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Best Rifle Scope for 223 Remington

Man aiming savage 110

The .223 Remington was introduced back in 1964, and became an iconic caliber after its use by the US Army in its M16s. Now, it is a widely available, affordable cartridge that is extremely popular.

This is a great caliber for varmint hunting, though some hunters use it for medium and even larger game. A quality scope is absolutely essential for hunters to guarantee an ethical kill. The scope is as important an investment as the rifle itself, and your unique needs ultimately determine which scope is right for you. This article will guide you through some of the considerations that are specific to use with the .223 Remington cartridge.

Magnification

Choose your magnification based on the distances you will actually be shooting. It’s not necessarily better to get more magnification than you need: it can be difficult to find targets that are close to you with a high powered lens, and higher magnification results in a less crisp image and transmits less light. So before you grab for the highest magnification you can afford, do some thinking about how you intend to use your rifle most frequently.

If you’ll be shooting close ranges, which for the .223 Remington are up to 200 yards, you’ll do well with a magnification of 2-5x. In medium ranges of 200-400 yards, a magnification of 3-9x will help you see your targets clearly. If you are shooting long distances over 400 yards, you will need a magnification of 10x or higher.

In addition to considering the distance you’ll be shooting, consider the size of your targets. If you are shooting varmints at 150 yards, you’ll need more magnification than if you are shooting coyotes.

If you want the option to use the same scope for a multitude of distances and targets, choose a variable scope. These provide a range of magnifications, and you can find your targets and then zoom in on them. For typical use with the .223 Remington, a 2-7x or a 3-9x magnification will work well.

Eye Relief

For use with the .223 Remington, you’ll want at least 3 inches of eye relief. This ensures that the scope doesn’t hit you in the eye when you fire your gun.

In Conclusion…

Whenever you are buying a scope, choose a durable scope from a quality manufacturer. Make sure your lenses are “fully multicoated,” meaning weatherproofing and anti-reflective coat has been applied to every surface of glass. A scope is an important investment: if you are able to get a lifetime warranty, do so. For the .223 Remington, opt for the lower magnification settings that help this caliber do what it does best.