How much magnification?

[boyzuker]

I'm close to completion on my AR308 build and it's time to buy glass. I've stretched my budget up to 1k for glass and I'm looking at vortex pst ffp scopes. I'm expecting moa to sub moa accuracy out of the build and set the gun up for longer range. I want to shoot out to 800yds or more (I only have access to 800 at the moment). I'm trying to decide between the 4-16 or the 6-24. I've shot antelope at 450 with my tikka +VX3 4.5-14 and not needed more zoom but I'm not sure what to put on my tacticool 308 build.

[-R-]

You can reach out to 1,000 with 10x. I have a 4-16 pst and for the .308's capabilities its just about perfect.

[sjb269]

I like the 4-16 range for this rifle and keep the obj no larger than 40mm.

The truth is, you shouldn't discount a quality 1-6 either if it's gonna be a steel banger. Gonna need a spotting scope for paper targets though.

[Droppin Deuces]

My rule of thumb is 10x max for .223, 15-16x max for a .308, and 20-24x for 300 Win Mag. Although, I use a 15x on my 300 Win Mag and do just fine out to 1200 yards and beyond.

[vintagearms]

My 21x is good for precision rifle at 100 yards.

[CSACANNONEER]

Clarity is more important than magnification. Sub moa at 800 and beyond isn't something that one just does. It takes the right rifle, ammo and most importantly, a shooter with a lot of experience reading and shooting in constantly changing conditions. Even with all that, luck comes into play.

[ExtremeX]

How much magnification?... I say it all depends on the size of the target you are shooting at those distances... I have a 5-20x50 on my 308 and it seems to be a great fit for what I do (small targets)

I also find the 2.5-10x range a nice fit for a LR-308 if a lot of steel targets are in the mix.

As to the Vortex 4-16x, I would look though one before you buy, personally I didn't like the glass on that scope, the 6-24x was much better to my eyes.

[Niviticus]

My 21x is good for precision rifle at 100 yards.

Wow you really like to be able to see what you shoot. Or did you mean 1000 yards lol.

[boyzuker]

How much magnification?... I say it all depends on the size of the target you are shooting at those distances... I have a 5-20x50 on my 308 and it seems to be a great fit for what I do (small targets)

I also find the 2.5-10x range a nice fit for a LR-308 if a lot of steel targets are in the mix.

As to the Vortex 4-16x, I would look though one before you buy, personally I didn't like the glass on that scope, the 6-24x was much better to my eyes.

I looked through both the 4-16x and the 6-24x earlier today and the 6-24x looked better.

[michael0594]

You need enough magnification to see a white tail's *** pimple from 400 yards away.

[vintagearms]

Wow you really like to be able to see what you shoot. Or did you mean 1000 yards lol.

If your bench resting the gun, more is better. Even most rimfire bench shooters chose at least 16x if not more. If your target is large or shooting steel it probably doesn't matter as much.

[Niviticus]

If your bench resting the gun, more is better. Even most rimfire bench shooters chose at least 16x if not more. If your target is large or shooting steel it probably doesn't matter as much.

So your using 21x magnification for shooting at 100 yards? I'll have to try that and see what it's like.

[Garand1911]

Lots of different opinions here.
i say MORE POWER, MORE POWER.

Bigger tube, bigger objective

My 22LR 3-9x40 scope is set at 6x for squirrels.
All my long range scopes start at 6x or 8x

IMO, Its easier to put up with more power at close distance, rather then wanting more power at far distances.

[ExtremeX]

So your using 21x magnification for shooting at 100 yards? I'll have to try that and see what it's like.

If I am shooting for groups at 100 yards I am almost always using max magnification on my two target scopes. One being 20x and the other being 24x

It really allows me to consistently place that aiming point.

I probably don't need it, but I like it. Same goes for when I am doing load development, I like my magnification and seems to get me better results.

5 Shots at 100 yards


Then again if I am shooting at 500 yards on a 12x12 steel plate, I dial back my magnification to 8x to 12x because I like to spot my own shots, and sitting at max makes it harder to do.