To much scope?

[Mountainaccent]

Recently purchased a vortex Hs 4-16x44 30mm scope. Now that I bought it thinking it is to much scope for my 300 wsm I normally shoot 0-500 what do you guys think for deer and elk hunting with this scope?

[W921]

For years all i ever used where iron sights. Now im old and my eyes are bad,so I currently have two big game rifles that have 1.5 to 5 power scopes with I think 21mm or 1" objective lenses. I don't feel I'm disadvantaged.
Big scopes don't pack well on horses. Bigger the scope the more apted to get smashed.
I've got a heavy barrel varmit gun and I never crank the scope all the way up to 12. I wish it had a smaller scope more compact scope.

[catnthehat]

Once a person gets past the MPBR of their zero, turrets or a ranging system are mandatory for sure.
at 500 the power of a scope for me is not nearly so important as clarity and being able to either turret it or use a hash mark for aiming.

I always liked to use hash marks if I could, but my days of long range hunting are long gone behind me,although I still shoot at long range on targets using both optics and iron sights.
Shooting targets on a controlled range is completely different from animal , especially at extended ranges. .
Cat

[Big Lou]

I wouldn’t tell someone that what they are running is to big or small. Personal preference is just that and fine either way. I’ve found that after getting into a bit of a craze with larger scopes, I’m starting to gravitate back towards some smaller ones for hunting rifles. Depends on the intended purpose of course. I’ve really fallen in love with the 2.5-8 power range on a walk about and have shot out to 500 with that. Guys could shoot further with that and do. My current and all time favourite on my coyote calling rifle is a 2.5-16. More scope than I need for sure but it’s what I like. Shot plenty of 2-7, 3-9, 2.5-10. Many items will serve your purpose and more. If you like it fill your boots. If not, change it up. Only you will know what you prefer.

[Dean2]

My primary rifle has a 3.5x18x44 Swaro. It only weighs 16 ounces, so lighter than many low powered scopes and it isn't much different in size than most 3x9 scopes. You can always turn it down but it is nice to have the higher power for long range targets and for looking at game. Even at 500 yards you can evaluate the rack far better on 18 than on 9. Comes down to what you like but as I get older I find more magnification better than less.

[Flatlandliver]

Originally Posted by Mountainaccent

Recently purchased a vortex Hs 4-16x44 30mm scope. Now that I bought it thinking it is to much scope for my 300 wsm I normally shoot 0-500 what do you guys think for deer and elk hunting with this scope?

I have a 4.5x14 on my walking around rifle. It’s usually set at 6 power and rarely moves for what it’s worth. It is nice to have the extra zoom when required though.

[Tronneroi]

I had the same scope on my .270 and I don't think I ever poked out past 300 with it. The extra mag is nice when you need it though.

[Smokinyotes]

I have the same scope on my 257 wby, it’s sure nice for coyotes. It will work just fine on your 300 unless you are hunting in thick bush. Realistically, for hunting most of us could get by with a fixed 4x but it’s nice to have the option to be able to crank it up. These scopes are not great on high magnification in the last few minutes of legal light.

[huntinstuff]

I think you made a good choice

[Dick284]

Without knowing your style of hunting how can anyone qualify an answer?
If that rifle is a dedicated stand or bean field rifle I’d say you’re just fine.

If your thinking of the set up as an all purpose or even the slightest chance of getting into tight cover, well you’re likely gonna get saddled with a bit too much magnification sooner as opposed to later.

So more information please.

[trigger7mm]

No problem with that. Good choice.

[dave99]

Originally Posted by Dick284

Without knowing your style of hunting how can anyone qualify an answer?

If that rifle is a dedicated stand or bean field rifle I’d say you’re just fine.



If your thinking of the set up as an all purpose or even the slightest chance of getting into tight cover, well you’re likely gonna get saddled with a bit too much magnification sooner as opposed to later.



So more information please.

X2.

Your scope matches well with the 300wsm chambering. Beyond that, for a rifle that you plan on shooting game to around 500 yds with, I think it will do nicely. As mentioned above, if used to still hunt in close cover or as a bush gun, you may want a lower minimum magnification.

I tend to have scopes with a magnification range of 3-15 or 3.5-18. I find the higher end magnification is great for range work.


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[Mountainaccent]

I mainly hunt cut blocks for elk, pipelines and open trees for deer and big horns. I went with gut and traded for a 3.5-10 cds Leupold

[Bushleague]

Originally Posted by Dick284

Without knowing your style of hunting how can anyone qualify an answer?
If that rifle is a dedicated stand or bean field rifle I’d say you’re just fine.

If your thinking of the set up as an all purpose or even the slightest chance of getting into tight cover, well you’re likely gonna get saddled with a bit too much magnification sooner as opposed to later.

So more information please.

That pretty much sums it up right there. If weight, close range performance, and offhand shooting aren't a major consideration for you then that scope is probably quite good.

