600 / 1000 scope power setting?

[jawjaboy]

I've seen many use variable scopes with max magnifications of 42x and 55x. When shooting midrange and long range matches what power do you Actually use?

Edit: I'm talking about F-Class matches if that makes any difference.

 

[Jason Boersma]

I use a leupold 40x and have no problems with it and also have a 15-55x and I either have it on 45 or 55 rarely ever turn it down below that.

 

[ShootDots]

If the heat waves (mirage) is not like you're looking thru a swimming pool to the target, MAX power is used on my scopes. As my ability to distinguish the number lines diminishes, so does my power setting. That said, I will only go down just so far. I have been down to 25 power, however, that is unusual. Most of the time IF I have to turn the power down, 32-35 is usually low enough to distinguish the lines.

 

[Lbart]

I use currently use NF 15-55x Competition scopes. I always shoot at 40x-55x, depending on the conditions. With little or no mirage I use 55x as the mirage gets worse during the day I go down to 40-45x. Before the 15-55x came out I used NF 12-42x BR’s and left them on 42x. Perhaps I should note I turn the scope all the way down while setting up my equipment.

 

[M95M]

This goes without saying for the master+ level guys in FTR, but for us mere mortals running highest mag warrants you CHECKING YOUR TARGET # Depending on the range target numbering set up it may not be obvious at 35x and up. I have begun to develop a system of sliding the stock in the rear bag just to double check MY target will go down when I shoot ;D

V/R

Ed

 

[dkhunt14]

If the heat waves (mirage) is not like you're looking thru a swimming pool to the target, MAX power is used on my scopes. As my ability to distinguish the number lines diminishes, so does my power setting. That said, I will only go down just so far. I have been down to 25 power, however, that is unusual. Most of the time IF I have to turn the power down, 32-35 is usually low enough to distinguish the lines.

I shoot 1000 yard BR and I like this answer. I use a 15x55 Nightforce (first model). It has a bigger dot in the middle and if I shoot 45x it floats the white patch. It makes it easy for me to center up. I haven't found the need to turn it down below 45X. Matt

 

[Down South]

I'm a little different than most guys posting, I run my scope (NF Comp) on about 42X in low mirage/cloudy conditions for the most part......When conditions are heavy mirage etc. i usually run 25X-30X and have been as far down as 16X without a problem @ 1000.....In Tennessee a few weeks ago for the 1000 yard Championship I shot on 25X the whole weekend, never touched the scope........Guess i'm just weird....... ;D

 

[jawjaboy]

Thank you fellas. All that is helpful.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

At least for my eyes, there will be a power which the mirage is easiest to read. I dial the scope so the mirage is clear to read, usually around 40x. This has helped my shooting. When its really nice, 55x.

 

[Terry]

Frank

Thanks for a great question! It gives me a chance to learn from others.

The NBRSA magazine had a great article on this subject about a year ago. The concensus was that you either shoot through the soup, or dial down. I'm in the camp that dials down till I get a good sight picture. I have shot at 60X and 10X due to conditions. 90% of the time it is at 30X.

Thanks again!

Terry