What magnification do you use on your hunting rifle?

For me, it depends on what rifle I'm shooting, and especially what distance I'm shooting at. When hunting, it's a no brainer. I have the scope turned down as far as possible. There is one exception to that, when I was hunting in Colorado last Fall I had it on 11x, just because if I had to use the reticle for any corrections, that's what it needed to be set on. BUT the closest shot would have been around 500 yds or so.

The way I look at it, if the animal is far away, you have time to turn it up. If the animal is close, you probably won't have time to turn it down.

Sometimes due to mirage, a high power magnification only hurts you.

I've been shooting a scoped gun for a LONG time, and I make sure the scope is set so that when my cheek hits the stock I can see thru the scope - I don't have to wiggle my head around to look thru the scope. So I can find critters with a higher magnification than many friends of mine.

I don't think I own a scope that goes lower than 2.5 or 3 power, and I think all my scopes are variable power. One scope is 5.5x-22x, but I only use it at higher magnification if I have a spotter. If I am spotting my own shots, I leave it at 16x, maybe 18x - that's for 600-1,000 yds.

Depends on where and what I'm hunting and what gun I'm using. My scopes range from 2-1/2x, 3x, 3x9, and 4.5x14.

I've got a 4x16 on a Cooper 21 in .223. It's a bit of fun trying to hit a golf ball that is sitting on top of a post at 350 yds. at our local range. Haven't smacked one dead center yet, but did graze one awhile back. Started getting fuzzy sight picture last couple of years and couldn't seem to get a clear sight picture. Hmmmmm, decided that maybe it was time to get new glasses. Surprise, surprise as Gomer Pyle use to say. I've got a cataract on my right eye. Have to have this taken care of soon, the target shooting season is slowly coming on. This getting old is not fun at all, but then I was born when WW2 was still going on.

Most of my stuff wears 3x9, however as I've gotten older I do appreciate a bit more magnification and have been buying 4x12's . My muzzle loader sports a 2x7 Leupold, I shot a couple deer with it last fall, but will probably swap out the scope before next fall for a little more magnification.

Always keep scope set low 3-4X while walking in or sitting on stand, then zoom it in as necessary when you spot your quarry. Been a lot of shots missed because somebody jumped a deer close, pulled up and the scope was on 10X and they couldn't find it in the cross hairs.

I have several Air Rifles that I use and they have a variable scope on them.  32mm objective lense and 4 x 10 variable power on a Crosman semi automatic Rifle


Then there is an old Remington Model 660 in 222 caliber and it also has a variable powered rifle scope on it.  It's a 40 mm 4x16 Burris Full Field II rifle scope



Then on my Daniel Defense AR15 I have an HS1 setup from EOTech.  It consists of a 3x flip to the side magnifier and a EXPS3-4 EOTech Holographic sight that's great for up close shooting.  It has a very wide field of view and you can use it with both eyes open unless the magnifier is flipped into the field of view.  I can shoot out to 200 yards with the magnifier in line and with the magnifier flipped out to the side up close if needed. 


Since the AR15 has a Picatinny Rail on the flat top of the AR15 I can easily take the quick release EOTECH off and put on a Nikon 42 mm 4x 16 rifle scope on the rail.  If I get it mounted just right the sight zero does not move very much.  I keep the AR15 ready to go with the EOTech on it most all the time. But if I'm at the rifle range and shooting at the 200 yard range I'll swap in the Nikon Rifle Scope. 

I started last year with two eyes open.  Need more practice.

Greetings.
As I only ever stalk on foot I have my scope on six times usually, if the deer is that far away I need anymore then I have plenty of time to turn it up.
I rarely go above eight times aim small miss small.
On the type of ground I have to cover and the size of a roe Deer's killing area a three hundred yard shot is extreme range to me on roe.
250 is a,long way and 200 is just nice, far enough to get away with a,little movement and sound but near enough for a comfortable shot.
Regards
Billy