What scope power for a .22 Hornet?

[UMFAN1]

I'm getting ready to buy a .22 Hornet, and am trying to decide on what scope to buy for it. I am looking at either a Bushnell Trophy, Elite 3200 or Nikon's Prostaff since they meet my quality & price range.
My question is whether the Hornet would best be served by a 4x, 2-7x or 3-9x?
I've also posted this on the optics forum as I didn't know which one would give me the best feedback.
Thanks!

[Chuck White]

I have a Ruger M77/22Hornet and I have a 3X9-40 on it!
There will come a time when you'll be glad you have a little extra magnification!  A 3X9 is not overkill on a Hornet!
I wouldn't hesitate to shoot out to 200 yards with the Hornet and the 3X9 will come in handy!

[Lawdog]

UMFAN1,

I have two .22 Hornet's(both Ruger's - a No. 1b and a 77/22 VHZ) and both wear Burris 6x-24x 44mm scopes.  That No. 1 is my number one fun gun.  It is also my number one calling rifle.  Does coyotes in without ruining their pelts.  Lawdog
 

[Jerry Lester]

Like Lawdog, I also now use a Ruger Hornet(77 standard) for my primary calling rifle. Mine is topped with a 6x Weaver.

I feel like a fixed 6x scope is just about perfect for the biggest majority of shots most of us ever have to take. There's plenty of magnification for shots out to 250 yards or more, and still it's not too powerfull for a close in shot.

My Ruger 77 MK-II 223 is topped with a Leupold 6x42, and also is very functional with a straight 6x scope.

[UMFAN1]

Thanks for the help Lawdog and Jerry.  I'm mounting it on a new Savage Model 40 rifle.

[Lawdog]

UMFAN1,

If the chamber on that M40 is long enough, I see no reason why it wouldn't be, you should be able to load bullets so your over all length should be a problem.  In my 77/22 rotary magazine over all length must be watched.  Also forget have to buy bullets that say they are for the .22 Hornet.  I use Ballistic Tip Varmint type with great results.  Lawdog
 

[UMFAN1]

Lawdog,

Thanks for the input on bullets. I can't wait to get shooting.  :grin:

[coopershooter]

i put a simmons 6-18 pro airgun scope, on my contender carbine. it,s a compact scope for it,s power, but looks good on the gun. i carry it on six while i,m walking, but if needed, i crank up the power. i have a few high dollar scopes, and i,m very impressed with my simmons!!!! it was only $149. through midway.
 p.s. the longest shot on a groundhog was 233 yds. with 12.5 gr. of 296 and a 35gr v-max( mine has the improved, or k chamber) and it shoots half inch groups at 100 yds.

[PeterF.]

I'd think it depended a bit on what you think you were going to be shooting at.  The Hornet isn't the most powerful round, or long-distance: commonly used for prairie dogs, coyotes and, crows, and probably out to no more than 250-300 yds.  At those distances a prairie dog is tiny, so you'd want a hi-power scope.  For anything bigger or closer (like a coyote), you could get away with a lower-power scope.  Overall, somerthing in the 3-12 (or maybe 14) range should be OK.