I need a scope with a higher magnification at 200 yards

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rodjava

Member
Sep 6, 2021
761
599
San Francisco California, 94134 United States
www.allcalibers.com
I have the Element Helix 6-24x 50 FFP scope and I enjoy shooting targets beyond 200 yards.

When I fully zoom in at 200 yards, the bullseye on the target is too small for me to place the reticle consistently. So I am researching different scopes which has a larger magnification for targets 200 - 400 yards and beyond I'm open to different price ranges as long as clarity justifies the expense.

Any and all recommendations would be appreciated.

Rod in San Francisco
 
FFP reticles tend to get pretty thick at higher zoom levels and because of that I typically stay 15x or lower. Many people specifically stick to SFP for this very reason. I really only zoom all the way in to check targets and wind signatures as needed.

I'm curious how small your targets are here because I dont know that higher magnification is what you really need. I use a 10x at 500m on 6" targets without issue. That isn't an airgun though.


 
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I shoot at the Concord Rod and Gun Club every Wednesday. My 12x12 targets are placed at 200 yards and my groups are within a 5 inch circle. I know that I can tighten up the groups if I can only see the bullseye more clearly. Right now, I approximate the reticle in the bullseye and take the shoot. If only I had a bit more scope zoom, I would not have to rely on luck.

I appreciate the memberships "on topic" comments so far. Thank you
 
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So I just want to say that first of all, 2.5 moa at 200yds with a pellet gun is already pretty good. Even a itty bitty bit of wind will carry a pellet a long way at that range. What gun and ammo are you shooting here?

Second of all, I still don't think that more magnification is going to help as much as you think it will. A better optic very may well though. My personal favorite in the $1000 price range is the Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30x56. Glass is crisp and the turrets track as true as optics costing double. If you are dead set on more magnification, the Falcon X50 or a Nightforce BR will get the job done as well.
 
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May I suggest fixed target scope of 36 power,a Leupold or a Sightron will do.

I think it is a good idea to shoot a rifle with a higher power scope or a better scope;I think a great scope at 24 power may surprise you.

The Concord shooting range is very popular and some people there may let you look through their better or more powerful scopes.

Stick with a proven target scope and expect to pay$$$$.




 
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does your reticle obscure your target's bullseye? if this is part of the problem, choosing the right reticle (i prefer a floating dot) is important as well as max magnification.
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I'm going to second the "floating dot" style reticle. Definitely convenient at higher magnification, especially on an FFP scope. Honestly I just think its a cleaner, less cluttered look regardless.
 
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does your reticle obscure your target's bullseye? if this is part of the problem, choosing the right reticle (i prefer a floating dot) is important as well as max magnification.
Click to expand...

I'm going to second the "floating dot" style reticle. Definitely convenient at higher magnification, especially on an FFP scope.
Click to expand...

The reticle is clear enough. It's the bullseye which is so small that I estimate the center point even at the highest magnification.
 
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May I suggest fixed target scope of 36 power,a Leupold or a Sightron will do.

I think it is a good idea to shoot a rifle with a higher power scope or a better scope;I think a great scope at 24 power may surprise you.

The Concord shooting range is very popular and some people there may let you look through their better or more powerful scopes.

Stick with a proven target scope and expect to pay$$$$.



Click to expand...

boscoebrea, I will look into a fixed target scope. Only very few airgunners are shooting beyond 150 yards on Wednesdays. But the 22 power burners shoot after the airgun session and I will ask to look thru their scopes.
 
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So I just want to say that first of all, 2.5 moa at 200yds with a pellet gun is already pretty good. Even a itty bitty bit of wind will carry a pellet a long way at that range. What gun and ammo are you shooting here?

Second of all, I still don't think that more magnification is going to help as much as you think it will. A better optic very may well though. My personal favorite in the $1000 price range is the Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30x56. Glass is crisp and the turrets track as true as optics costing double. If you are dead set on more magnification, the Falcon X50 or a Nightforce BR will get the job done as well.
Click to expand...

I shoot a Impact M3 ,25 cal with either NSA 43.5 @ 950 fps or Zan 37 grains @ 1000 fps. Bother average groups are with in 5 inch circle. You may be right about a better optics as most members suggested the same. My only experience is with my Element Helix 6-24x50 ff. I know it's on the lowest end of the Element Optic lineup. At least I will know how it will compare with optics if I get the opportunity to look through them.
 
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If you are just bench resting the gun and shooting known ranges, check out the Nightforce BR 12-42x56 NP-2DD. Thats my absolute favorite target reticle. No mess, just a nice clean reticle.

If you plan on hunting and shooting at unknown ranges frequently, I love both my Ares BTR and my Ares ETR. The ETR is definitely a noticeable step up from the BTR but the price tag certainly reflects that.
 
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At 200 yards or meters, if you want to see the rings clearly you need at lest x32, if you want to see the POI I would suggest go with x50 for the same money.

Sightron III or Falcon X50T (Target and not the FT Field) are about same $ price where some quality starts and the sky is a limit.

I am finding the Sightron is loosing the clarity at full power and also people usually backing up to 40x, where the Falcon (a Japanese glass) still shines at 50x. I have also a Nikko Platinum nighteater x32 I tried at 200 at full power still pretty good, but this one is also a Japanese glass.

btw the Falcon X50T is 1000 yards rated, just FYI whoever want to compare the glass.
 
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I would like to thank the membership for all the comments and suggestions. I especially appreciate how everybody stayed "on topic". I posted this same question on a Facebook group I subscribe to, and the comments were all over the place.

I've also done a bit of research and narrowed down my 1st choice to a fixed power scope 30x to 50x magnification. My 2nd choice would be a dedicated bench rest scope, 2FP in the range of 7-30x50. I have also set a budget of less than $600. I know the selection at this price range is limited. I'm only competing with myself and not for trophies, money or fame.
 
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