is plenty for a hunting situation shot.

The higher the magnification you go the dimmer the image will be. Your eye pupil is around 4 to 5 mm wide in dim light depending on age, smaller as you get older

In bright daylight your pupil is smaller and a high power magnification is fully appreciated by your eye.

9 power with 40mm objective is taking full advantage the entire openning of your eye in dusk.

40mm objective/9 power = 4.4mm image for your pupil.
44mm / 10 power = 4.4mm image
50mm objective / 12 = 4.2mm image
50mm / 16 power = 3.1 mm image (dim image at night)
50mm / 24 power = 2.1 mm image (cant see at night)

Some expensive glass has better light transmission than cheaper glass, but this is the physics of the light in the lenses and your eye getting the result.

Your only option to get brighter image for dim light is to get a massive heavy objective, which will also cost a lot and make your scope mounted hugely high above your barrel making cheek weld difficult.

Target shooting is fine for high magnification in the bright afternoon sun, but deer hunting at dawn and dusk need bright images.

I suggest Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm or Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm. If your really aching to drain your wallet then Vortex Razer HD LH 2-10x40

[bcpappy]

I use a 3-15 power on one main gun and the other main gun has a 2.5-8, my coyote rifle is 3-9 power. Only used 15 power for sighting in and practice shots once in a while. 90% of my shots are made on the lowest power settings. The rest of my guns are open sights or safe queens.

[jayquiver]

i like a wider field of view myself but I also like higher magnification for range work.

I have a VX6 2-12 on my 7mm-08
I just ordered a Z6 2.5-15 for my 7mm Rem Mag.

My first scope came on my rifle when I bought it used. It was a 4.5-14 Leupold. Shot my buck at 30 yards with it. First time I pulled the rifle up all I saw was hair (was on 4.5). Sold the scope at the end of the season and bought a 2.5-10. Lesson learned for this Rookie, lol

I would recommend under 3 power on the low end.

[Pathfinder76]

I've shot deer from 15 to over 400 yds with a fixed 6x scope. But nobody seems to like that recommendation.

[hawk-i]

for most all hunting situations a 2-7, 3-9, or even 4-12 will be good all around optics.

[Ranger CS]

I've shot deer from 15 to over 400 yds with a fixed 6x scope. But nobody seems to like that recommendation.

I do Chuck. Years ago the fixed 6x was very popular in these parts, along with the fixed 4x. I personally like a 2x7 or a 3x9 for the low end flexibility as much as anything. I always carry on the lowest possible setting. In a tight quarters you have a more useful field of view and if you do need to take a longer shot there is usually adequate time to crank up the power if necessary.

[Rockyman41]

I've shot deer from 15 to over 400 yds with a fixed 6x scope. But nobody seems to like that recommendation.

Switched from a 3-9X40 to a fixed 6 a couple years back. Best decision I've ever made.

[ishootbambi]

9 power will make a very easy sized deer at 400 yards. You dont need more than 9 unless you are going to be shooting well beyond those ranges, and at 400 yards, an average 10 mph cross wind will be pushing your bullet over 12 inches off target with any caliber.

Heres an example of distance and wind and how sketchy long range shots can get with just a simple 10 mph cross wind. Based on 308 win at 168 grain bullet

100 yards. 1 inch
200 yards. 4 inches
300 yards. 9 inches
400 yards. 16 inches
500 yards. 25 inches

If its an exceptionally calm day of 5mph wind then you can cut those values in half, but even then, youve only got about 5 inches on either side of a perfect center of vitals aim.

9 power is plenty for a hunting situation shot.

The higher the magnification you go the dimmer the image will be. Your eye pupil is around 4 to 5 mm wide in dim light depending on age, smaller as you get older

In bright daylight your pupil is smaller and a high power magnification is fully appreciated by your eye.

9 power with 40mm objective is taking full advantage the entire openning of your eye in dusk.

40mm objective/9 power = 4.4mm image for your pupil.
44mm / 10 power = 4.4mm image
50mm objective / 12 = 4.2mm image
50mm / 16 power = 3.1 mm image (dim image at night)
50mm / 24 power = 2.1 mm image (cant see at night)

Some expensive glass has better light transmission than cheaper glass, but this is the physics of the light in the lenses and your eye getting the result.

Your only option to get brighter image for dim light is to get a massive heavy objective, which will also cost a lot and make your scope mounted hugely high above your barrel making cheek weld difficult.

Target shooting is fine for high magnification in the bright afternoon sun, but deer hunting at dawn and dusk need bright images.

I suggest Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm or Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm. If your really aching to drain your wallet then Vortex Razer HD LH 2-10x40

I suggest higher quality optics at the same or better price than anything vortex has to offer. Riddle me this...if they're so great why doesn't their advertising brag up their performance? Nope, all they want to talk about is warranty. Seems like they know they're pushing crap but at least they'll give you a new one.

Vortex....the farce in optics.

[catnthehat]

I've shot deer from 15 to over 400 yds with a fixed 6x scope. But nobody seems to like that recommendation.

Totally agree . There is nothing I woukd not and have not shot where I felt hampered by a lack of or over magnification
AFixed 6 Leupold is perfect for big game hunting
Cat

[Nyksta]

I suggest higher quality optics at the same or better price than anything vortex has to offer. Riddle me this...if they're so great why doesn't their advertising brag up their performance? Nope, all they want to talk about is warranty. Seems like they know they're pushing crap but at least they'll give you a new one.

