i know every one will have a slightly different answer and please dont say it depends on the person because im lookin for an AVE/, so anyways. what do you think the ave/ max distance you could accuratly shoot a 3-9 power scope. and also a 4.5-15 power. this will help me decide which power burris i need to buy for my 308..... thank you

Jeff

If this rifle is for hunting only then a 3-9X is all the scope you will need on top of a .308. Honestly on a big game rifle I feel that any magnification over a maximum of about 12 power is highly unnecessary and 12 power is really pushing it. Also IMO 4.5 power on the bottom end is too high on a hunting rifle.

Unless you are wanting to shoot at very small (prarie dogs) targets at very long ranges (400 yards+) then get the 3-9X

I know you said don't say it but it really does depend on the gun, the ammo, and the person behind the trigger. A good shooter will be able to shoot to several hundred yards with a 9 power scope and for the average shooter it is plenty enough magnification for 400 - 500 yard shots.

My 300 wsm has a Burris 3-9X, My .338 Ultra has a Burris 3-9X, My .270 has a Bushnell 3-9X, and all of my other high power rifles are all wearing 3-9X scopes except for one wearing a Simmons 2.8-10X.

A rifle scope is NOT a pair of bino's, and shouldn't be used for that purpose.

Under big game hunting conditions, if you can't hit the animial properly on 6x, then you are too far away or shouldn't be takeing the shot in the first place.

Big scopes are just more weight to carry around all day.

Drilling Man

its all up to the shooter. but what will you be hunting the terrain and max distance is a good factor to consider. i find that if ur shooting minimal distance say out to 250yds that a 3-9 is perfect but with something larger u often think that you need to zoom in closer or get a better look at him. which can either bag your game or loose him.all you need is a good strong reliable scope that will magnify enough for you to place a good clean shot on your prey without counting the hairs on his back. lots of the hunters now days believe u you need a massive scope to do anykind of hunting with but that just isnt true, to be honest with u a 4x will pretty much do anything a 3-9 will but i wouldnt recomend it on varmint.i my self have lost a deer or two due to me trying to zoom my scope in and make uneeded sound and movement.your best option would to be to get a good 3-9 or say a 3-10 and mount it on that 308.

the 308's main use will be yotes. but i do want to praire dog hunt this spring.the shot will be any where from 50 yards out to 350 with a couple maybe out to 450.(on coyotes) i dont know about how far on prairie dogs because i have never actually hunted them yet so.

I have a 3x9x40 on my .243...Groups at 300 yards run between 3-4 inches...
With a 4x12 you get a longer, heavier scope, less eye relief at the higher powers and they are not as bright...I feel that a 3x9 is best all around...If you were going to get into say, groundhogs at 400 yards, maybe a 4x12 would be the ticket...Remember 40 years ago when a 4x was a good all round scope...shots were made at 300 yards with them also..

Then you need a 4X14 or a 4x16 power. 1/4 mile is too long for a 3X9. As you get older and your eyes get tired, you will thank me even more. Regards, Rick.