Rifle Scopes What magnifications do you prefer to use?

[vman]

Hi Guys. Was down at the range yesterday testing some handloads and it occurred to me that I have never really be shown if there is any particular right or wrong magnification setting to use at said distance.

Now I know that there are multiple factors that would sway one to decide on what magnification they use, but is there any one gospel rule or is it all just personal preference?

In order to get the best groups when punching paper at 100 yards or meters do you prefer to have the scope zoomed in low or high?

For me personally I have noticed that I prefer to shoot on lower magnifications as I can see the target clearly and sight picture loss doesn't seem to be an issue especially on larger calibers, however is this potentially lowering my potential paper punching accuracy?

Thanks in advance for your responses

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: What magnifications do you prefer to use?

For punching holes in paper I am usually on as high a magnification as I can get withou mirage causing a problem.

For targets that move or may shoot back I use considerably less.

 

[badbot]

Re: What magnifications do you prefer to use?

I'm getting old so I want one of those new 5-50 or 8-80 power scopes comming out this year.

I use my 3-12 at 12 and slap on a 3/4" dayglow sticker from the office supplys to aim at.

aim small miss small

 

[kiwi308]

Re: What magnifications do you prefer to use?

Ditto, highest for paper punching, but lowest for walking around on the hunt. Started off with a 6-24*44 Tasco, and apart from the glass it was just too much magnification for quickly locating an animal - great for the range though. Went to the other extreme and used a Bushnell Reddot, fantastic for shots on moving targets, however a little challenging at 100 yards, as the dot was 3 MOA. Have hopefully now met somewhere in the middle with a Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14*40. Haven't mounted it yet, as waiting for the rings to arrive, but seems good - up close is still nice, and distance (as steadily as I can hold it) seems good too.

 

[USMCj]

Re: What magnifications do you prefer to use?

Hunting 1-4X Paper punching 10-25X

 

[Rob01]

Re: What magnifications do you prefer to use?

Use what feels comfortable to you to be able to see and hit the target.

I use my 3.5-15x on 15x for load testing.

 

[vman]

Re: What magnifications do you prefer to use?

Thanks for the responses guys

 

[jbell]

Re: What magnifications do you prefer to use?

I use the highest I can depending on conditions, but use the power that you use when in matches or hunting or what ever you do with the gun ... train how you fight!

 

[dinosdeuce]

Re: What magnifications do you prefer to use?

When hunting it depends on the terrain. Antelope I use highest at 12X. In the mountains lowest 4X. At the range I shoot at it goes to 600yds. My .308 has a 4200 Elite 6x24, I use on 12X. I don't think I have every shoot it at 24X. The 12 to 14 range is what I like.

 

[z71rat]

Re: What magnifications do you prefer to use?

Typically 10x while hunting... 16x for punching little clover size groups.

DK

 

[Okoyote]

Re: What magnifications do you prefer to use?

My favorite range for the South Dakota prairie is 4-14. I do use up to 25 when shooting prairie dogs at long range or target shooting (greater than 250 yards). I hunt at 4 power and only turn it up when the distance is great and time is in my favor.