What power range for hunting scope?

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DA7

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I'm looking at putting a new scope on my Model 7SS in 7mm SAUM. I've had an Elite 3200 3-9x for quite a few years but now want a scope with some type of a mil/moa reticle. Based on your experiences what is an ideal power range for this set up? The rifle is my ALL around hunting gun. Its used for short range bush work in MB to hunting the open rolling hills in SK. So far I've only hunted out to the 400yd mark but am wanting to practice reaching out to further distances.
 
I hunt in tight forests and for the last three years I have hunted Whitetail in Saskatchewan and I have used a Bushnell 4200 2.5x10x40 with a heavy duplex and have hit everything I shot at. Furthest kill being 275 yards. I would say that if you do not have binoculars Then a 14x quality scope would suit your needs better in field judging your game. ex: a Leupold VX111 in 4.5x14 Just my 2 cents
 
For your application a 3-9 or 2.5-10 would be ideal.

I would say that if you do not have binoculars Then a 14x quality scope would suit your needs better in field judging your game.
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Binoculars are for glassing, and field judging, a rifle scope(mounted on a rifle) is a sight,only to be aimed at things that you actually intend to shoot.
 
I used to be an advocate of the 3-9, it's the good old standby. I wanted to do long range myself and bought a 7-26x 4200 elite. for me, above 18 or so....useless. Last scope was a vortex 4-12. From now on every scope of mine will be a 4-12.
 
I prefer the 50 objective, makes it easier for my eyes.
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I avoid the 50mm scopes on rifles that don't have high cheekpieces, or adjustable cheekpieces, since they usually result in the scope being too high to obtain a proper cheek position on the stock.
 
If I was going to hunt at 400 yards and beyond, I'd want a scope with an easily adjustable elevation turret. I would build a chart of elevation adjustments based on actual range testing, and carry a good range finder. Dial in the elevation and aim right on with confidence.
 
I think there is a good reason by 3-9x has been so common for so long - it's more than enough for almost all the hunting shots almost all of us take, and it's not too much for the close shots.

If I need more than 9x to see big game animals well enough to shoot them, they are too far away for me to shoot them. I think everyone should consider whether that applies to them. I suspect it does apply to some, perhaps many people, who haven't thought about it that way. Having thought about it, do as you think you should.
 
For deer i use a 3x9 scope, usually in my area it`s a running shot and anything more than 9 is to high. Pretty much up to terrain and experience level and rifle, no point on a high power scope on a dirty thirty. If you plan on 500 + yard shots you will want more power, on my varmint rifle i like to be able to dial it down when calling coyotes but still be able to go up if they stall out at 300 yards. My 2 cents says it depends on use and experience, 3x9 is most useful for average person.
 
You've already got plenty of scope. 9x is so rare to use that to buy more will only be a benefit on the range. Add to the fact that over 9x will necessetate a 40mm objective (which I hate) or worse, a 50mm objective (which I abhor on a sporting rifle) and all you end up with is a bulky, heavy 4x (where you will mostly use the scope while hunting).
 
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