A spotting scope will allow for seeing hits on targets even at 1000 yds on the white part of the target, (on some days).
And it need not be the highest cost scope in order to do it. On the good days (with no mirage) 20 to 30 power will do it.
More power actually increases the problem, and a larger objective lens on the scope wont improve the situation.
The primary purpose of a larger objective is to allow more light to enter the scope, but on good clear days you wont notice the difference
between a 60 mm and an 80 mm objective for viewing. I would advise a camera system for what your trying to do over a scope.
As for the low life that shot your camera device, thats what many public ranges have become. Im surprised you found something to hang a target on. You shoot groups, but lots of others just shoot things.