scope magnification

[D Scott]

I had a general question about scope magnification, I have been hunting for several years, but reloading now for 2-3 years and shooting more now b/c of it.
Currently I have on my Savage (260 rem)a NF 5.5-22x and have been shooting respectable groups, holding just under MOA to approx 500 meters,(at 100 yrds holding about 1/2" to 3/4") my question is would higher mag improve groups as I work farther out to 1K? I am considering the NF 12-42 NXS for this. I would appreciate any input, thanks in advance Scott

 

[downrange914]

Re: scope magnification

Unfortunately it's a very personal thing and depends what your eyesight and confidence levels are like - as I have an eye condition called nystagmus, any issues that you get with higher magnification such as effects of mirage being magnified (no pun intended), or effects of breathing also being magnified are offset by the fact that I can actually see the target to hit it and have the confidence to do so !

The best way of finding out is to go to the range with someone who has a higher magnification scope and give it a go ... if this isn't possible then the next best thing is to go to a shop which sells a higher magnification scope, and mentally go through the motions of taking a shot whilst looking at the target - do you feel more confident ? Does the increased heat haze effect put you off ?

 

[D Scott]

Re: scope magnification

thanks for the feedback downrange, I will give that a try, I know the good glass is always worth it, just didnt know what most folks are doing with their glass at long distance, thanks

 

[downrange914]

Re: scope magnification

np - glad to help !

I've been trained to shoot in yards rather than meters, so for me MOA is the way to go rather than mildot - just makes things easier than having to convert any numbers when shooting. If you do shoot MOA, then just to whet your appetite, S&B have come up very very recently with a MOA reticle to match the MOA turrets ...