Rifle Scopes Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

[shooter79]

Pretty much summed it up in the subject. I'm new to shooting with glass and I'm wondering what sort of magnification I'd need for 600 yards. I'd be shooting targets, and it would be at varying ranges from 100 up to 600 at a maximum. I'm going to be shooting a .308.

Thanks

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

10x

 

[rksimple]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

What size targets? For most things reasonable, 10x should more than suffice.

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

All you need to do is be able to see the target to hit it, so shooting at 600 at 10x will work. In my personal opinion, I opt for more mag than less. I am not saying that I always opt for the most mag I can get, but I don't undercut it either. I have 2 NF 5.5-22s, another one on order, and an 8-32. I don't always shoot at 22x and I almost never shoot at 32x, but if I need the mag to spot the target, it is there. It really is a matter of personal preference, and I am sure a lot of guys on here will recommend something like a 3.5-15.

 

[cmh2007]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

i have a 4-14 that works well

 

[BFD711]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

I like as much mag. as mirage will allow for after I have located the target on a lower setting. At 600yd I'm usually at 15x. 10x will usually get the job done depending on target size but I feel I am more accurate on a higher mag. I only shoot stationary targets and that is also something else to consider due to field of view. I guess it really is a personal preferance thing.

 

[shooter79]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

Cool, well that's given me something to work with. As to the size of the targets I don't know! Standard :S I believe they only use stationary targets at the club, and I think the McQueen targets are a little smaller. I'm on a set budget so given this would I be better to go for something lik a Vortex diamondback 4-12x40 or a crossfire with a higher magnification x 50 at the same price as the diamondback? Would the quality of the glass/loss of zero on a cheaper scope be outweighed by the increased mag?

 

[JPaul]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

Not more than 15X

 

[OptedOut]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

I'd ask what shape are your eyes in?
At my age those powers in the 18-20 range are looking better and better!

 

[shooter79]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

I'm a wee bit shortsighted. Can just about get away with driving without glasses but usually use them. I'm 25 so I hope my eyes have got a bit of mileage left in them yet!

 

[shooter79]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

So you think it'd be better to get a cheaper scope with higher mag than a better quality scope with lower mag?

 

[gtriever]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter79</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So you think it'd be better to get a cheaper scope with higher mag than a better quality scope with lower mag? </div></div>

Nope. You'll see a lot better with good glass.

 

[sjohnny]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTriever</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter79</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So you think it'd be better to get a cheaper scope with higher mag than a better quality scope with lower mag? </div></div>

Nope. You'll see a lot better with good glass. </div></div>

I'm very inexperienced in this but I'll second this. The target is much clearer looking through my father-in-law's Redfield (I think?) 2-7x turned all the way up than it is through my Tasco on 3-9x turned all the way up. Drastically clearer. Same with his Leupold on a lower magnification.

 

[Advokaten]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rksimple</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What size targets? For most things reasonable, 10x should more than suffice. </div></div>

Decent advice,

I tend to shoot at really small things and I must say that 25x never is a drawback to have handy, so it´s all in the target

/Chris

 

[shooter79]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

Thanks guys that's helped me make a decision. I'm gona go for the diamondback as it's better than the crossfire and the best I can afford being a student and therefore peniless

Just gotta decide on rings and mounts now d'oh!

 

[scotharr]

Re: Recommended magnification for up to 600 yards

What do you mean "shooting targets?" Informal or competition? What size and type of targets. For all-around shooting a 10x scope is plenty. If you are shooting F-class and trying to keep your shots inside a 3" circle at 600 yards, then you will find a 20x to 30x scope very useful. Of course the disadvantage of lots of magnification is a tiny exit pupil, tiny field of view, mirage issues, parallax issues, and a dim image. High-power scope for benchrest, F-class, and varmints. 10x for everything else.