magnification dilemma

deadwolf

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May 12, 2013
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Anchorage, AK
Going back and forth with an internal battle over a 3.5-15x50 or 5.5-22x50 for my mountain rifle...only 2 ozs difference between the two. Either I "need" the low end of the 3 power, or potentially "need" the high end of the 22 power.

Suggestions?
 
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deadwolf

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May 12, 2013
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Anchorage, AK
Thanks Ryan, was hoping you'd chime in...shots would be under 800 yds (for now) as this is going to be on my sheep rifle and I wouldn't want to take it past that just yet. Rifle is a 300wsm Christensen Ridgeline currently with a 3-15x50 NXS, but thinking of the 5.5-22 alot.
 
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deadwolf

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May 12, 2013
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In the majority of our country up here, I don't "think" I'd ever worry about having 5.5 as my lowest magnification, but that's why I ask you guys too : )
 

bradb

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Jan 8, 2013
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I was shooting 8" steel with my 375 the other day with a 1x6 and didnt' feel penalized. For hunting I like something more 3x15 for target often more the better
 

Ryan Avery

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You can shoot a long ways with 15 power. But if you ever plan on shooting passed a 1000, I like more magnification. I have shot two deer and a bear under 50 yards on 6 power. The deer were running. So it can be done. I think it's easier to cheat the low end than the high end.

I really wish they made an 18 power NXS




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Fire_9

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What makes this decision even tougher is the two scopes mentioned are pretty much the same size. I struggled with this very same decision and ended up with the 15x without regret. I have since sold it, but was happy with my decision. Like Ryan said, you can shoot a long ways with 15x...
 
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Going back and forth with an internal battle over a 3.5-15x50 or 5.5-22x50 for my mountain rifle...only 2 ozs difference between the two. Either I "need" the low end of the 3 power, or potentially "need" the high end of the 22 power.

Suggestions?

I have the 3.5-15x50, id go for the 5.5-22x50 personally.... i originally picked mine for a .308 win so figured i didnt need 22x be it its hunting capabilities. now its on a 300 rum. For me the 22x would be better even for load development doing ladder tests let alone hunting. The 15x is fine out past 1000 but 22x would be better. Currently saving for another but i do wish the nxs was offered in a 18x as well due to mirage with 22x at times becoming un usable although nice to know its there. Good luck....
 
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