What scope power do you use
11-22-2015, 07:30 PM
#11
Super Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Seagrove N.C. USA
Posts: 7,281
I was hunting this weekend with my muzzleloader and took a 70 yard non resting shot with my 1-9 scope set on 7, I felt like I was right on the deer but missed cleanly and am trying to determine what went wrong so I can learn from it, maybe my power was to high for that close of a shot, what zoom level do you guys use in certain situations?
On a side note I took a practice shot afterwards and it was sighted in perfectly.
On a side note I took a practice shot afterwards and it was sighted in perfectly.
It happens.
Better Luck Next Time.
11-22-2015, 08:15 PM
#12
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,359
The higher the power the "shakier" it will be. Chances are, offhand, you just missed. Thankfully you didn't wound it. I keep my scopes set low until I need them higher. A 3-9X I'll typically keep on 4X until I need it higher. Do you practice offhand shots, or non resting shots? I encourage people to practice the shots they will take. Lots of people only shoot their rifle off the bench to make sure it's sighted in then wonder why they miss a fairly easy shot offhand. I practice all sorts of things. I'm even comfortable switching hands and shooting left on several of my deer rifles. Practice, more so than scope power, is key.
-Jake
-Jake
11-23-2015, 10:58 AM
#15
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SW Montana
Posts: 550
Like others have posted, I hunt with my variable scopes turned down to the lower powers, depending on the vegetation and terrain. Then, if I have enough time for the shot, I'll turn it up to a higher or to the highest power for the shot. Aim small miss small.
I have variable scopes from 2-7x to 4.5-12x on various rifles, along with a fixed 4x on a .270 Win, a 6x on my .257 Ackley (which is the rifle that I've shot most of my deer and mountain sheep with), and a 10x on my .22-250.
I have variable scopes from 2-7x to 4.5-12x on various rifles, along with a fixed 4x on a .270 Win, a 6x on my .257 Ackley (which is the rifle that I've shot most of my deer and mountain sheep with), and a 10x on my .22-250.
11-23-2015, 11:29 AM
#17
Spike
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 32
Turning it down makes your shakes look smaller, so you aren't fighting your own shakes and creating more problems. It also feels more steady which helps you shoot with confidence, IMO that is important. I once shot a bull moose from a moving canoe (drifting and spinning in a swift current) at 50 yards with my scope at 7x, I shot a deer offhand at over 150 yards with a scope set at 9x... I can sure do it but in either of those cases I would been more comfortable with the scope set as low as it would go. With the moose I would have rather had irons.
11-23-2015, 11:35 AM
#18
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,186
Most of the time I use a 308 Win. bolt-action rifle with a 3-10 x 50mm, usually set on 4. I seldom go past 6X. Shots, even on food plots, where i hunt are very seldom past 125 -150 yards.
Sometimes I am hunting in heavy timber where shots are not going to be clear past 50 - 75 yards or so. I take a 444 Marlin Guide that has a 1.75-6 x 30, usually set on 2.5.
Sometimes I am hunting in heavy timber where shots are not going to be clear past 50 - 75 yards or so. I take a 444 Marlin Guide that has a 1.75-6 x 30, usually set on 2.5.
11-23-2015, 11:43 AM
#19
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,359
Turning it down makes your shakes look smaller, so you aren't fighting your own shakes and creating more problems. It also feels more steady which helps you shoot with confidence, IMO that is important. I once shot a bull moose from a moving canoe (drifting and spinning in a swift current) at 50 yards with my scope at 7x, I shot a deer offhand at over 150 yards with a scope set at 9x... I can sure do it but in either of those cases I would been more comfortable with the scope set as low as it would go. With the moose I would have rather had irons.
People are different I reckon.
11-23-2015, 12:02 PM
#20
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 1,079
I probably have this wrong, I have a 1.5X4.5 on a bolt 3006 and have two 3X9's on two inlines. I also use irons on a Hawken and a Lyman Peep on a lever 3030. I do like the low power scope on the 3006 and I use it for close up to a max of 200 yds or so. I keep all of them at the lowest setting unless I have plenty of time and something to rest the gun on. Scopes are a lot easier for older eyes to use.