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On a shot of 400 yards what scope power setting would you take the shot on?

depends...

copper,

The highest on the scope.

I took one last year at just over 400 on a muley with the 2.5-8x set at about 3 to 3.5x. Never even noticed it was so low until I checked the scope later. Guess I finally figured out that high powered scopes aren't really necessary, just heavy!!!

I like my scope setting high at longer ranges so I can see the reaction of the animal. It's important to know if/where the animal is hit. The only thing I don't like about powerful scopes is that they might make one want to stretch their abilities. capt david. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Too high and it gets tougher to reacquire the animal in time to view the hit. Used a 4.5-14x for many years and wouldn't dream of using one again for big game.

Copper-I leave my 3-9X on 9 all the time.Ofcourse I am half blind in my right eye but I have noticed "No" difference in speed to the target comparred to my other fixed powered.Elk look small at 400 yards thru 9X and less with a lessor power and Deer look ,well really little.

I sight in and practice on 9x also.I just leave it there.Shot placement is the key and knowing your rifle.My eyes need all the help they can get for long shots.

Jayco.

IMHO,1x per each 100yds of engagement,puts a guy solidly in the berries.

One needn't examine somethin' via the Hubble,to freeze it in it's tracks.

One of the reasons amongst many,that I'm more than a touch sweet on the 6x42................

Yeah, "depends". One time I had to crank the scope down- from 6X to 2.5 X. The moose was at 25 yds, with the sun right behind his head. Shot him just behind the ear. (This is my idea of a "good shot"!

Now, be it known that I normally carry my Variables at the lowest setting, but crank them up to the highest setting when shooting time comes, as a rule, if I can. That previously mentioned time at 6X was a whoopsi.

The longest successful shot I ever deliberately made, however, was on a cow caribou at something in excess of 500 yards, near as I can figure. I forgot to turn the scope up from 3X (to 9X) up, saw where the first bullet kicked up snow below her at mid-body, held just over her ears, and center-punched her shoulder blade on the second shot, with hold over and windage both.

The MOA .25-06, with max-loaded 120 grain Speers, was zeroed at 4.5 inches high at 100, so you figure the range/tragectory. I'm not sure that would have happened under 9X, but I'll still turn the scope all the way up if I have the opportunity. Can't hit what you can't see. And the better you see them, the better the placement, IMO.

I like my scope set at the maximum available magnification for any long or difficult shot. On my rifles, this means 12X.
This magnification allows the shooter to more easily see any twigs or other obsticles in front of the target. Extra magnification is a real advantage as it allows the shooter to see more accurately where the cross hairs are, and exactly how much they are moving.
A 12 power scope allows me to discern any errors in hold, breath control, or even to see the effects of heart beat. I find the higher magnification scope gives a real advantage to the shooter with the skills which enable him to take advantage of it.
I have killed game several times inside of 50yds, and each time after the shot when I happened to check the scope, it was set on 12X. I have not found that to be a handicap. This may partially be because I grew up in a rural community and worked on farms or ranches in my youth where I was able to carry and practice with a scoped rifle throughout the day, often all week long.
If one does not have this intimate familiarity with his weapon, he may be well served with a sight of lower magnification. Perhaps a 2.5-7X would serve very well for many shooters.

I've killed critters with most every magnification going,to 32x.

Slammed some with Irons too.

My observation is that as magnification increases above 10x,everything surrounding it becomes heavily compromised(eye-relief,FOV,brightness,internal adjustment latitude,length,weight,ring spacing issues,amongst other criteria on the average).

'Course I don't require a 14x on my dingus,to take a leak either.............................

Those with short bats should crowd the plate...

I love my little fixed 3x Leupies... Helps having eyes that do not need much help though...
art

Too funny and I'm amongst the "should crowd",crowd.(grin)

No secret that I thunk the 6x42 is pretty close to as good as she gets,but that is NOT due to a fanatical belief,in that specific magnification level alone.

That'd be more of an endorsement for the melding of attributes,which happens to be found within that model designation(M8 6x42mm).

With all cards on the table and weiging attributes,it makes a strong case for itself,in the resume alone. Practical application seals that hunch and makes it a Holy Terror on critters in general.

I've largely had 'em all and that glass is tough to whoop up on in the field IMHO. She's quick,bright and precise,while being rugged to boot.

Big Momma's checkbook eagerly awaits superior componetry............................