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how much power?

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8334
Printed Date: March/29/2024 at 09:02
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Topic: how much power?
Posted By: jackG
Subject: how much power?
Date Posted: November/02/2007 at 13:08
I just got back from a MT hunt.  I filled 5 tags.   The shots ranged from around 100 yards minimum, to an un-lasered range of probably 325 or there about.  I'm using a 3-9  on a 270 WSM Tikka.   The rifle will shoot around .4" with Fed 140 gr Accubond.   The long shot was a pronghorn, and for 9X and my eyes, that's right on the edge of what felt right to me.   The bullet struck within within a couple of inches of where I wanted it, but the animal looked very small at that range.  How many shoot at that range with 9X or less and how many would prefer a bit more magnification?   That open country hunting particularly on the pronghorns might work better for me with say a 4.5 to 14.   Any thoughts?



Replies:
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: November/02/2007 at 13:26
Nothing wrong with a 3x9 as I have one myself mounted on a 300 WSM....In most situations though, a 3x9 is all one would need unless long range varmits are on the agenda! One has to play the percentages and have a scope that will fill the bill for most of the time. There may be situations where a max. 14X scope may be better, but if possible, I would try to get closer.........Recently, I took a 402 lb. pig from 342 yards shooting across a divide from where I could not get any closer. Had I tried, I might have blown my cover. My scope was turned up to 9X max. for that shot. Rifle sighted in at a 300 yard zero, with very little holdover or guess work on that shot!!.................If your average distances increase for your shots, then switching would be a matter of your own personal preference. I personally would not rush out to get a 4x14. 

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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: November/02/2007 at 13:57
Glad you had a good MT hunt.  Those pronghorns can be tough to get up on sometimes.  A 3-9 should be about all you really need unless you plan on shoot way out past 4-500 yards on pronghorns.  If it would make it easier on you eyes, you might consider bumping to a 3-12x scope.  I have a 4-16 and although I love the top end for my long range shooting, I very rarely would use anything above 9-10x for big game hunting.  I don't think you need to get a different scope unless you plan on consistently taking longer shots, or if you thing you need it for you eyes.

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: November/02/2007 at 14:36
i have a hard time using anything other than a 3x9 especially now that i live in a very wooded area, for plains type hunting and varmint (pdogs) i wouldnt mind having a 4.5x14 but then again with game animals on high power you have to have a good solid rest otherwise it gets ugly.

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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: craSSh
Date Posted: November/02/2007 at 18:19
I had a 3-9 on my 270wsm, shot a buck @ 274yds.  And I agree that anything 200yds and out, look small in the scope.  The gun now wears 4.5-14.  I like the higher magnification a whole lot more.


Posted By: tahqua
Date Posted: November/02/2007 at 20:34

I took this deer several moons ago at your 325 yards with a 4x Burris.

 

That rifle now has a 3-9x42 Kahles and I like it better. If your 3-9 is a good glass I think your fine.

 

Doug



Posted By: RONK
Date Posted: November/02/2007 at 20:43

When you are hunting big game animals, and attempting to shoot them at distances approaching a quarter of a mile, they SHOULD look awfully small. It helps you to concentrate hard on getting your shot properly placed, by helping you to keep in pespective the fact that you are taking a LONG shot at a living thing that deserves a clean kill. I think that high magnification scopes often deceive novice hunters into taking shots they shouldn't take.

 The fact that you filled 5 tags tells me that you probably know what you are doing, though. Don't go too high at the low end if you do decide to go a little higher at the top end...




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