Help Me Choose Magnification for an "All Around" Hunting Rifle

I don't think you could put a more versatile scope on a .375 H&H than the new Trijicon Credo 1-10X x 28. (It has a 34mm tube)

Even though I consider myself a "Leupold Guy," I have had a couple that have had difficulty holding zero under hard use situations.

Trijicons are "up there" with Nightforce on ruggedness, IMO.





The last two scopes I've purchased have been Trijicons, and no complaints so far...
 
Within 300yds, I don't see much benefit in going above an 8-10x top end. Not really necessary.

For the bottom end, I personally want a true 1x. Big FOV, easy mount, no oddness when shooting both eyes open, or when doing moving target stuff.

I think therefore a 1-8 is probably about as versatile as you can get. A bigger objective offers better low light performance, so for dawn and dusk something that isn't straight tube is probably a 'pro'. If that's not in the cards though, then a 24 will be light, and effective.

As a wildcard, I'd personally just invest in some QD bases, two sets of QD rings and buy a 1-6x24 and a fixed 8x56. One for DG, one for PG and North America. Best of both worlds, and as long as zero is repeatable, then no real hassle.

Trijicon 4-16x50 money probably gets you a second hand S&B 8x56 and a Trijicon 1-6x24 anyway.
 
Thanks everyone for the replies. I went with the 1-6x24. Mounted just to check fit, but I snapped a bunch of pics.
 

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At 4X, 100 yard FOV is about 25 feet, give or take a little. At 30 yards, FOV is about 8 feet, less than the full body length of a buffalo. If he's in the jess at 20 or 30 yards, you might well struggle just to get him in your scope.
 
absales, this subject has been brought up on AH a number of times. I suggest that you do a "search" using the function AH provides. In short, because of the versatility the 375 H&H Mag is known for, the best solution is to have two scopes mounted in QD rings. One low power for up close and dangerous, and a second one for game at longer distances. IMHO no single scope is optimal for every condition.
 
I have a Leica ER 2.5-10x42 on my SAKO Classic in 375. While you are looking for another brand, if it was mine, I would be looking for a like new Leica Magus 1.8-12x50.
 
My .375 H&H is topped with a Leupold VX5HD in 2-10x, with Firedot reticle. I’ve found both the low end and top end very handy, and 2-10 seems perfect for the versatility of the 375. Whatever you decide on, I strongly encourage you to get a lighted reticle such as the Firedot. It’s an absolute game changer, IMO.
 
Without knowing your budget the scopes I’d set out and tell you to consider the following options. I wouldn’t go above a 44mm Obj, and wouldn’t go above 3x on the low end. If you’ve got irons I’d suggest a QR/QD type mounting system from Talley, Warne, or Leupold.

Swaro Z8 1-8
Swaro Z8 1.7-13.3 ***
Swaro Z6 1.7-10 ***
Swaro Z6 2.5-15 ***
Swaro Z3 3-10
Leupold VX6 2-12 ***
Leupold VX5 2-10
Leupold VX5 3-15
S&B Exos 1-8
S&B Zenith 1.5-6x42
Kahles K16i 1-6
Kahles K18i-2 1-8
Kahles Helia 1.6-8x42 ***
Zeiss V4 3-12
Zeiss V6 1-6
Zeiss V8 1.1-8

My personal top choices would have a 1.5-2x low mag setting and a 10-12x max mag with a 42-44mm obj. If you were using QD Rings and had irons I might suggest the 3-15 or 3.5-15 options. For the longest time my do all, never go to africa without 375 had a VX5 3-15x44. It’s since been swapped to a VX6 2-12 but I might switch to a Z6 1.7-10 or the Helia 1.6-8x42
 
wildwilderness said:
No way would I put a 4-16 x 50mm on a versatile rifle especially a .375 that power level is for long range shooting 300-600 yards and even further on big animals.

