Tallest,you asked because you want to learn.Its not about judging what another hunter uses. I get that.
I'll tell you what works for me,and why.
First,on big game,with iron sights,how far would you be confident? I think most folks would be good at 100 yds.I'm leading up to a general guideline,that 1X for every 100 yds is adequate for a heart/lung shot placement.
As has been mentioned,the fixed 4X was a fine scope for decades.Its still just as good.
Optical quality and having your ocular properly focused for a sharp reticle enable you to see /resolve well.
For hunting,my style relies on familiarity.The same scope field and reticle every time.I rangefind and kentucky with my duplex. Variable powers (second focal plane) change my reticle values. My favorite hunting scope is a 6x42 Leupold.( I live in Colorado)
I actually sight in at 300 yds.I can clearly see the diamond on the orange sight in target.The 257 AI puts the bullets in the diamond. 250 yd prairie dogs are no problem.For myself,I start thinking "Too far" about 400 yds. My 6X is good. How much more do I need?
Objective size...Most folks eye pupil will go 7mm in full dark,and about 5mm or less in hunting light. Which brings us to exit pupil size. Divide objective by power,you get exit pupil.My 6x42 has a 7mm exit pupil.Its all my eye can use.Its a great low light scope. But now,at 10X,to have a 5mm exit pupil,you need a 50 mm objective. As you choke down exit pupil,more magnification does not help you see better. To take advantage of high magnification,you need a large objective lens. Then we need high rings..There is more to this than having a big,clunky,heavy scope from oak brush to talus at 8000 feet...
I shoot best when I bring the rifle to my face and the fit gives me clear,full field of view with my reticle on target. I don't get that if tall rings make me lift my face off the rifle.
I don't need more field of view,my rifle and scope point like a shotgun.
I built this rifle on a Mexican 98 Mauser. With the scope,it weighs 7 lbs.It has very low rings.
The duplex is always the same.Its about 7 MOA,or 2 mils. So if an antelope body height fits the duplex,its about 200 yds. If he fits center to post,about 400. Its not as precise as a laser,but the trajectory of my 257 is forgiving of a little error.I'm not guessing the range. Thats instantly in the scope,all the time.
If I sight in exactly at 300 yds,the upper hanging duplex post is dead on at 100 yds.The lower post is on at 430 yds.(I know there are variables.altitude,etc) Most of my shots have been 200 to 300 yds.
Without reaching for a rangefinder,I can estimate range and interpolate a hold using that consistent,fixed duplex.It has become instinctive. I generally don't carry my Leica rangefinder anymore.Too much time,fumbling,and hand movement.
I don't think its prejudice. I have a package that,IMO,is elegant for what I do with it.
Sometimes,less is more.