Scope Power

S

SC Keith

New member
What power scope do you guys think would be best for yote's out to about 200 or so yards. Its either gonna go on a 22-250 or 204 Ruger. Trying to plan out my new set up.
 
I'm fairly new to coyote hunting, so take this with a grain of salt...

I went with a Meopta Meopro 3-9x40. It's a fantastic scope, low light and resolution are where it shines. It's got plenty of top end, but I've already been wishing I had something closer to 1.5-2x on the bottom end. Just remember that most 3x scopes have about 30-35ft. FOV at 100yds. 100 yds isn't a very long ways. I think you will find a lot of differing opinions about what's right for your gun, especially when it comes to optics. But it really depends on the terrain you hunt. If you are in open terrain with lots of distance shots, I think it's hard to beat a 3-9, but if you expect some closer shots... I'd venture to say a 2-7, 2-8, or even you can find some great 2-10's now would provide you a better range to work with.

Good luck with the new setup.
 
Scope power is a very personal decision. I'm sure there are those out there somewhere that will say you need at least a 8-32x56mm for shot placement and light gathering.

I on the other hand tend to find FOV fare more important to me in a coyote calling scope.

My usual suggestion is to get the lowest power scope that you can consistently put the first shot in a 6" circle at your average range from field positions. For me I can hit a 6" circle consistently at 100 yards on 1x, any coyote beyond that gives me time to crank up the scope and 300 yards is easily doable on 4x so for me a 1-4x20mm scope works just fine. The huge FOV gives me a better than average shot at close in run coyotes as I hunt with a combo gun and can even take birds on the wing on 1x with the shotgun barrel. My favorite scope on a bolt gun is the 1.5-6x40mm, same large FOV with a few added X's.

So f I were you I'd look seriously at 1,5-6, 2-7 or 2-10 scope for a coyote calling/hunting gun. 3-9 scopes are very popular but I've been using lower power scopes so long I get claustrophobics with anything less than a 40' FOV on the bottom end.
 
a 3-9x is good for those distances.

I recently purchased a Minox from cameralandny.com and I am very happy with it. (better than more expensive scopes that I own)

check em out while they are on sale
 
Coyote just out to 200 would get either a fixed 6X or a good variable.

To give a better idea of what may work for you, give us a price range.
 
760 why would you ever restrict yourself to a minimum of 18 feet of FOV with a fixed 6x scope for close in coyote hunting when you could have 70 feet of FOV and still have the 6x for longer shots(1.5-6x40mm variable).

I think there is a lot of truth in your avatar "PM Junkie" with little experience calling coyotes under 200 yards. Either that or you've drunk the 24Hourcampfire Koolaid.

For any big game or predator hunting hunting under 200 yards I'd much rather have a straight 1.5 x instead of a straight 6x. In fact I have my big game rifle set up that way.

My favorite still hunting and tracking BG rifle.

JP Sauer drilling 16/16/7x57R Weaver K-1.5 shown with 100 yard target. and factory PPV ammo.



Same gun with the original high end Hertel&Ruese 6x48mm fixed scope. About the only place it would be useable for me is in a Hochhouse(high stand), the scope intended use.

 
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I guess you missed the "or a good variable" portion. Some guys can work with the 6X, others can't. I suppose that is why there are so many options out there. But by all means, dissect me by a simple synopsis of post count.

At any rate, use what you want and I will do the same.
 
I spend too much time on the computer, and from your post count all I can tell is you must spend more time on the computer than the field.
 
I like the new 3-15 and 3-18 scopes, good at 3 when a rattler wants to share my shade.
When a coyote holds up at 2-300 I can be serious by cranking it right up to their nose on 15.
I did shoot ones nose off once.
 
Originally Posted By: AWSI spend too much time on the computer, and from your post count all I can tell is you must spend more time on the computer than the field.

This is true. Especially since I spend 1/2 my time in lands outside my home country. My post count comes from many conversations I have had around here. I've got a lot of acquaintances on here that I like to converse with. Heck, I even post and talk to these guys when I am in the field.

As I said, everyone has their choices. Hunt with and shot whatever the heck you want. The OP asked for suggestions and I gave them. If you or he doesn't like them, then they can simply be disregarded. No skin of my or your nose.

At any rate, have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
Originally Posted By: tripod3I like the new 3-15 and 3-18 scopes, good at 3 when a rattler wants to share my shade.
When a coyote holds up at 2-300 I can be serious by cranking it right up to their nose on 15.
I did shoot ones nose off once.
 
Originally Posted By: AWS760 why would you ever restrict yourself to a minimum of 18 feet of FOV with a fixed 6x scope for close in coyote hunting when you could have 70 feet of FOV and still have the 6x for longer shots(1.5-6x40mm variable).

I think there is a lot of truth in your avatar "PM Junkie" with little experience calling coyotes under 200 yards. Either that or you've drunk the 24Hourcampfire Koolaid.

For any big game or predator hunting hunting under 200 yards I'd much rather have a straight 1.5 x instead of a straight 6x. In fact I have my big game rifle set up that way.

My favorite still hunting and tracking BG rifle.

JP Sauer drilling 16/16/7x57R Weaver K-1.5 shown with 100 yard target. and factory PPV ammo.[/IMG][/URL]

Why are you being an unprovoked dick?
 
Originally Posted By: mbaysinger89Originally Posted By: tripod3I like the new 3-15 and 3-18 scopes, good at 3 when a rattler wants to share my shade.
When a coyote holds up at 2-300 I can be serious by cranking it right up to their nose on 15.
I did shoot ones nose off once.

Agree with above.
 
I run a Leupold 2.5 x8 on my .204 because I wanted to keep the scope smaller and lighter. I never really feel limited by the lower powered scope. I normally leave it on 2.5x about 95% of the time. Seems like the perfect combo for me.
 
Originally Posted By: C.JayOriginally Posted By: AWS760 why would you ever restrict yourself to a minimum of 18 feet of FOV with a fixed 6x scope for close in coyote hunting when you could have 70 feet of FOV and still have the 6x for longer shots(1.5-6x40mm variable).

I think there is a lot of truth in your avatar "PM Junkie" with little experience calling coyotes under 200 yards. Either that or you've drunk the 24Hourcampfire Koolaid.



For any big game or predator hunting hunting under 200 yards I'd much rather have a straight 1.5 x instead of a straight 6x. In fact I have my big game rifle set up that way.

My favorite still hunting and tracking BG rifle.

JP Sauer drilling 16/16/7x57R Weaver K-1.5 shown with 100 yard target. and factory PPV ammo.[/IMG][/URL]

Why are you being an unprovoked dick?

I was thinking the same thing. What gives ?
 
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Really depends on how you're going to use it. If only going to shoot 'yotes, a 3-9 would be great. Both those calibers can reach out. My 61 yo eyes stick with 3-9's for the most part, but if you add groundhogs,sage rats and target shooting on a longer range capable caliber, I go wih a 4.5-14.
 
Leupold 2.5-8x36

Good magnification for up close and enough for longer ranges. Also at 8 power you get a 4.5mm exit pupil and that will give you all you need in low light.

FWIW my 223R has had this Leupold 2.5-8X36 on it for over 10 years and I have never thought I needed more. My 17 Tac has a Swarovski 2.5-15x44 and I never use more than 8 power.
 
Originally Posted By: coyotezapperLeupold 2.5-8x36

Good magnification for up close and enough for longer ranges. Also at 8 power you get a 4.5mm exit pupil and that will give you all you need in low light.

Hunters need to pay more attention to exit pupil for sure,
 


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