For me it would be a terrible fit, no matter what rifle it was mounted on. I find a 2-7x about right for most hunting situations, mine stays on 2x 95% of the time... on occasion I find myself wishing for less magnification, I cant remember the last time I felt that I needed more.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by Mountainaccent

I mainly hunt cut blocks for elk, pipelines and open trees for deer and big horns. I went with gut and traded for a 3.5-10 cds Leupold

So for same weight and rough size u could have got a swaro 3.5x18 with the ballistic turret * same as a cds. Curious why u chose the significantly lower top end magnification with no advantage on the low end. .

[Pathfinder76]

I’m a real fan of less is more with hunting scopes. Fixed six power Leupolds with dots in them are my zero to 600 yard choice. They always work.

[6.5 shooter]

[QUOTE=chuck;4076481]I’m a real fan of less is more with hunting scopes. Fixed six power Leupolds with dots in them are my zero to 600 yard choice. They always work.

I agree totally I have gone down the road of no return with variables and ended back at the beginning...Only thing difference then your choice is a Duplex over a dot....I love dots in my varmint scopes.

[huntinstuff]

The scope is on a 300 wsm

Safe to believe he isn't stalking in heavy cover

It does appear that you gave up more than you gained by swapping to the Leupold tho

The main thing is you're happy. That's what matters

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Dean2

My primary rifle has a 3.5x18x44 Swaro. It only weighs 16 ounces, so lighter than many low powered scopes and it isn't much different in size than most 3x9 scopes. You can always turn it down but it is nice to have the higher power for long range targets and for looking at game. Even at 500 yards you can evaluate the rack far better on 18 than on 9. Comes down to what you like but as I get older I find more magnification better than less.

My primary big game rifle has the same 3.5-18×44 scope mounted. I find the extra magnification to be an advantage with my older eyes, and the 3.5x is fine for thicker cover.

[pikeslayer22]

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

I have the same scope on my 257 wby, it’s sure nice for coyotes. It will work just fine on your 300 unless you are hunting in thick bush. Realistically, for hunting most of us could get by with a fixed 4x but it’s nice to have the option to be able to crank it up. These scopes are not great on high magnification in the last few minutes of legal light.

What load you running for coyotes with your 257?

[Smokinyotes]

Originally Posted by pikeslayer22

What load you running for coyotes with your 257?

Pm sent

[buckman]

Originally Posted by Mountainaccent

I mainly hunt cut blocks for elk, pipelines and open trees for deer and big horns. I went with gut and traded for a 3.5-10 cds Leupold

I have one on my 7mm its all I need out to 450 yds.I have a 4.5-14 0n my 300,rarely turn it past 10.

[Fordevr]

Bushnell elite tactical 6-24 ffp on my .204 Ruger. Love it!

[32-40win]

Hunted with a 2-7x33 and a 3-9x40 for 30 yrs or so, they did what I needed done. The temptation to put on a higher mag scope is there, I partially gave in on a 4.5-14x44 Zeiss Conquest, but, it is also on a gun that is not real nice to pack around on its own, but will work nice on an open country stand. For the range gun I am setting up now, I gave in and went overboard with a 34mm 4.5-30x56 FFP scope, I really like it, it was worth the loot, but it is a tank, not taking it hunting. Ruger #1 I set up last year has a z3 2.5x10x42 on it, I like it, not too bulky and it works on that gun, for me. The SXS has a Z6 1-6x24 on it, it doesn't need any more than that, and its on a QD setup so i can have it in the daypack if I want it, and then use a 2.5 Deltapoint reflex sight for the usual less than 200 yds stuff, as it is less obtrusive to carry on the gun.

[Dubious]

It’s fine. 3 is a good low end and 16 is nice at the range when you won’t want to use a spotter to see the holes in printer paper.

[Prairiewolf]

Originally Posted by Mountainaccent

Recently purchased a vortex Hs 4-16x44 30mm scope. Now that I bought it thinking it is to much scope for my 300 wsm I normally shoot 0-500 what do you guys think for deer and elk hunting with this scope?

That sounds like a great scope to me. My definition of "too much" would be either too high a "low" power - your 4x at the bottom is just fine, or a fancy reticle that you can't quickly determine holdover / bullet drop in a field situation. Neither apply to you. You may not use the 16x much, but you've got it. I can say from experience that 12x at 355 yds felt like plinking last November. Enjoy it.

[Donkey Slayer]

keep mine at 4 at all times, If higher i always forget to turn it down when walking bush or following a blood trail. I have missed opportunities with having it at 9 for close range. Clarity and light transmission are important.

[W921]

I'm guessing that most just use their rifle in the fall for a targeted big game animal? I was thinking before that people used their rifle more of a year round everyday type of deal.
Even with a 4x you can't shoot anything up close.example badgers,skunks porcupines in tall grass. Bears,cougars in really thick brush.

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by huntinstuff

I think you made a good choice

yup....

[Darrenjos]

too much scope ...what does that even mean? lol