The 2.5-12 x 42 mm accupoint is where I’d be looking. I have a similar power leupold on my .375 Ruger
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This is what I would do.
 
How's your eyesight?

My old eyes aren’t as good as my younger eyes were. I have a 4-16×50 with 30mm tube Osprey on my 375 H&H (and on a 30-06), as with all my scopes, dialed in for my eyes to use without my glasses on. The 4x on mongoose at ~25 - 30 feet and a frontal shot on a standing still cape buff in Zimbabwe at ~20 -25 yards worked great and the 16x at 250 yards on a gemsbok and on a hippo in water was just as effective.

That being said. My 458WM and 22 Hornet each has a 2 - 12x44 with 30mm tube. On targets: at 25 yards 3x is my lowest usable setting, again for my old eyes. At 12x 100 yards is my max comfort limit. I would much prefer a 14x or 16x at and beyond 100 yards.
 
dogcat1 said:
Swarovski Z6i 1.7x10-42 with turrets... That is my 'go to' scope for nearly everything.
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Nice range of magnification in these scopes. My choice was a Meopta R2 in 1,7-10x42. You can get a ballistic turret for these scopes if you so wish.
 
+1 on 1x6x24. I have the VX6 HD ,Gen 2 with Firedot Duplex love it.
 
absales said:
Thanks everyone for the replies. I went with the 1-6x24. Mounted just to check fit, but I snapped a bunch of pics.
Click to expand...
Good choice. I assume you got the illuminated reticle. On 1 x it can work like a red dot.I think that you made a good choice. 6x is plenty for in Africa.
 
absales said:
I will be keeping my Sako in .375 H&H. Without getting into any caliber debates, this is a caliber that with the right cartridge I can use for a variety of game making it a great all around rifle. I could use this for whitetail and black bear, all the way up to Cape Buffallo.

So I am looking for a magnification on my scope to be equally as versatile. I can make a case for each, but I would like some input from others as well.

Shots from 25 yards to 300 yards anywhere in between.

1-6x24, or 4-16x50? Both will be 30mm tubes and both Trijicon Accupoints, my favorite scope.

Any thoughts appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...


The longest shot I've ever taken was 345 yards. Ironically, it was with a 375HH off sticks. It was with the 1-6x24mm Swaro. It was sufficient, what wasn't sufficient to the naked eye was a firing solution for holding over to shoot a bushbuck that far. (my binos gave me that answer)

For a 375HH, the options are now even better: they make a 1-8x24mm z8i. That is a game changer. If you shoot in low light, the 1-6x42mm is a hell of a light gatherer for bear, cats, and running boar.

US Snipers were shooting targets at 1000 yards with 10x magnification, us plebs should be able to shoot 1/3rd the distance with 60% of the magnification. 6x is a lot of zoom. 8x is an insane amount of zoom, provided you can shoot adequately. (otherwise you're just missing horribly at a bigger zoom anyway, right?)
 
absales said:
I will be keeping my Sako in .375 H&H. Without getting into any caliber debates, this is a caliber that with the right cartridge I can use for a variety of game making it a great all around rifle. I could use this for whitetail and black bear, all the way up to Cape Buffallo.

So I am looking for a magnification on my scope to be equally as versatile. I can make a case for each, but I would like some input from others as well.

Shots from 25 yards to 300 yards anywhere in between.

1-6x24, or 4-16x50? Both will be 30mm tubes and both Trijicon Accupoints, my favorite scope.

Any thoughts appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...
Whatever you choose I recommend spending a little extra on a fire dot or illuminated scope. All mine have them…whether it is a PG in shadow or a leopard at night it is so helpful
 
On my Sako 85 Kodiak in caliber .375 H&H Mag costs a Leupold VX-6 1-6x24 scope. This scope is enough for me. But I don't shoot this rifle at 300 yards. I have other rifles for that.

But if I had fired my Sako at 300 yards, I would probably have put a Leupold VX-6 2-12x42 scope.
 
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