I was using 12x with ease out to 330 yds, then at 440 and 550 yds I only needed 16x. I haven't gone past that, but I couldn't believe how clear of a sight picture I had. This is definitely my highest quality optic I've used, but there is no doubt in my mind 21x is enough on the DMR ii pro for seeing hits at long range. I can't say the same with my gen 1 XRS SFP. Lower quality glass no doubt, but still an incredible improvement
I mostly use 25x to dial in my zero real accurately on my pmII & mk5hd, I’m mostly 16-20x depending on mirage. I had a a 32x nxs & rarely ever used 32x. If the conditions are good a 50x like the trijicon accupower can help at 2000+ yards. For 1000 & in I like 16-25x but for ELR a 50x trijicon or kahles would be good. There’s a formula you can use to pick your power. You take the yards to target & divide the power & you get how far your target would look unmagnified. So at 1000 yards a 16x will look 62.5 yards away, 20x is 50yards, 25x is 40 yards, 35x is 28.5 yards, & 50x would look 20 yards away. So when you get to 2000 that’s where the higher power like 50x helps 50x = 40 yards, 35x = 57 yards, 25x = 80, 16x = 125 yards. A 25x makes a good all around power if you had to pick one to do it all
You would be surprised at how little magnification is needed. I said needed and not wanted. I dialed down to 5x this weekend and had no problem banging a 12” plate at 750 yards. I was just playing around.
I always max my magnification when doing load dev groups...specially at 100y..
I can hit steel at 800 yards with a 4x acog ar10, not very well or consistent but it can do it. I can shoot sub moa using 20-25x on my bolt guns but 5-10x power would not produce the same results
