variable scope settings, whats best for all around western hunting rifle

[pwdrski]

I'm getting a new 6.5 PRC and have narrowed the scope down to a 4.5x14x50 or 6.5x20x52. I'll be hunting medium sized game antelope to muley's, blacktail and axis deer. Ranges 500-600 yards maximum.
I have a 4.5x14x50 on my .300 Win, but am thinking about the 6.5x14x52 for the 6.5 PRC, but don't know how well the 6.5 will be in the 50 yard range as that has come up on stalks before.
Thoughts??

 

[Pony Soldier]

I prefered 4x for years but have gone to 6x somewhere in my 60s

 

[hunting1]

I like 2-12 myself.

 

[WKB]

I had a 3-15x, a 3.5-10, and now a 3-12x. Never felt out of reach for longer shots, but sure am glad I had the 3x many times.

 

[pwdrski]

I had a 3-15x, a 3.5-10, and now a 3-12x. Never felt out of reach for longer shots, but sure am glad I had the 3x many times.

That's what I'm really thinking about. Everything would have to be perfect for a 500+ yard shot for me to take it, but close range is always more likely to occur the way I hunt.

 

[pwdrski]

They get turned up on occasion. but for me, most shots with variable power scopes have been on 3-4x. I would focus more on how low of magnification the scope will go.

That said, the main scope I have hunted with for the past few years is a fixed 6x, have not felt handicapped with it......Hope that helps lol

It does! I've got 4 and 4.5 as the low setting on all my scopes, and I appreciate the 6 power fixed feedback.

 

[JohnJohnson]

When I see 4.5-14x50 I imagine you're talking about an SHV F1? I think you may want to take a look at the Burris XTR3 3-18 in that price range as well. More here can speak on it with firsthand experience but if I were picking one I'd go with the Burris for my uses (I plan to get an XTR3 as my next scope for my heavier gun).

 

[Fartrell Cluggins]

I wish this lazy group of moderators here would get off their asses and create an optics sub-forum.

 

[sodaksooner]

Ive got a 3 x 15 and it stays set on 6 most of the time. That said I killed a lot of stuff many years ago with a 2 3/4 redfield...lol. Still have it somewhere. Rifle has a 3 x 9 on it now. Eyes are getting older....

 

[justinspicher]

My 65PRC is getting a 2.5-10x at some point…..

 

[TaperPin]

With minimal practice I think the average guy can pick up game with a 6x essentially the same as 4x. If you don’t practice bringing the rifle up quickly at short range a guy with 9x will out shoot you at 3x.

 

[pwdrski]

With minimal practice I think the average guy can pick up game with a 6x essentially the same as 4x. If you don’t practice bringing the rifle up quickly at short range a guy with 9x will out shoot you at 3x.

Agreed, practice makes perfect.

 

[Raider4044]

3-4X on the bottom end and 15-18x on the top end is what I like on my hunting rigs. I usually keep them around 7-8X and adjust as needed when a shot presents itself.