Rifle Scopes Magnification for long distance / small target

[dudz]

I have a savage rifle in 7.08 . Im going to be useing it for sports shooting (very rarely for hunting).
I never shoot under 100 meters. I would like to shoot at 300 meters mostly, and 500 meters occassionaly. The target is a 10" square steel plate. I want a scope that does not cause problems under strong magnification.
What magnifiaction should I be after ? I have a Bushnell Banner 6-18 X 50 but at full magnification its not good.

 

[Graham]

Re: Magnification for long distance / small target

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dudz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I want a scope that does not require me to move my head in and out before I can focus on the target.</div></div>I don't understand (Je ne comprend pas).

 

[desertHK]

Re: Magnification for long distance / small target

Depends on the shooter. Some will want to see the entire target and therefore need to have higher magnification. Remember, that the higher the magnification, the more mirage, and the recoil may knock your field of vision off the target with the shot. I prefer just enough magnification to place my cross hair on the target. For me,

< 500 yards-- no more than 5-6 mag
500 - 1000 -- 7-10 mag
1000-1500 -- 12-15 mag.
>1500 -- enough to see target.

I have the Nightforce 5.5-22 mag, and I only use the 22 mag for mildot ranging. In fact, I haven't recall a time when I need more than 15.

Of course, I am going to shoot the 1 mile and 2000 yards target next week. Will see.

 

[ORD]

Re: Magnification for long distance / small target

Magnification isn't your problem...optical quality IS.

10x is more than enough magnification for engaging 10" square targets at 500 meters.

Ditch the crappy Bushnell banner in favor of a scope with higher quality optics and you'll see a world of difference. I'm not sure what all your choices will be in France, but at a minimum, look at Swarovski, Zeiss, S&B, Kahles just to mention a few possibilities. If you insist on more magnification, you won't have any trouble with those scopes given the clarity of the optics they all use.

 

[Graham]

Re: Magnification for long distance / small target

Look at the S&B PM II 10x P3 with Mil knobs. Should be fine 100-1000. And it's a 30mm tube, so you can mount it low on a sporting rifle.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Magnification for long distance / small target

Given that a 25.4 cm (10") plate @ 500 meters (547 yds), is not really what I'd call small, any <span style="font-weight: bold">quality</span> variable scope in the: 3-12x, or 3.5-15x or 4-16x, or 3-18x, range would work well.

"Quality" glass is more important than the ultimate magnification range, as your Bushnell Banner shows. Put a relatively low power S&B 3-12 or even a fixed S&B 10x on your rifle, and you'll be ringing the steel with alacrity.......

 

[dudz]

Re: Magnification for long distance / small target

OK, thanks all of those who has answerd SO quickly.

Mirage / That was the word I was looking for.

Your info gives me plenty to go by.

thanks again