spotting scope

[RM686]

for 223 rem what power spotting scope do I need. I have had bargin 20x-60x scopes and just barly could make out bullet holes at 200 yards. Do I need to spend a $1000.? A 600 yard range is openig where I live. I doubt I will be shooting more than 300 yards. What scopes shuld I be looking at. Any suggestions welcome. Seems like power 60x does not mean anying in scopes under $150.00.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

I picked a Konus 80mm after reading many opinions and reviews over on the CMP forums. No problem seeing .223 holes at 200yd (my clubs max distance) as long as lighting is fair to good. Hits in the black when the target is in shadow get hard to make out though.

 

[nbkky71]

Seeing .223 bullet holes isn't always a matter of higher magnification. The better quality glass you have, the clearer and brighter the image. Seeing bullet holes will also vary depending upon conditions, such as light & mirage, and also the type of target you're shooting at.

As stated, Konus makes a decent optic for the money. I cheap'ed out the first time and after a season of highpower shooting, replaced my scope with a Kowa TSN821M (27x LER). Sure, it was pricey but I don't regret the purchase. The optics are clear enough that I can pick out .223 holes at 300yards, under favorable conditions.

A few points to ponder about spotting scopes:

• The bigger the objective lens, the more light is allowed into the scope. The more light, the brighter the image.
• High magnification can be handy, but it greatly narrows your field of view and can darken the view.
• High magnification tends to amplify distortion and mirage.
• To keep the scope from wobbling, you need a solid/sturdy mount
• Angled eye-pieces are a really nice feature
• If possible, get a long eye relief eyepiece

 

[MutinousDoug]

The Konus is not a bad scope and there are conditions common on most outdoor ranges that make seeing .22 cal holes difficult with the very best glass you can buy. The air itself boils and all your scope can do is magnify the boil between you and the target.
When conditions are good: sun high in the sky behind you and no mirage, I can see .22 cal holes through my 20x Nikon. Magnification over about 40x magnifies any shaking of your scope, making it hard to see through. 27x long eye relief scopes are commonly seen at NRA High Power rifle matches (200 to 600 yds) and are a good compromise for all around use. HTH

 

[Pat M]

+1 for the Konus 80 at 200 yds. I use it in high power matches with no problem.

 

[Walkalong]

If possible, get a long eye relief eyepiece

What is the difference? Why is it preferred?

 

[Ken70]

What is the difference? Why is it preferred?

LER scopes don't need to have your eyeball right up against the back of the scope. So you can be prone and just get behind the scope and see something in focus. That said, spotting scopes aren't used to find bullet holes in the target much past 200 yards, if that. CMP they use them to see the mirage from air being heated and making the bullseye dance around. The target pullers mark your bullet holes with pasters.

I bought a 20x60x60 Simmons 20 years ago, $100. I was on the 100yard range and a guy at the next bench had a $400+ Leopold with the same magnification. I asked if I could look thru his scope, then I looked at his target with my Simmons. No visible difference in daylight, maybe at twilight there would have been something different. Now with the Shoot-n-See targets that make a .50" mark around a .22 hole, you can see those from wayyyy out there..