Scope power setting

[Etxbuckman]

Assuming a 4.5 - 14 x 44 power scope what magnification would y’all/do y’all use for shooting at a target (deer) at approximately 250 - 300 yards? I have never shot a deer at that distance and plan to try next weekend, wanted opinions of those of you who have.

[hully1029]

just look at the deer through the scope and adjust the magnification until you get the clearest view.

[okrattler]

I've shot a deer at 275 yards. I don't remember what power the scope was on though. What I do know is I generally set my scope to 6,7 or 8 in fairly open country when I'm calling coyotes. They're smaller than a deer so I think you'll be fine with any of those. The problem I have with setting a scope to anything much over that especially 12 to 14 is you start picking up heat waves. That messes with my eyes and I don't like it.

[PYBUCK]

3X9 Leupold. Never moved it off of 9 since i get it in 1971. All my other rifles are the same.

[30-30]

I have heard you should be able to see the entire animal in your scope at whatever distance you’re shooting. More zoom than that and you can easily lose your target if it moves.

I like 3-6x for still hunting or walking to the stand. 6-9x for watching a feeder at reasonable distances, and 12x+ for shots over 200.

[cva34]

I stay low 3-4x cause if its close its gona happen fast..If your on 9-14x all ya gona see is hair and shake and loose Field of View and light gathering

If in open country and most shots long 6x or so..got time to go up or down...

I'm not into Higher than 9x magnifies shake and heartbeat ..without sandbags

I only own 1 scope over 9..and it aint a favorite /except at range with sandbags...

I do not use Rifle scope as binoc or spotting scope.. I was hunting one time and saw a stand on fence line and a gun pointed right at me..(all he was doin was looking) scared the Sheet out of me ...That was the last time I ever used a Rifle scope for Binoc

[DaveC]

If shooting over 200 yds out if a boxblind window- try to steady your trigger arm elbow on something. I was shown to use a backpack or sit sideway in your chair and use the back of the seat rest as somewhere to plant your elbow.

The boxblind window ain’t the shooting bench with sandbags and such- gotta do what you can to anchor the gun.

As far as zoom goes, the more you have it zoomed up the more the crosshairs will dance with your movement/ heartbeat. If this is happening- zoom out a smidge so you don’t psych yourself out.


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[Deer Tracks]

Max magnification , especially if 2nd focal plane scope.

[150class]

Practice at that distance and see.

Personally I would be 12-14x depending on clarity

[kcmarullo]

I leave mine on 12 power most of the time.

[denimdeerslayer]

Why have a 14x if you dont use it? Thats the purpose of it.

[Radar]

8x most of the time. I think it depends on the terrain your hunting in and how you are hunting. Smaller targets at longer distances(400 yards plus) need higher magnification for me.

Spot and stalk in large open country I like a lower setting as it gives you a bigger field of view and helps you find the animal in the scope, sitting in a box blind and hunting over a feeder, the magnification does not matter as much to me.

Some glass "experts" say that 8x-56mm is the most light gathering combination available.

[Gummi Bear]

6x

At 300 yards, or closer, it's all you need.

The higher magnification is great for closely scrutinizing the animal to make sure it's the one you want to shoot, but a lower magnification is all you need for making the shot.

[timberking]

O to have young eyes. Just put a 6 x 20 x 56 on.

[Outlaw_6]

I keep mine on 5 to make it easier to find the target. Once the target is acquired, I will max the zoom if the situation allows to help pick a smaller aiming point.