36X scope for targets and varmints?

[jrobb45]

Anyone have an opinion on how a 36X(fixed power) scope would work for targets 100-150 yds. and prairie dogs 300 yds., and under? .223 bolt gun.

jrobb

 

[ClarkEMyers]

I have an opinion but you won't like it.

Of course true bench rest does well with the higher powers but not with .223 - see also e.g. Gale McMillan on why the .222 is all you need for prairie dogs and more accurate to boot if you are looking for extreme accuracy.

For less than benchrest accuracy the small field will make it harder to see flags and easier to cross-fire. The depth of field will be so short as to make it necesssary to refocus with every shot at varmints and rather a blur to find the next prairie dog in the small field.

I like a 16 power myself for ground squirrels but that's with binocular or spotting scope to give me the range and bearing and at more than 300 yards. In my own experience for field use - as opposed to repeated known distance shots on paper - anything over 16X is counterproductive on varmints.

 

[jrobb45]

Thanks for the advice; that's what I'm looking for. Would something along the lines of a 6 or 8-24X variable make more sense; lower powers for varmints and higher powers for paper?

jrobb

 

[ACP230]

I use a 4-16 and another variable scope that goes up to 32 power for .22 rimfire benchrest shooting. I don't remember the lower power because it never is moved off 32.

I think the 4-16, which is on my Remington 541-T HB would make a good squirrel rifle. I haven't tried it yet.

The other is on a Remington 40X which is too heavy to carry into the woods.

I did crossfire with the 32 power at a match last year. Luckily I was shooting sighters at the time.

I've shot some clay targets, and some groups at 100 yards. The clay targets mostly escaped due to a stiff wind and holdover problems. It was pretty easy to shoot groups with it at that range. A .223 would buck the wind better I'm sure.

 

[Sheslinger]

I have a Bushnell Elite 4200 8X-32X mounted on a CZ452 .22LR and let me tell you at anything 20X or more you can pretty much see your heart beat in the scope. I am enjoying it because it is teaching me to control my breathing and trigger finger but at 100 yards I don't go past 24X and that can look like shooting in an earthquake if you are not careful.

I would personally go for less magnification unless you are gong to go for strictly benchest.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[cslinger]

Once again I have posted under my wife's login, like the idiot I am. The previous post is actually mine.

Chris