What Scope Magnification on .243

[Frenchieboy]

I am getting a new.243 which is coming to me without scopes. Up to now I am using 4-16X50 scopes on my HMR and .222 for Rabbirs and Fox. The scopes I have are fine but they are both front parralax Adjustable which can be a pain in the *** when lamping! (They are both usually set permanently at around 12X magnification which is fine for me)

The question I want advice on is what sort of magnification is recommended for a .243 which will be used for both Fox (Daytime and on the lamp) and Deer (Obviously Daytime only), and is a fixed paralax suitable for this please?

[Colster]

Fixed parallax at 100yards will be a lot easier to live with than fixed at 30yards so worth checking. Most deer and fox shooters seem happy with 6x42 or 8x56 with the main priority being low light performance.

[Frenchieboy]

Thanks for that Colster mate. I was thinking on the lines of around 8 or 9 times magnification (Possibly a variable 3-9X Magnification) with something like a 50mm or 56mm lens. I have to say that I think the fixed paralax at 100 yards is possibly better for me than a variable paralax which, as I have said, can be a right pain in the backside, especailly when you are out lamping!

[Beardo]

8x56 is great for field/hill stalking (which is what i have on my 6.5), but i'm happier with x12 for foxing, so a nice 4-12x50 fixed para is ideal in my books (and is what i have on my .223),

woodland stalking you only need a lower power so you can turn it down to x4 or x6.

[Dunkield]

Between 6 & 8x

If you need any more than that go HERE

[goldypurple]

:blink:

[njc110381]

You can't go wrong with an 8x56. Very little to go wrong, great light gathering and enough mag to see what you're shooting at out to 300 yards or so which is plenty really.

 

I suppose if you want a bit more mag something like a 4-12 could be handy. I have a 5-15x50 on my .243 and to be honest sometimes I'd be happier with the good old 8x56 Schmidt I had on my 6.5x55. They're just so solid and simple to use - less to worry about when you're lining up on a twitchy Deer or Fox!

[Colster]

Thanks for that Colster mate. I was thinking on the lines of around 8 or 9 times magnification (Possibly a variable 3-9X Magnification) with something like a 50mm or 56mm lens. I have to say that I think the fixed paralax at 100 yards is possibly better for me than a variable paralax which, as I have said, can be a right pain in the backside, especailly when you are out lamping!

 

I have a nice 3-9x56 Zieler sitting here to go on my .243. Just need to find a rifle to stick it on now,

[al4x]

As beardo says an 8x56 is fine for stalking but when foxing under the lamp I quite often think I'd like a little more mag but in your situation the quality glass will make more difference than a cheap scope with more magnification

[Devon Fox]

I have an S&B 8x56 on top my 243 - works for me and its main use is foxing.

[Dekers]

Scopes always get personal and everyone will have their own idea, I like variable scopes, all mine are, and for your requirements I would suggest a decent 4-16x.

 

Nevertheless, many are happy with fixed 6x or 8x.

 

:blink:

[sako751sg]

All personal preferences but the Nightforce is set at x16 all the time.

[dann boy]

hi i have a swarovski 2.5-15-56 z6i on my 243 manly used for foxing works really well

[al4x]

All personal preferences but the Nightforce is set at x16 all the time.

 

 

apologies already frenchie for going slightly off topic

 

but Sako what do you think of the nightforce in low light and under the lamp?

[sako751sg]

apologies already frenchie for going slightly off topic

 

but Sako what do you think of the nightforce in low light and under the lamp?

 

Absolutely spot on fella.If its turned down to a lower mag obviously it becomes clearer and if its too dark to shoot roe with the Nightforce then its probably too late and for lamping its spot on.I do most my foxing using moonlight and no lamp and again no probs.Again we will all have different opinions but it suits me fine and the extra mag is very handy at times.Can honestly say that in 5 years with it,its not lost zero once and it gets thrown about quite a bit.

[al4x]

cheers for that definitely sounds like it may be good on my new setup, also sounds just what frenchie needs as well

[Paddy Galore!]

Just use what you're used to frenchie, so many people have different personal preferences, why risk an expensive change and then realise you're having to make do?

[mikee]

ive got an 8x50 swaro on my 243, with a big fat reticle which stand out even at night under the moon, cant really see the need for variable mag scopes on a stalking/foxing rifle where the target is reasonably large, ive shot foxes out to about 350yds with my fixed mag, my advise would be to get better glass and less fiddly bits for your hard earned

 

mikee

[Sprags]

I have a Nightforce NXS 8-32X56 on my .243ai, but when it was a standard .243 it wore a Schmidt & Bender 8X56. That mag with the 56mm objective lens is spot on.

 

The 6X42 is a good set up to as it will give you the 7mm exit pupil, just like the 8X56, and, in my opinion, would be perfect for foxing on the lamp and stalking.

 

 

 

Regards,Sprags

[bullet boy]

Get a S&B 8x56,Frenchieboy!This scope has chrystal clear glass and will do an excellent job for you.Brilliant scope IMO.

[dann boy]

i also have nightforce nxs 12- 42-56 on my 17 hmr old bunnies dont like it

[Dekers]

cheers for that definitely sounds like it may be good on my new setup, also sounds just what frenchie needs as well

 

 

The Nightforce NXS are first rate and tuff as old boots (and you pay for it), be very careful what reticule you go for, and take a look at the weight as well.

 

I could just about live with the price, but put one of these on a stalking rifle and you need to renew your membership at the gym too!