SNIP
500 yards is a very long ways, especially for a 10x scope. The deer will probably look like a fly looking through your scope and the size of your cross hair is a critical consideration.
Practice, practice, practice!
Good luck and best wishes!
Hmmm, I think that I would respectfully disagree.
A while back someone asked about a 7x scope for 300 yards and here was my reply:
I had a chance to test my scope at 7x yesterday.
From where I sat I could see a power-line tower that according to Google Earth was 408 yards away from my position. There is a Danger No Trespassing sign that measures approximately 18h x 24w inches.
I sat with my back to a tree and had a tall bi-pod attached for hunting.
First, I left the scope on 3x. I could not read the writing, younger eyes may have been able to
With no particular spot to aim, I found that the crosshairs danced around but stayed easily in the kill zone.
Second, I adjusted the scope to 7x. The writing was clear, even for me. I decided that the "D" in Danger looked to be a nice size target, and at 7x I could keep the crosshairs on the "D" without too much trouble.
When I left for the morning I went over to the tower to see the sign. The letter "D" looked to be about 4 inches high and about 3 inches wide.
IMO a 7X scope, assuming a good rest is certainly more than enough scope for hunting.....and if any "letters" get in your way...they are toast
edge.