4-12 scope question

[thelaw]

is a 4-12 power scope an adequate power magnification range for a boltaction .223 for use in hunting predators up to 400yards and maybe a once a year prairie dog shoot? i'm really not sure because i mainly hunt big game. fixing to scope out a weatherby vanguard so i'm trying to get some ideas.

[Lawdog]

is a 4-12 power scope an adequate power magnification range for a boltaction .223 for use in hunting predators up to 400yards and maybe a once a year prairie dog shoot? i'm really not sure because i mainly hunt big game. fixing to scope out a weatherby vanguard so i'm trying to get some ideas.

Yeah it will work although I prefer a bit higher magnification myself.  Something in a 4.5-16x, a 6-18x or even better a 6-24x would be my choice.  Lawdog
 

[Swift One]

A 4-12x is an excellent range for hunting coyotes.  I would think that you would call them in closer than 400yds though.  As far as P-dogs go, I agree that a 6-24x would probably  the best choice.  I have never hunted P-dogs, so I am just trying to make an educated guess considering the smaller target and all.  I use a 4-12x for my predator calling rig and it has performed great.

[swiftman]

I think 4-12 would be a good all around scope. I have lep 6.5 to 20 and always varmit call with it set on its lowest setting and maybe set on ten if longer range is called for. If you get much above that you will need good rest and it maybe hard to find moving critter in field of view.  I think you could get by with it fine.  All my long shots on coyote are taken set on ten power.

[Catfish]

A 3 x 9 scope is more than enough for a .223. I have 3 x 9 Leupolds on most of my varmint rifles. Unless your your going to be useing a range finder and trying to lob in round at yaradges over 500 yrds. I would recomand a 3 x 9. I also only use Leupold scopes. The better ones cost far to much and I won`t use anything cleaper.

[varmit_master]

Hi alot of coyote hunters uses a 3x9x40 scope. I like a 4.5x14x40mm on mine. As far as Prairie dogs goes i dont know i never been. But i would think you would want like Lawdog said a 6x24x40mm scope i have seen the little dogs but never got to hunt them. VM

[skb2706]

For pds I haven't found much use for a scope powered more than 15x.....too much mirage....in fact a 10 or 12 is perfect to 400 yds. Besides is much easier to find them......a good 12 power is far and away superior to a cheap 24x. My choice 3x10, 4x12 something like that...if you were going full up prairie dog rifle I would change that to something up to 16x

[Lawdog]

skb2706,

a good 12 power is far and away superior to a cheap 24x

Who said anything about a cheap 24x scope?   :roll:   Lawdog