Scope power setting

[Boss Buck]

Hunt with 3x18 set on 9. Adjust up from there as I feel the need.

[geezer56]

As low as she will go. If the target is farther out you can usually get it turned up if needed. A deer popping up at 20 yards and a scope on 12 power is a poor combination

[sboudreaux]

Max magnification , especially if 2nd focal plane scope.

Yep, this right here.

[TX03RUBI]

Get some clear glass and 300 yds is a chip shot even on low magnification. I normally never run my rifle over 6x while hunting, and it always stays out 3-4x until I decide to turn it up. My furthest deer so far is 598. I’ve taken a hog at 480 with a fixed 4x Leupold back in the day.

[88 Bound]

Max magnification , especially if 2nd focal plane scope.

Bingo. Never understood why people keep their scopes on lower power, especially at distance. Old timers have old ways I guess!

[RascalArms]

While still hunting or during the peak of the rut when a quick opportunity might present itself at a moving deer I keep the scope at 6X. If time allows at target animal with a good rest I always adjust to max magnification.

[BlackHogDown]

6x

At 300 yards, or closer, it's all you need.

The higher magnification is great for closely scrutinizing the animal to make sure it's the one you want to shoot, but a lower magnification is all you need for making the shot.

Got multiple 3-9s and they never move from 6x. I don't have the property to shoot any further than 200-250 anyways.

[Etxbuckman]

Max magnification , especially if 2nd focal plane scope.

Ok dumb questions here: what is a second focal plane scope??


Everyone else I appreciate the input thus far. Based on this, and the fact that I still have good eyesight, I'm thinking 7x - 9x should do the trick. But I will need to shore up my rest some first.

[ultralite09]

SFP is the most common that hunters are accustomed to. That means your reticle stays the same no matter what power your scope us at, also means your reticle is only true at max power.

First focal plane your reticle will adjust with the magnification setting so your windage and elevation ticks are the same regardless of scope power

[ultralite09]

Here's a good illustration

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[DesertDug]

I always like to keep scoops on lower setting, get on target and adjust to where I need and still see most of target.

[TX03RUBI]

Ok dumb questions here: what is a second focal plane scope??


Everyone else I appreciate the input thus far. Based on this, and the fact that I still have good eyesight, I'm thinking 7x - 9x should do the trick. But I will need to shore up my rest some first.

Second focal plane the reticle is the same size regardles what magnification you’re on. Subtensions on reticles with a BDC or MIL/MOA based reticle offer different values at different magnifications. They’re only a true size at one magnification, and that tends to be max mag. On a first focal plane scope the reticle grows and shrinks as you adjust the magnification. That allows the reticle to have the same values regardless what magnification you’re on.

[Etxbuckman]

Here's a good illustration

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Ah! That makes total sense. Thank you.