Magnification vs Max range

[MaineLRH]

I'm specifically curious about what people may think is minimum magnification to shoot deer at 600 yards with a .308 but I'm also wondering if people have it worked out for themselves as to what minimum magnification they need to shoot consistently and comfortably at various distances.

I know its kind of a squishy question because everyone has different vision and abilities. I wear contacts and need reading glasses and don't get a lot of range time, so I'm not the guy who can shoot 1,000 yards with iron sights.

 

[memtb]

I'm specifically curious about what people may think is minimum magnification to shoot deer at 600 yards with a .308 but I'm also wondering if people have it worked out for themselves as to what minimum magnification they need to shoot consistently and comfortably at various distances.

I know its kind of a squishy question because everyone has different vision and abilities. I wear contacts and need reading glasses and don't get a lot of range time, so I'm not the guy who can shoot 1,000 yards with iron sights.

I've not spent a lot of time contemplating this. But, I think that for myself, 10x would be very doable to 600 yrds…..assuming the target offers pretty decent contrast to surrounding terrain. Personally, in an ideal contrast situation…….8x should be very doable!

One nice thing about somewhat lower magnification is that…..you should be able to observe the animal's reaction to the shot, by not losing the animal during recoil! A plus for those of us that "do not" use muzzle brakes when hunting! memtb

 

[RichCoyle]

If I have time 25X is perfect. No telling what it will be with my next scope. Lord willing it will be a 5-50X.

 

[med358-boise]

between 12-14 works good for me

 

[LongRangeRookie]

My Vortex Viper 6-24x50 worked pretty well out to 1000yds and I was really pleased with the performance at 600 and 800 yds.
That was what I used on a 300 Win Mag and I was so pleased I put one on my 308, but the 308 hasn't gone out to 600yds (or more) yet.
The sight picture and magnification up to 800yds was as good or better than what I expected... not sure if that helps, but thats my perspective.

 

[Jake 51]

8x

 

[Rick Richard]

I still say for hunting the 3-18 range is the sweet spot with somewhere in the upper range for those looooong "looks".

 

[Hand Skills]

Glass quality and reticle play a big part. For me 10x is plenty with a good scope.

the OP me mentioned limited range time, so I'll suggest this;

Consider taking some extra rounds with you and practicing where you hunt, while you hunt. Deer are typically bedded mid day, which can make for a good opportunity to touch off a couple rounds at rocks. When possible, it's a great way to build confidence and get real dope!

 

[Koda_]

but I'm also wondering if people have it worked out for themselves as to what minimum magnification they need to shoot consistently and comfortably at various distances.

2x magnification of the distance unit as minimum. Basically, its nice for the target to appear at least twice as large at a given distance... so, 600yds would be a min of 12x.
All you have to do to determine what works for you is sight on a target at 100yds with a 1x variable scope, then turn it up to the min you feel you will have a minimal advantage. This is why most variable scopes start at 2x or 3.

But more importantly than maximum magnification, never compromise your low end FOV in favor of high end magnification. Most shots are 100yds or less (at least in my state).

 

[Recon$$]

I like the 3x18 range scopes. Last deer I shot at that range was on 5x. 10x scope will do you just fine out to 1000 imo. Magnification is nice, on live targets I like to know what's going on and call my shots.

 

[haisardao]

I recently took one of my rifles to 1000 yards shooting at 10x10 plates, I was shooting at 16x, more than that the mirage got in the way, I agree 3-18x is the sweet spot x me.

 

[The Oregonian]

I have narrowed in on the 16-20x range as being about right for top end. If I could get 25-ish without tradeoffs I would be for it but 16-20 I don't feel like I have to make any tradeoffs to get what I want.

I currently have, all MOA based, 2 ATACR 4-16x50 SFP and a ZCO 4-20. If the NF 4-20 didn't tunnel I think I would own several of those. I've had lower, like the 2.5-10x42 NXS and a 5-25 ATACR SFP but those have been sold in favor of what I have now.

 

[khart1988]

At 600 I'm probably still going to go with my 6X42, but I've also spent a massive amount of time shooting open sights with archery equipment between 50 and 100 yards and am not uncomfortable with the view of the kill zone being a little smaller in the optic.

If I have a variable in the 3-15 range, it would probably never be cranked over 8-10X for hunting, and would definitely be FFP with a useable reticle.

 

[Johnny05]

My vote is 25x, I like to see where my bullet is hitting on the target or animal. I personally have a hard time doing well if my reticle covers up most of the animal or target.