[CMoor]

I really like the LPVO scopes for hunting under 400 yards.. I like the 1-10x28 34mm tubes on my guns but would recommend starting with at least a 30 mm tube.

 

[Ranger]

I have a couple of the Vortex Viper scopes, 6.5-20X50 and like them. Middle of the road optics but plenty serviceable on my hunting rifles since I don't shoot much past 500 yds. One's been on my 300wsm since it was new and we've killed more than 10 elk and a number of deer with it. Never had to use the warranty, price point is around $700.

Put that on top of a Tikka T3 Superlight in .270 or other caliber of your choice and you will have a great hunting rifle within your budget!

 

[Vector16]

I'm blind
I don't like or use 3-9 scopes

 

[Arizona Griz]

3-9 has its use. Starting at 9 you lose so much fov. You don't need to be staring at hair and fur, you just need to set your cross hairs on the vitals.

I have shot many mule deer in the old days with a cheap 4 power scope. I did eventually move up to a Burris 4.5 X 14 BDC scope.

 

[bearfoot1]

I started out with a Weaver K4 for many years, moved up to a 3x9 BDC, currently shoot with a 4x12x 44. Thats really all you need if you limit your shots to 4- 500 yards or about. Im not into Long Range, I walk slow so I can get closer, but like hitting what I aim at.

 

[JimL]

I would say shoot the most gun you can shoot well with. If you handload, that gives a lot of flexibility and the ability to tune a load to the gun. I would also consider range. How far are typical shots? How far do you feel comfortable shooting? As someone from the east coast, most shots there are under 100 yards, but still, I shot a mulie in in NW CO at 260, which isn't far there. 260 is a long shot in woods country. I would limit myself to 400 with my 30-06 (Mauser), but that's me. For shorter range stuff, I like my 444 a lot better. It shoots subMOA for 5 shots at 100 yards and works well when it connects. If I was getting something new, I think the 7mm PRC would be hard to beat for all around. If I wanted stomp, I'd look at the 375 RCM.

 

[williamk]

For big game hunting the .30-06 is never the wrong answer. In fact if you look at the Precision Hunter line from Hornady, the 178-grain loading they offer for it shoots just as flat as their 6.5 Creedmoor loading with the added energy to boot. I will say I currently don't own one. My favorite Arizona rifle is the 257 Weatherby. It is the trajectory out to 500 yards that I love about it. I zero it 2.5" high at 100 yards and it only drops 7" at 400 yards. I have shot big game with many calibers over the years using .243 all the way up to big .338's. If you get a cartridge that will deliver the energy needed as long as you have a proper bullet and great shot placement, most will get the job done. Many these days are settling on the 6.5 PRC due to its ability to carry energy out far with a minimal amount of recoil compared to the big magnums. For a do it all cartridge, a big .30 will check off a lot of boxes however and for big game will leave you not ever feeling under gunned.