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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.