Vortex....the farce in optics.

Any suggestions as to what same price better value would be? I sold my burris bushnell and leupold after comparing to vortex. But to each their own.

[58thecat]

3-9 by 40 or a straight 6 power...

[Fur]

9 power will make a very easy sized deer at 400 yards. You dont need more than 9 unless you are going to be shooting well beyond those ranges, and at 400 yards, an average 10 mph cross wind will be pushing your bullet over 12 inches off target with any caliber.

Heres an example of distance and wind and how sketchy long range shots can get with just a simple 10 mph cross wind. Based on 308 win at 168 grain bullet

100 yards. 1 inch
200 yards. 4 inches
300 yards. 9 inches
400 yards. 16 inches
500 yards. 25 inches

If its an exceptionally calm day of 5mph wind then you can cut those values in half, but even then, youve only got about 5 inches on either side of a perfect center of vitals aim.

9 power is plenty for a hunting situation shot.

The higher the magnification you go the dimmer the image will be. Your eye pupil is around 4 to 5 mm wide in dim light depending on age, smaller as you get older

In bright daylight your pupil is smaller and a high power magnification is fully appreciated by your eye.

9 power with 40mm objective is taking full advantage the entire openning of your eye in dusk.

40mm objective/9 power = 4.4mm image for your pupil.
44mm / 10 power = 4.4mm image
50mm objective / 12 = 4.2mm image
50mm / 16 power = 3.1 mm image (dim image at night)
50mm / 24 power = 2.1 mm image (cant see at night)

Some expensive glass has better light transmission than cheaper glass, but this is the physics of the light in the lenses and your eye getting the result.

Your only option to get brighter image for dim light is to get a massive heavy objective, which will also cost a lot and make your scope mounted hugely high above your barrel making cheek weld difficult.

Target shooting is fine for high magnification in the bright afternoon sun, but deer hunting at dawn and dusk need bright images.

I suggest Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm or Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm. If your really aching to drain your wallet then Vortex Razer HD LH 2-10x40

Great post. Very informative

[Zuludog]

For those recommending a fixed 6 power scope. How does it preform at closer ranges? I currently use a 3x9x40 and find that 9x is more than adequate for magnification but I have never shot a deer past 200 yards or so. I did miss a giant by having my scope on 9 and not being able to find it quickly enough. I learnt my lesson and always carry it on 3 now. Lol. Will a fixed six be too much magnification to use when in the bush or shooting at 50-75 yards?

[elkdump]

I've shot deer from 15 to over 400 yds with a fixed 6x scope. But nobody seems to like that recommendation.

I shot with a military sniper version Parker hale bolt action m82 ( 7.62 NATO) with a Kahles 6x fixed power scope , prone position 6 inch groups at 700 yards were quite normal ,

But far from adequate for deer/moose hunting in these modern times,, :sHa_sarcasticlol:

[Zuludog]

Must have missed the 15 yard part by Chuck. Lol I am more interested in this option each year. Who makes a decent fixed six? Leopold and who else? Kahles sounds great but probably out of my price range.

[Rockyman41]

For those recommending a fixed 6 power scope. How does it preform at closer ranges? I currently use a 3x9x40 and find that 9x is more than adequate for magnification but I have never shot a deer past 200 yards or so. I did miss a giant by having my scope on 9 and not being able to find it quickly enough. I learnt my lesson and always carry it on 3 now. Lol. Will a fixed six be too much magnification to use when in the bush or shooting at 50-75 yards?

I'm using an old weaver k6 wide view. I shot my mule doe this year at about 30 yards and had no problem picking her up in the scope.

[elkdump]

Must have missed the 15 yard part by Chuck. Lol I am more interested in this option each year. Who makes a decent fixed six? Leopold and who else? Kahles sounds great but probably out of my price range.

There is a Kahles dealer in the Bellingham /Seattle areas and prices are not outrageous, although the deal has to go through a broker as per ATF exports regs etc,,

Kahles scopes make comparisons with Leoplold and Ziess a no brainier

[prarie_boy1]

Ive been using a VX3 2.5-8X36 for the last 6 years and feel its just about perfect for a big game scope.

[elkhunter11]

Must have missed the 15 yard part by Chuck. Lol I am more interested in this option each year. Who makes a decent fixed six? Leopold and who else? Kahles sounds great but probably out of my price range.

MD Charlton is the Canadian distributor for Kahles. I only have one Kahles scope at this time, and it was purchased for around $600 when Prophet Rver brought in some that a US dealer was clearing out several years ago.

[catnthehat]

For those recommending a fixed 6 power scope. How does it preform at closer ranges? I currently use a 3x9x40 and find that 9x is more than adequate for magnification but I have never shot a deer past 200 yards or so. I did miss a giant by having my scope on 9 and not being able to find it quickly enough. I learnt my lesson and always carry it on 3 now. Lol. Will a fixed six be too much magnification to use when in the bush or shooting at 50-75 yards?

Never an issue , even moving target acquisition is good at close range -not as fast as irons but danged near
Cat

[Scottmisfits]

I use a 3-12x42. Right now I only have one rifle that I use for more than just hunting. For me it works. I don't know that I'd go that big again for a hunting set up though. 2.5-10 with a smaller body seems like it would be good to me.

My deer was a 350 yard shot at 8 power. This was in a field on a dead calm day, having the time to adjust and be happy with my whole setup.