Holding a tight group in the 400-600 yard range are difficult to say the least. A rifle/ammo combination that will do 1 MOA ... your looking at a 4" +/- group at 400 yards and 6" +/- group at 600 yards. Realize that 1 MOA is 1/60 of 1 degree. You wiggle another 1/60 of 1 deg. and you are now off target at 600 yards by about a foot !
To become competent at these distances, unless you are truly gifted, will take a lot of quality practice. At 400-600 yards you can see the cross hairs wiggle with every heart beat. A lousy trigger does not help !
In the field, with usually only a fair rest, the excitement, the time contraints to make the shot, possibly a significant cross wind, tiny twigs that you cannot detect at that distance, etc. All that comes into play. So practice a bunch. Not to mention knowing the precise trajectory of your particular round.
As mentioned the ability to hit tight at 400-600 yards is enhanced by a good scope, but that in and of itself is not a short cut to accuracy. A high quality scope will defin itely help with resolution, crispness, and low light target acquistion. Plus it will remain exceptionally true despite what power setting you are using. In my book, it is a must to have a quality scope, and especially if you are going to try to manage long distance shooting.
You stated that you were not looking at dropping over $1000 on a scope. With that as your top end limit you can find a good scope for sure.
Last edited by Mojotex; 11-02-2012 at 07:02 AM.
Reason: spelling