Scope input please

[HntnFsh]

 Just got a smoking deal on a new Tikka T3 lite stainless 7mag. Trying to decide what scope to put on it.
Leupold VX2 3x9x40 CDS or 4X12X40 Cds. Will use it for deer and elk out to about 500 yards. Targets out to 700 or 800 yards. Pretty sure the CDS will be the limiting factor on target distances. Depending on load etc. Do you think the extra magnification of the 4x12 is worth the extra $100 for those ranges? Am I right about the CDS limiting the distance it will actually shoot when matched to the load that will be shot?

Thanks,
HntnFsh

[The scout]

I would say if you are going to poke out to 700 or 800yds more magnification would be helpful. with that gun I would put the 4.5-14 cds . but of the two mentioned the 4-12 would be my choice

[kentrek]

If doing alot of load work and target shooting 14 power will be nice...esp if shooting groups past 200 yards !

[Halo]

VX6 3-18 CDS, You just have to rob a bank or win the lotto first. They are awesome though.

[Bill W]

I'd check out the lens coatings for the scopes under consideration.  As I remember the VX series, coatings are minimal.   I learned in photography that the ED lenses were way better than the uncoated ones.  Should apply to scopes also.  This will add a little to early morning/late night opportunities and also sun glare.
Every little bit helps.   Having said that my hunting rifle has a VX2 scope and it doesn't bother me.

I like ballistic compensators as it made varmint hunting easier.  I've shot prairie dogs at 550 yards with a 12x scope and there's no problem with seeing right where they are.  Consider the 4x12 if it requires higher mounts and causes you to raise your cheek up off the stock.   My preference would be for a good cheek weld and not get any scope/rings combo that compromises that.

[Bob33]

I would choose the 4-12 between the two.

[muleyslayer]

The 3x9 would work for hunting out to 500 yards, but if your going to target out to 700 yards I'd go with the 4x12. That's just my 

[wannabhntr]

VX6 3-18 CDS, You just have to rob a bank or win the lotto first. They are awesome though.

Have this scope on my long range hunter. I absolutely love it. I Was hitting steel at 800 yards the second time I shot the gun.

[HntnFsh]

VX6 3-18 CDS, You just have to rob a bank or win the lotto first. They are awesome though.

Unfortunately  not on my list.

[tallcooljuan]

I love the simplicity of 3-9X40 scopes.  Plenty of magnification for any game coyote and larger out to 500yds.  I love watching long range hunting videos, but the more I practice shooting out to 500yds the more I know it's beyond my ethics for big game.
I appreciate having a 4-12 when sighting in and know I wouldn't be happy with anything smaller past 500yds.  Stay with a 40mm as with the scope mounted lower you will shoot better.  Also, there isn't the science nor the practical evidence to support a larger obj.
The 4-12 is definitely worth an extra $100, but it's just enough magnification to screw you up on close shots if you forget to turn it down while walking around.