Selecting the right scope magnification is one of the most important decisions when setting up a hunting or shooting rifle. Too little magnification can make precise shot placement difficult at longer distances, while too much magnification can reduce your field of view and make finding targets slower.
This guide explains how scope magnification works and how to choose the best optic for your shooting style.
Understanding Scope Magnification
Rifle scopes are usually described using two numbers.
Example:
3-9×40
- 3-9x = Magnification Range
- 40 = Objective Lens Diameter (mm)
What Does 3-9x Mean?
- At 3x, the target appears 3 times closer.
- At 9x, the target appears 9 times closer.
The scope can be adjusted anywhere within that range.
Fixed vs Variable Magnification
Fixed Power Scopes
Examples:
- 4×32
- 6×42
- 10×42
Advantages
✅ Simpler design
✅ Often lighter
✅ Generally durable
✅ Consistent sight picture
Best For
- Traditional hunting rifles
- Rimfires
- Simplicity-focused shooters
Variable Power Scopes
Examples:
- 2-7×32
- 3-9×40
- 4-16×50
- 5-25×56
Advantages
✅ More versatile
✅ Suitable for multiple distances
✅ Better target identification
✅ Adaptable to different applications
Best For
- Most hunters
- Precision rifle shooters
- General-purpose rifles
Recommended Magnification by Hunting Type
Rabbits & Small Game
Recommended Scope
2-7x or 3-9x
Typical Range
- 25-150 metres
Why?
Lower magnification provides a wider field of view, helping you quickly locate moving rabbits while still offering enough zoom for precise shots.
Fox Hunting
Recommended Scope
3-9x or 4-12x
Typical Range
- 50-300 metres
Why?
Foxes are small targets and often encountered at longer distances. Moderate magnification balances precision with field awareness.
Feral Pig Hunting
Recommended Scope
2-10x or 3-15x
Typical Range
- 50-250 metres
Why?
Pig hunting often involves fast-moving animals and opportunities at varying distances.
A lower magnification setting can be invaluable in thick scrub.
Deer Hunting
Recommended Scope
3-9x or 4-16x
Typical Range
- 100-400 metres
Why?
These magnification ranges allow accurate shot placement while maintaining a usable field of view.
Recommended Magnification by Distance
| Distance | Suggested Magnification |
|---|---|
| 25-100m | 2-4x |
| 100-200m | 4-8x |
| 200-300m | 6-12x |
| 300-500m | 10-16x |
| 500m+ | 15-25x |
Remember: many successful hunters rarely shoot above 10x magnification.
Common Scope Magnification Ranges
1-6x
Best For
- Close-range hunting
- Fast target acquisition
- Brush and scrub hunting
- Lever-action rifles
Pros
✅ Huge field of view
✅ Fast target engagement
✅ Lightweight
2-10x
Best For
- General hunting
- Pigs
- Deer
- Versatile field use
Pros
✅ Excellent all-round option
✅ Useful for close and medium-range shooting
3-9x
Best For
- Traditional hunting rifles
- First hunting rifle
- General-purpose use
Why It’s Popular
The 3-9x remains one of the best-selling scope configurations worldwide because it covers most hunting situations.
4-16x
Best For
- Longer-range hunting
- Open farmland
- Precision shooting
Pros
✅ Increased target detail
✅ Greater precision
✅ Still practical for hunting
5-25x
Best For
- Precision Rifle Series (PRS)
- Long-range target shooting
- Extreme-distance applications
Pros
✅ Precise target observation
✅ Spot impacts more easily
✅ Excellent for load development
Considerations
Larger, heavier, and more expensive than hunting optics.
More Magnification Isn’t Always Better
A common misconception is that more magnification automatically improves accuracy.
In reality:
Too Much Magnification Can Cause
❌ Reduced field of view
❌ More noticeable rifle movement
❌ Increased mirage at long distances
❌ Slower target acquisition
Many experienced hunters keep their scope set between 4x and 8x, even when capable of much higher magnification.
Recommended Scope Ranges by Rifle Type
.22LR
Recommended
- 2-7x
- 3-9x
Perfect for rabbits, plinking, and training.
.223 Remington
Recommended
- 3-9x
- 4-12x
Ideal for foxes, vermin, and recreational shooting.
.243 Winchester
Recommended
- 3-9x
- 4-16x
Excellent for mixed hunting applications.
6.5 Creedmoor
Recommended
- 4-16x
- 5-25x
Excellent choice for longer-range hunting and target shooting.
.308 Winchester
Recommended
- 3-15x
- 4-16x
Versatile enough for hunting and precision shooting.
First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane
First Focal Plane (FFP)
Reticle changes size as magnification changes.
Best For
- Long-range shooting
- Precision competition
- Frequent holdovers
Second Focal Plane (SFP)
Reticle remains the same size.
Best For
- Hunting
- General shooting
- Beginners
Most hunting scopes sold in Australia are SFP designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification do I need for hunting?
For most hunting situations in Australia, a 3-9x or 2-10x scope is more than sufficient.
Is a 5-25x scope good for hunting?
Yes, but it is often larger and heavier than necessary for general hunting. These optics are typically better suited to precision and long-range shooting.
What is the best all-round magnification?
A 3-9×40 or 2-10×42 remains one of the best all-round options for hunters seeking versatility.
Can I hunt at 500 metres with a 10x scope?
Yes. Many experienced shooters successfully engage targets at these distances using 10x magnification or less, provided they have the appropriate skills and equipment.
Quick Scope Selection Guide
| Use | Recommended Scope |
|---|---|
| Rabbits | 2-7x |
| Foxes | 3-9x |
| Feral Pigs | 2-10x |
| Deer Hunting | 3-9x or 4-16x |
| General Hunting | 2-10x or 3-9x |
| Long Range Shooting | 5-25x |
| PRS Competition | 5-25x |
| .22LR Rifles | 2-7x or 3-9x |
| .223 Rifles | 3-9x or 4-12x |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 4-16x or 5-25x |
| .308 Rifles | 3-15x or 4-16x |