[df]

What magnification do you guys use for shooting PDs?
Specifically when shooting 22 centerfires and smaller calibers, at 400 yards and less.
Not asking about ranges beyond 400 yard.
Thanks

 

[toiville2feathers]

On my 22-250 I us a straight 12 power VARI-XII Leupold. Yes its old school, very old school but it has made and seen lots of Red Mist over the years in most of the western states. I see no need for a variable scope for PD hunting. The gun and scope is 49 years old.(1970 when it was built). I have wore out 6 barrels on it, a firing pin and spring, and had a bushing installed in the bolt for the firing pin hole. The scope has been back once for repair. The o-rings rotted and it fogged up on me about 10 years ago. I have been very well satisfied with that set up.

What ever scope you decide upon, I would suggest that you get one equipped with AO and the ability to have a sunshade on it. Good luck and I hope you have a target rich environment.

 

[George Foster]

Very nice setup right there. I don't hunt PD's but have always liked a 4-12x scope for crows and woodchucks. Yes you want an adj. objective for sure.

 

[jimp]

Personal preference, whichever brand and power you like. I prefer 6-20 or a bit higher since I have crappy eyesight, every edge helps when getting out there in terms of distance. Just because you have a 6-25 doesn't mean you have to use it at 25x, but you have it if you need it.

 

[Kentucky Fisherman]

Not to be arguing with Toiville, what works for him works for him, but I have a strong preference for a variable.

My .204 Ruger and .223 both wear Bushnell Elite 6x24s. In my group most folks spot with binoculars, then go to the gun. If your gun is wearing a high-powered fixed magnification scope, it can be a real bear to find the dog you spotted with your binoculars. With my variable scopes when I switch from binocular to rifle, I start at 6 power, making it much easier to find the dog, then zoom in. My max range for the most part is what you cited, 400 yards, and a 6x24 will work fine for that.

Another advantage for the variable is that sometimes you'll be shooting out at 200-300 yards and suddenly one pops up at 50-60 yards. If you're shooting a fixed-power 36 or anything around that, you'll be cursing that fixed scope as you pray for the dog to stay up. With a variable you simply drop down to 6 power, get on the dog, and launch him.

Also, you'll almost always be shooting in bright sun, so there's really no reason to pay extra for a huge objective or 30mm tube IMHO. If you monitor some of the shooting/varmint forums you can often find a good used 6x24 for a lot less than new.

That's my 2 cents' worth. Have fun.

 

[TinMan]

I also like a 6.5x24 for PDs. The other point is that when it gets too hot, and mirage becomes a significant issue, you can back to magnification back to 12-14x to help you out. And, I do search with binoculars or a laser rangefinder and switch to the scope to shoot.

 

[T.D.C.]

I have a couple of the Leupold 6-18 x 40 VX 2 or II. The mount low and are light weight. Too bad they are not made anymore. Looking at the prices on E bay others like them as well.

 

[df]

Pd scope

Thanks guys
Looking at a 5-15x and wondering if that 15 is enough, again under 400 yards.
I have some 6-18 and 6.5-24 X scopes

 

[Greyfox]

Thanks guys
Looking at a 5-15x and wondering if that 15 is enough, again under 400 yards.
I have some 6-18 and 6.5-24 X scopes

Probably depends on how much magnification you are comfortable with. I'm on the same page as the KY Fisherman. Matter of fact, I may have had some influence on his scope choices. I have several of the Bushnell 4200 series in 6x24, a couple of Luepold 6.5x20,, a Weaver Grand Slam 6x20 and 2 Bushnell 4200 8x32. They all perform very well. The 6x24's are probably my favorites. A 5x15 should do OK, but you might be a little weak on the longer shots. Being nearly 72, my eyes need a little more than some younger folk.

Rick

 

[Zeus]

Quality is better than quantity. Spend a few bucks and get a nice 20-24x max power variable. That way the power is there even if you don't need it.

 

[Kevin Gullette]

My Sako single-shot 17-222......

.......uses a Leupold 6.5-20XAO scope. I like the indexable target turrets(never lose track of my 100 yard "zero").

Friend Of The 17.......and 20

Kevin

A pic of my PD set-up.

 

[ShaneG.]

On my AR for shooting off of a stick last year the Vortex 3.5x10 proved to be just fine. Most of my others have 6x24 on them. I have one 8x32 but never turned it up all the way.

I think 24 or so should be enough for normal .22 centerfire range.

 

[Bear57]

Anything more than a 16X is overkill ..... and consider the lower cost of a smaller magnification scope. ...

 

[lightman]

I have a couple of Nightforce, a 3.5X15 and a 5.5X22. They both work well. On a hot afternoon the 15X still works ok but I'll have to turn the 22X down some because of mirage. I'll 2nd the suggestion for a sunshade. Reticles, I like the MilDot. I've learned how to range with it if I want to or I can use them for holdover.

 

[Mike.h]

I really like the Athlon Midas 4.5-27 for the 17HMR, it has an uncluttered reticle and the glass is top notch. However my favorite is the NF NXS 5.5-22x50 mounted on a 223.

 

[wolf001]

Hello all. I use large diameter optics (50-55 mm) for twilight or nighttime - it is excellent in poor visibility conditions. If I go hunting during daylight hours, I pay attention to lens models with a diameter of up to 40 mm. I use higher magnification, namely 6-18x40, 6-24x40, to shoot at a stationary target and hunt long distances. This magnification is suitable for hunting small game. Hunting is my favorite thing to do. You should know how I take care of my gun, like a child, haha) I often look for different tips and advice on hunting. And that's honestly; I love this site ballachy.com. So many new things I always learn.

 

[RedMist/221]

Couple yrs back l went from 4.5-14x with 1'' tube to 6.5-20x with 30mm tube. Like going from 17'' Black and white TV to
a 25'' COLOR screen