What's the highest magnification you use while hunting from 500 to 1,000 yards?

[Tragik]

I have two simultaneous new builds that are moving along and the barrels finally arrived. One will be used strictly for casual target shooting (probably 6.5x47) at 500-1,000 yards, and one is for deer/elk hunting (either 7 Saum or 7 SS). The hunting rifle was the result of a spur of the moment decision a few weeks ago to buy a Tikka 300 WSM and rechamber it. I plan on elk hunting out to 700 or 800 yards and maybe at some point out to 1,000 yards with the Tikka. I also plan on shooting steel out to 2,000 yards with the 7mm (at 5-8K elevation, the ballistics are amazing w/ a 195 Berger.)

Anyways, I bought the Vortex Golden Eagle HD 15-60x52 in anticipation of the 6.5x47 and I would like to use the scope for both rifles. Had I known I would be building another hunting rifle and using the same scope, I would have chosen a different scope. So - what are your thoughts on using what's essentially a bench rest scope for long range hunting? It obviously would be a nightmare at 100 yards but what about in the 500-1,000 yard range?

Thanks

 

[Rick Richard]

High magnification in most cases means less field of view. Meaning, it may be difficult to stay on a moving animal at those ranges. I usually like top end around 15 to 18 power at those distances.

 

[Hatrick]

I am with Rick on this. I have a 4-16 and it is just fine for me. The better the glass the less magnification you need. Also depends on your eyes.

 

[gohring3006]

I think that scope is too much for hunting. A SHV 5-20 would be my choice.

 

[jraulsten]

Haven't hunted to 1000 yards yet but shooting steel out to 1400 I usually find my magnification set around 14-18....and that's with a K624i. Much better field of view.

Bench rest scopes are great for doing ladder tests at 6 or 700 yards.

 

[Tragik]

Well thanks all for the feedback. Sounds like the magnification is way too high, even for 2K steel shooting. I guess I'm going to have to return it or sell it.

I really like the Delta Stryker HD 4.5-30x56. Anybody had any experience with it?

 

[Rich Coyle]

Delta Stryker HD 4.5-30x56? Never heard of it. But it sounds perfect to me.

 

[jjmp]

Their a Polish scope company out of Poland Very good reviews but really almost not know here , check out Richard Uttings review of them on YouTube , thks jjmp

 

[Tragik]

Their a Polish scope company out of Poland Very good reviews but really almost not know here , check out Richard Uttings review of them on YouTube , thks jjmp

Yep - that's how I learned about it. It's supposed to have the glass quality of a much more expensive scope and it's 34mm to boot.

 

[aldeerhunter]

I have a Stryker 5-50x56. There is a lots to like about the scope.

 

[Bravo 4]

High magnification in most cases means less field of view. Meaning, it may be difficult to stay on a moving animal at those ranges. I usually like top end around 15 to 18 power at those distances.

Not to mention the exit pupil starts small and only gets worse with that scope. A while after sunrise and towards sunset will give you fits, it'll only be ideal during times of good visibility (light).

 

[Tragik]

Not to mention the exit pupil starts small and only gets worse with that scope. A while after sunrise and towards sunset will give you fits, it'll only be ideal during times of good visibility (light).

That's a very good point. Thanks

 

[Tragik]

I have a Stryker 5-50x56. There is a lots to like about the scope.

that scope looks great but you don't mind that it's SFP?

 

[Bravo 4]

Just adding my two cents in here about the magnification-
The last two elk I shot were at 811 and 850. One was with an 8-32 power Nightforce NXS at the lowest power, had no problem engaging. The other was with a 5.5-22 NXS at half power, again no problem. Seen both impacts through the scope, which is important to me when hunting/shooting alone.
I actually sold the 8-32, never used it at near max magnification while hunting.