Rifle Scopes What is the relationship between magnification and maintaining MOA as distance increases?

[ccasanova]

General question: What is the relationship between magnification and maintaining MOA as distance increases?

Assumptions: MOA capable rifle/optic system and shooter

Variables: magnification & distance

I think most would agree that increased magnification assists in the ability to maintain a MOA group (or make MOA hits on steel) as distance increases. For example, it’s easier to see and clearly aim and hit at 2-300yards with 15x than 1x.

Wind is the obvious X factor as distance increases. But I’m not concerned with that for this discussion.

Specific question: How much magnification is needed per 100 yards to maintain MOA groups or hit MOA targets, assuming everything else is accounted for?

5x at 100? 15x at 300? 25x at 500?

Any generally accepted knowledge out there?


I thought this would be an interesting discussion, and may help with my next scope purchase.

 

[AIAW]

Not so much a need per-se. Even perfect vision, perfect optics (nearly impossible) and ideal atmospherics together will be different person to person. Field shooting positions that are not ideal also come into play if shots need to be spotted by the shooter. Obviously a lower power will provide a greater field of view during recoil for these cases.

Assuming a 5-25x capable optic:

For 100 yards, I will be in the 7-10x range. Higher to spot hits on paper depending on lighting, caliber, etc.
500 yards, probably 10x - 12x. Depends.
1000 yards+ I am between 15x-20x. 25x if mirage is tame.

Speaking soley to the ability to shoot MOA, I don't think you'll find a set standard really. You can either hold accurately enough to overcome [the lack of] magnification or the crosshair aimpoint width becomes an issue to the degree in which it invalidates the results.

I know guys that stay at 15x no matter what, and others that stay at max power for anything over 600 yards. I guess it's just what they are comfortable with, no matter how negatively it affects fundamentals.

 

[LawnMM]

I like 1.5x magnification per 100yds, so at 500 I like being able to go up to 7.5x, at 1000 it's nice to have 15x available, etc.

Has everything to do with personal preference and nothing to do with maintaining ability to hit the target.

If you can see the target and reticle with enough detail for wind holds that's all you need.

Not saying I'm always running 1.5xyardage, just that I LIKE being able to. Preference.

 

[sam4886]

Interesting question. I don't have any technical insight or anything, just my own experience. I'm trying to visualize a chart or graph while I type this....I'm thinking some kind of logarithmic scale...

I also think the answer depends on type of target. MOA plates versus a paper target that gives you some indication of aiming point even if you can't necessarily see the POA.

Also considering ffp, sfp, and reticels getting in the way of the 1 and 2 moa targets at lower magnifications would throw a wrench into things.

I would consider 3-4x at 100 yards to about the minimum for a 1 moa plate, but paper targets at 100 yards can probably hold moa at 0x if you've got reference points on the target.

If we're talking 1000 yards at a 10 inch circle gong, something like 10x is plenty. Look at the old fixed power military sniper scopes.

Maybe the graph is a straight 1:1 slope but starts at 3x power?

Maybe I'm rambling and my head hurts...

 

[Guthwine]

In my opinion magnification is totally overhyped.
What you need for good groups is a crisp & clear picture of the target and a reticle with which you can achieve a consistent hold. Everything else is personal preference, imho.