Friends-

I am looking to scope my .338 Winchster Magnum. I am a variable power scope guy.

I am thinking the maximum power or magnification I'll need is 8 to 10?

I would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks in advance.

I think so too. Get a decent quality variable and good mounts from a reputable manufacturer that fits your rifle and you will have just about the most versatile rifle a guy could want.

2-7X, 2.5-8X, 3-9X, or 3.5-10X -- one will do about as well as the other. Don't go higher as you will be handicapped by field of view and perhaps size. If you go lower, you may miss the higher magnification on the upper end for load development; the higher magnifications also come in handy in utilizing the .338's excellent long-range capabilities.

MikeIravy & Stonecreek-

Thank you both for your comments.

Steve, I think I will go with a 3.5-10X. Thanks for the recommendation.

For me, some of the choice was drive by what looks and feels well balanced when getting to the place I want to go. With the .338 Win Mag that's usually up a tall hill.

In my old age I can't warm up to huge scopes that I have to carry up those hills.

So I settled on the 3-9x42 MC Zeiss Conquest.

Off the airplane we went to the range at Jackson Hole ... and the rifle put three rounds into 2" centered on the 300 yard gong. Good enough to hunt with for sure.

My 338 Win Mag wears a Leupold 2.5X8 and I am perfectly happy with it. I see no reason to change.

However, I find myself liking higher power scopes as of late, and if I were to change it out I would buy a Leupold 3.5X10 with the B&C reticle.

Mine wears a 2.5x8 Leupold.