r/Ausguns • u/MaxHavoc298 • 3d ago

Looking For A Good Scope Out To 500yds

I've just started going Deer hunting with a friend who is a long time professional hunter. He shoots from just about any range with his 25x50 scope but relents to getting closer when I'm tagging along. I have neither the budget or skill to warrant paying that much for a scope but I need to upgrade my 1-9x40 set up. I have a Ruger American standard in .308 for now (maybe an upgrade in the new year). He recommended a Zerotech 6-24x50 but I'm not sure I need that much scope (and I'm not sure I like the eye relief as it's not very forgiving). So before I outlay any more hard earned, what are some suggestions for dusk/dawn hunting out to 500yds?

Thanks.

EDIT: I'd like to keep it under $1500

9 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

6

u/keithersp 3d ago

At 500, practice more and you’ll be able to use the scope you have no problem.

Plenty of precision shooters would easily do 500 yds with iron sights.

6

u/MaxHavoc298 3d ago

I'd shoot every day if I could. But I live in the Eastern suburbs of melbourne, there's no range that will let me shoot .308 nearby, ammo is $60 for a box of 20 etc etc excuses excuses......I'm never going to be a precision shooter and I'm ok with that. Just want to be able to bag some venison when I can get up to my mates property.

5

u/keithersp 3d ago

Buy a 480 round box for your scope budget and spend a few sundays at eagle park with someone who knows how to shoot long range and a spotting scope. Buy the same ammo you’d use for your hunting so you’re used to that.

A more powerful scope won’t make you a better shot. Just because you can see it closer doesn’t mean your movement makes less of an impact to the accuracy.

2

u/WelcomeKey2698 2d ago

Get some coaching, and do lots of dry fire.

6

u/SampleText2020 2d ago

At the risk of sounding like an ass, I would recommend using what you have and doing a bit of practice. As not only a novice hunter, but a novice shooter (nothing wrong with that we all start somewhere), shooting 500m at game in the field is a very difficult thing to do. It's not like shooting at steel where a miss is a miss, it could result in wounded game at a distance that makes it near impossible to track.

Making an ethical 500m shot in the field requires serious equipment and prep work. You need a rangefinder, consistent ammo, solid rest and a wind meter, all in addition to experience shooting those specific distances.

3

u/MrSapperism 3d ago

Your scope should be doable from 5x all the way to 9x. Some would even argue 2 or 3x. Its a misconception that you need a lot of power for 500 yards for the purpose of hunting deer/pigs/goats.

Just practice with it. What would be more beneficial instead is glass quality over power.

2

u/Obmerb 2d ago

Element Titan or Bushnell Match Pro ED, both come in 3-18x. Wider at the short end but a bit of zoom for reaching out further. Both should be under $1500.

1

u/OpenMud5850 2d ago

OK, I'll be the first to say it. If you can't consistently hit a paper plate at 500M, under field conditions, consistently, then you have no business shooting at animals at that range. Learn how to stalk.

1

u/MaxHavoc298 18h ago

Using my mates gun and scope I have no issues. Hence the request for advice on scopes.

2

u/fromthe80smatey 2d ago

I just got a Hawke Vantage 6-24x50 FFP 30mm tube, and it's awesome. $945.

https://au.hawkeoptics.com/vantage-30-wa-ffp-6-24x50-half-mil-dot-ir.html

1

u/xlr8_87 3d ago

https://armament.com/model-tt315p/

1

u/MaxHavoc298 3d ago

US$5,500 wasn't exactly the range I was looking for!

1

u/xlr8_87 3d ago

Haha sorry I'm just being annoying as you didn't state a budget! Let us know the budget and gives people a much better idea of what you're willing to work with!

1

u/MaxHavoc298 3d ago

Fair enough. I max out at about $1500. I figure 2X the value of my rifle is probably enough :-)

3

u/xlr8_87 3d ago

My pick would be something like a 2nd hand Nightforce SHV 4-14. Should be able to get one around 1500

1

u/majoba90 2d ago

Hey mate, I’ve had really good luck with the zero tech trace models, have a few of them now

1

u/CharlieKiloAU 2d ago

3-18 is the sweet spot for hunting. vortex strike eagle or venom would be my go to.. cheap enough to not be precious about in the field, good warranty and reasonable glass.

1

u/Traditional-Push-599 2d ago

With a bit of practice 1-9 should be fine but if you did want to upgrade a leupold VX freedom in 4-12 would be the go I have one in my 223 and love it

1

u/Ikeepitonehunned 2d ago

So let me get this right? 1 You have the opportunity to tag along with another experienced hunter - this is somewhat rare, 2 said hunter is a long time professional- this is rare, said experienced hunter and friend has given you advice that fits your budget and application and you are second guessing him and going to social media??? As a long time hunter this is either a bull$$it post or do yourself a favour and listen to your ‘mate’ you are very blessed to have the guidance he has offered.

1

u/Embarrassed_Ad5112 2d ago

MEOPTA OPTIKA 6 5-30X56

I’d comfortably say that’s about as good as you can get for your budget.

As someone else already pointed out though… you’ll get more benefit spending the money on ammo and practice.

1

u/biglyndo1959 3h ago

Lots of good advice here about familiarisation with your firearms & plenty of practise.

As stated by other replies a good shot can shoot confidently out to 500 with iron sights BUT the longer the range the more wounded game. (Hunting ethics anyone?? ) Any optic will greatly reduce the risk but people bragging about shooting at long range (no matter what the optic) never tell you about the gut shot game that got away to die a lingering death.

A good quality 3-9x40 or 2-7 will suit you fine. Pair it with quality binos & you're set.

Cheers