Question about spotting scopes

[KQguy]

I am looking into buying a new spotting scope,how powerful does it need to be to see 30cal. holes from 400-500 yards away?Maybe i am asking for too much,i have never used one,so I don't know what to expect out of them.If there are some out there that will do it,please give me some recomendations on brands and sizes.
KQguy

 

[spd800]

I've got a Leupold 20-40 and I can see the holes at 400 at 40x shooting at a white or lighter colored target, I don't know about five. If you are shooting at a black bull I doubt you"ll see the holes even with a 60x.

Steve

 

[bailey1474]

40x or 60x will suffice if the glass is good enough. Save your pennies and buy the best. Get a Swaro, Zeiss, Leica or Leupy HD. I'm sure there are others that are good but the bottom line is don't go buy a 60x cheap spotter and expect to see what you want.