I've researched this on the web and found varying opinions, so I thought I would get some input from THR, which I usually find the most reliable source.
I recently bought a used Remington 78 Sportsman (basically a Rem 700) in .30-06, and took it to the range yesterday to sight in. I mounted a Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm scope that I had lying around. I plan to use this as a hunting rifle for deer, etc. (should the opportunity arise).
What I found was that at 200 yards (the max. distance of our range), 12x seems a bit underpowered for my eyes. Granted, the Banner is not a top-of-the-line scope. And I realize that I was shooting at a target with a smaller "x" zone than an animal. But I still think I need some additional magnification.
So I'm curious what those of you with experience hunting (for deer, moose, etc.) at the 200 - 300 yard distance think I should step up to, in terms of power. It's a given that I would get a higher-end scope than a Banner.
I am thinking that somewhere from 14x to 18x on the top side would be good. For example, the Weaver Classic 4-16x42.
Two considerations for me are: a) price (I'd like to keep it under $350 or so), and weight (would like to keep it at no more than 16 oz. or so.)
Open to your opinions based on your experience.
Thanks
I recently bought a used Remington 78 Sportsman (basically a Rem 700) in .30-06, and took it to the range yesterday to sight in. I mounted a Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm scope that I had lying around. I plan to use this as a hunting rifle for deer, etc. (should the opportunity arise).
What I found was that at 200 yards (the max. distance of our range), 12x seems a bit underpowered for my eyes. Granted, the Banner is not a top-of-the-line scope. And I realize that I was shooting at a target with a smaller "x" zone than an animal. But I still think I need some additional magnification.
So I'm curious what those of you with experience hunting (for deer, moose, etc.) at the 200 - 300 yard distance think I should step up to, in terms of power. It's a given that I would get a higher-end scope than a Banner.
I am thinking that somewhere from 14x to 18x on the top side would be good. For example, the Weaver Classic 4-16x42.
Two considerations for me are: a) price (I'd like to keep it under $350 or so), and weight (would like to keep it at no more than 16 oz. or so.)
Open to your opinions based on your experience.
Thanks
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