I have a pss in 300 win mag and i wanted to use a fixed power scope.  most of the shooting would be done under 500m.  Would a 10x or 16x scope best suit my needs at this range?

a fixed 10x or 16x? What would you do at 50m?  Can you give a specific model of optics?

May I ask why you are "fixed" on the fixed power scope?  I can see using a fixed objective.

The magnification would probably be dictated by the size targets you plan on engaging.You would need more to say,hit a dime at two hundred than a torso sized target at 500.One thing to keep in mind tho...you will need a quality peice of glass,I broke 3 cheap  scopes(the tasco went in two shots) on a 300win due to recoil,and a top o' the line mounting system is an absolute must on a heavy recoiling gun.If you tack on some 60 oz thing with huge lenses and a million knobs,you might have trouble keeping it from sliding in the rings.

I have a tasco 4-12x52 on my .300WM BAR (pre safari). NO problems ever.  Decent but not impressive low-light characteristics.

Lot o people make fun of me cause I own quite a few Tascos and talk good of them. I have had good luck with them (although alot of them are older <90s).

I'm with Boomer on this...the .300 WM is such a versatile cartridge it's hard to see a reason NOT to use a variable power 'scope.

I'd recommend something like a 4.5-14x power Leupold or similar Nightforce.  .300 WM packs a fair amount of recoil so the scope needs to be rugged.  I believe Leupold makes both a 40mm and 50mm bell version of this power.

I use a .300 WM for most of my hunting.  It's brought home everything from a 25lb Steenbuck to a 1800lb Eland at ranges from 50 to 285 yds.  I've got a 2.5-10x Zeiss on mine and it's just about perfect.  I won't take a shot at game over 300yds.  For your shooting to 500yds the extra power will be nice to have.

But I'd really recommend a medium-power variable for your rifle.

I use the 10x fixed power Springfield Armory mildot on my 300 WM PSS. Works fine out to 500yds.

I was considering the Tasco ss 10x42 or the ss16x42.  The leupold mark4 came to mind but i dont have $1100 to spend on a scope at the moment.  i read up on the tasco and noone has seemed to have any problems with them.  Would a 2.5x-12x or something in that range be my best bet?  

sfwa is having a cool sale on the 10x model, but the 16x is still only like $300. Not bad for an awesome scope.

Will someone post a link to any previous discussions on the Tasco Super Sniper scopes, please?
I came up empty on the search.  Duh-me...

And, re same scope, have any of you actually used them and what did you "see"?
I ask because I just read a LOT about them, but want to know from the Forum folks here.
Thanks.

I'm planning on the Remington 700P LTR in .308 for filling the "itch for the niche" and have a Leupold for it already, but, I'm interested in feedback on the Tasco Sniper in 10X.

I have a high $ B&L 4-16x52 that has nutttin on a old Redfield 4-16x55 I bought on clearance from Cabelas for $325. That was when they bought out GM.
I always disliked Redfield and just bought it for the cheap $ and the fact it had TT.
Later; Gun on gun, no difference at 100yds with hand loads.
The Redfield was adopted to replace the B&L optics on a AR15 Elite 24" SS. The Redfield came off a .338WM BAR! (non safari also).

"Tactical" scopes from Leopold are still in the $600s-$800s. If you are are slave to the Leopold there are a few good deals but, never for the vari-x III's.
You can get the M8-12x40mm standard varmint for <$400.

Also, the vari-X II scopes are affordable ..... and the "light gathering" characteristics are claimed better than other >40mm objectives.
4-12x40s for <$350.

.300WM BAR w/ Tasco 3-12x52 (note sweet Leopold base)

if you could peek over into Afghanastan  right now you'd see some Marines in funny suits laying in cracks and under rocks with Remington 700's with Unertl Fixed 10 powers--does that tell you anything....Dick