Scope for groundhogs

Fox72 · 06-19-2006, 11:18 AM

I am looking to replace a scope I have on my Rem 700 22-250. I want a Leupold 8.5 x 25 x 50, 6.5 x 20 x 40, or last a Bushnell 4200 8 x 32 x 50. Any of you varmint hunters use the varmint hunters reticle? I like the higher magnification, and if I could afford one I would buy a 45x Leupold. What do you folks like for magnification for shots at and beyond 300 yds for varmints? Thanks.

doubleA · 06-19-2006, 11:42 AM

I think the scopes you have picked will suit you nicely. I would shy away from a fixed scope such as the Leupold 45X, while a great benchrest scope it's a "one trick pony". By that I mean you could be hampered with target acqusition on close shots(field of view is very small at 100yds and under) and with mirage on a hot day (just as the scope magnafies the target it also picks up the heat waves) and that can be a big problem. With any of the variables you can minimize these things.

I dont know if you have ever used the higher magnafication scopes(personally the M8 36X is my highest) but they do require more exact eye relief and theyexagorate everything including breathing.

Vapodog · 06-19-2006, 12:25 PM

Quote:

What do you folks like for magnification for shots at and beyond 300 yds for varmints? Thanks.

I find that even the best scopes I've ever owned (yes...I've owned Leupolds) are not a lot of value to me past somewhere about 16 power. During the heat of the day the heat waves from the ground wash out the image a bit and sometimes more.....6-18 scope is my choice.

At night it's different but I don't shoot varmints (woodchucks) at night!

gopher slayer · 06-19-2006, 01:40 PM

i agree with the above statement, my cousin has 6-24x scope and it rarely goes over 16x. that being said ive shot gophers out to 230 yards with my 12x scope.

Paul L Mohr · 06-19-2006, 04:23 PM

I have an Alaskan guide model scope from cabelas on my 17HMR I am pretty happy with. It's a 6.5-20X44 with adjustable objective and mildots. Cost around $400. I compared it with a leupold of simular size and price and liked the Cabela's scope a bit better.

I think I tried about 4 or 5 scopes until I found the one I wanted. Nice thing about cabela's, you can buy it, take it home and try it for a few days. If you don't like it just bring it back and try something else. I mean you have to pay for it of course, but you get your money back when you bring it back.

Paul

Pawildman · 06-19-2006, 04:37 PM

I agree that over about 16x you start to get into a little trouble, paticularly on hot days, with the heat waves. Fixed powers work best for me at fixed distances. I pesonally like 12x for my bench and varmint shooting. I've used Leupold, Redfield, and Weaver 4x12 variables with good success. My old Unertl 15x Ultra Varmint works well, but is a bit cumbersome anymore,and sees only limited use.
Until my eyesight gets much worse (I need reading glasses anymore), I intend to use my 12x's. Several years ago, I shot a blackbird at a measured 297 yds. with a .243 and 12x optics, while groundhog hunting. I bet my buddy a cold one that I could kill it. He said "Yer on!" He bought.

Rammer · 06-19-2006, 08:14 PM

pawildman - the blackbird story sounds very familiar. Last nite I dusted one a lil over 200 yards with my Leupold VX II on 12x, also a 243.

I agree with all the others. Anything over 14-16x anytime gets very difficult to use effectively. If you are shooting from a bench at all times you might be able to make better use of the higher powered scopes.