How much (scope) power for 600 yd shooting?

[fireroad]

Looking for sugggestions on scope power range for 600 yd shooting. I would like to become proficient at this range to be able to hunt barbary sheep and antelope in wide open country. I also plan on using the scope for the occasional coyote at that distance and friendly competiton target shooting (maybe bowling pins or pie plates...that size range). I mention target shooting as I figure in order to become proficient shooting at that range I will be spending alot of time at the range so I might as well have fun with it.

Since it's a hunting scope I will be going with a 40 to 44mm objective. Would a 4.5-14 or 4-16 be appropriate, or do I need to be looking at up to 18 to low 20's range? Does anyone know of an accepted standard, or is there a chart or table that outlines what range a certain power is good to?

 

[CapDog]

I shoot quite a few competitions out to 600M so about 650 yards with my 3.5-15X Nightforce. Both my hunting rifles have 4.5-14's on them right now and I've gone out as far as you have mentioned on deer sized game. The higher powers are nice, but I wouldn't get too high of a low end on the magnification if you have chances at closer shots. A 5X would be as high as I would go on the low end.

 

[fireroad]

Thanks CapDog. Since this is a hunting scope I wanted to go no higher than 4 on the low end which limits me to I believe 16 at the most on the high end. It's sopunds like 14-16x is plenty for deer at 600 yds...how about smaller targets? Would it be enough for coyotes? What about an average sized pumpkin?

The only scope I've ever owned higher than a 9x was a VX-II 4-12x40 and I found the resolution at 12x to be really poor.

 

[CapDog]

If you stick with a quality scope along the lines of a Nightforce or Leupold VX-III or LR/T (There are others out there as well) resoultion will be fine. I routinely shoot past 1000 with the scopes I mention. Picking up the aiming points on tactical type targets is not a problem. Although I didn't take the shot because I was hunting deer I almost popped a coyote that was yipping for about 30 min. Finding an aiming point when set at 14x wasn't a problem at 833yards.

 

[foreign]

i have a burris fullfield and its the 4.5-14 model. i can easily hold on rabbits at 600m. cross hairs dont cover up the rabbit., doesnt mean i can hit them though.haha but thats just my not having worked up a good load yet. cheers

 

[AJ Peacock]

14x-15x is plenty magnification for your needs.

I use 3.5x15 Nightforces on my heavy rifles and have shot them out to nearly a mile. I have a 4.5x14x40 Leupold on my 7mm Rem Mag and have had no problem out to 800yds+ (furthest I've shot it).

AJ

 

[shimoda]

I have a 4.5-14 x40 on my STW and have no desire for more power or objective size on my carry weight big game rifle.

I've killed elk in dark timber as close as 15 yards and antelope as far as 640 yards.

No problem shooting [at] rocks to 950 yards.

Mine is a VX3 LR with B&C reticule and M1 turrets.

If I build a dedicated long range hunting rifle I will go up to 22x

 

[Old Coach]

I use the Leupold 4.5X14 and usually keep it on about 10-12X for 600yds.
The higher power is good if you have no mirage.
I use a 223 for PDs and keep the scope on 10X out to 500yds. I know that is a long shot for a 223.

Coach

 

[Bravo 4]

We were shooting fast freddies out to 800meters today with an SPR (5.56) with SS109 ammo (62gr). We were using a FFP Horus set at 12X and had no problems what so ever. There was plenty field of view and you could spot your own shots.

 

[CS T]

I do a lot of shooting out to 1k and the scopes I use are.
USO SN3 3.2-17x44mm
USO ST10 10x
NF NXS 5.5-22x50mmm and 3-15x50mm
S&B 4-16x42mm

As you can see most of the scopes I shoot are 17x and under. The only reason I have a 5.5-22x50mm is for a rifle that I shoot from 400yds to 1500yds.

The Nightforce is one of the best scopes on the market for the dollar value.


Mike @ CSGW

 

[fireroad]

Thanks guys, looks like I'll be good to go with my Mark 4 LR/T 4.5-14x40. For my other rifle where weight is not an issue I think I'll give the Falcon Menace FFP 4-14x40 a try.

 

[CS T]

If we can be of help on the Leupold feel free to ask. We have some of the custom Mark 4 4.5-14x40mm w/ the MIL-DOT or TMR, M1 turrets, and M1 side parallax in stock.


Mike @ CSGW

 

[fireroad]

Mike -Thanks...what kind of feedback are you getting on the TMR reticle?

 

[CS T]

Mike -Thanks...what kind of feedback are you getting on the TMR reticle?

A lot of Guys love the TMR, the lines are sharp, because the TRM is lines it is nicer to use than the Mil-Dot for ranging and holdovers, and right in the center of the crosshair there is a little opening (some guys like it some guys do not but it seams more guys like it). I like it opening for I can bracket really small target. Example at a 100yds I can bracket a bullet hole in the opening so it helps for shooting tight groups.

Sorry for the delay I have been out of town.

Mike @ CSGW