Magnification

[Red2x4]

What kind of magnification on a scope is needed to shoot 1/2 mile? For this i'm using my powder burner.

Thanks,

 

[Trailryder42]

That's roughly 873 yards. I guess it would depend on the size of your target.

 

[c_m_shooter]

CMP service rifle matches go to 600 yards with iron sights. It depends on the size of your target, but a 10x with mildots should be plenty, its what they were designed for.

 

[jps2486]

As much as you can get.

 

[Guest]

Half a mile is only 800 meters or a bit more.

If you are shooting ground hogs at that distance you would be wanting something in the 15x to 20x power range with 12x being a minimum. Larger game and you could probably take it down to 6x for really big game and 8x for your garden variety deer, elk, sheep...

What is the application?

 

[Red2x4]

The application is shooting hogs. There is a terrace I like to set up on and I often see hogs coming out of a tree line. I'm looking at google maps and it looks like i misjudged the distance. Its actually about 500 yards.

 

[markT]

If it's 500 yds.. that's not too far. 
if they are coming out with low light an illuminated reticle is ideal. 
I have a Leupold 4-12 x 42 with the fire dot. great scope.
I just ordered a Burris: with illuminated reticle will be interesting to see how it does. 

 

[c_m_shooter]

The old standard for big game was 1x for every hundred yards. 6x is plenty. 

 

[Trailryder42]

"c_m_shooter"The old standard for big game was 1x for every hundred yards. 6x is plenty.

How "old" of a standard is that? Every time I've gone by what someone else thinks is enough, I've come to want twice that.

And if 12x is all I thought I'd need, I'd buy a 6x24 and use the 12x setting on it before using the max 12x of a 4x12, just for the better eye relief alone. And then if I every did need or want more mag, it's there.