If shooting is what you do for a living, you might want to consider a reliable scope.
A scope is one of the most vital components of your rifle. It might be a make or break for you if you wish to hit your target with great accuracy.
In this guide, we will give you a walk through some of the best scopes that can be used with a .223.
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Comparison of the Best Scopes For .223
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What Makes a Scope Suitable For a .223?
The .223 rifle is a great mid to long-range rifle that is primarily for hunting purposes. It is considered a great option even when shooting at long-range targets. However, shooting at a long-range requires a suitable scope to pair up with the abilities of a .223.
Each rifle has its strengths and weaknesses. The .223 has its strength in medium to long-range shooting when paired with a powerful scope. If you own a reasonable scope, you are most likely to hit your target.
In this section, we will shed light upon what makes a scope suitable for this particular rifle.
Magnification
It is probably the most important feature to consider when buying a scope for a .223 rifle. If you plan on shooting long-range targets, you might want a higher magnification on your scope. It will not only improve your accuracy but will also provide you with a clear vision.
Durability
Well, you cannot deny the importance of having a durable product for hunting purposes. Most high-quality scopes feature scratch-resistant bodies with water, fog, and shockproof nature. It is a point to ponder when purchasing a scope for your .223 rifle.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is a critical aspect to consider when pairing a scope with any rifle. You sure don’t want to hit your eyes with that recoil. A three to four inches of eye relief would work wonders with a .223 rifle.
How Accurate is a .223?
The .223 is, without a doubt, a deadly rifle. Whether its close quarters, medium, or long-range, it can hit the target quite lethally. It is one of the most famous rifles you can encounter when hunting, especially in the United States.
It is pretty accurate, provided the user knows how to use it. However, the accuracy depends on the range at which you are shooting. The type of ammunition you use also matters, but it’s the distance that’s most important. The .223 has a high velocity, which makes it highly accurate even at long range.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Magnification: This is the minimum and maximum amount of magnification the scope provides 4x means the image is magnified four times larger than its actual size.
- Type of Reticle: The reticle is the central aiming point, also known as the crosshair, when viewed through the scope. (BDC, Firedot, and MilDot, Illuminated, and Duplex are common types).
- Parallax: The amount of visual shift that is noticeable when viewing through various angles. This occurs when the image appears behind or in front of the reticle.
- Objective Lens: This is the component used for gathering light. Larger diameters let in more light for dim lighting conditions.
- Focal Plane: This refers to whether the reticle changes size as you zoom or not. FFP (First Focal Plane) reticles change size as you zoom while SFP (Second Focal Plane) reticles are always the same size regardless of zoom.
- Eye Relief: This is the distance between your eye and the outermost lens of the scope that enables full view of the image without distortion or a black circle around the edge.
- Field of View: This refers to the width of the area you can view through the lens of the scope.
- Adjustment Type and Click Value: This is measured in MOA (Minutes Of Angle) or MRAD/MIL (Mill Radians) and both refer to the amount of correction being applied to the height and width to accurately hit your target. MOA is based on degrees and angles while MRAD is based on radial lines (units of an angle). The click value refers to how much change in the measurement occurs with each “click”.
- Length and Weight: The length of the scope and carrying weight of the scope.
Review of the Best Scopes For .223
Are you looking for a reliable scope to use with your .223? We understand that it’s not easy to find one considering the many different types of scopes available.
Don’t worry; this section will present some of the best options you have to pair with your .223.
Best Overall:Vortex Optics Crossfire II
PROS
- Reset turrets are adjustable with your finger
- Has a long eye relief and a fast-focus capability
- Lenses are anti-reflective and multi-coated for clear sight
- Features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which is ideal for hunting
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum for shock, fog and waterproof quality
CONS
- Not ideal for scout style rifles
- Customer support is not very effective
What Recent Buyers Report
A large number of buyers have already purchased this amazing scope for their rifles. They believe that it is one of the finest and most reliable scopes they have ever used. It is easy to use, handle, and re-calibrate with just fine-tuning adjustments using your fingers.
Users highly recommend buying this to anyone looking for a decent scope.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This scope has its charm. It uses a reliable Dead-Hold BDC reticle for aiming down the sights. The BDC reticle is greatly known for its hunting abilities and shooting at variable distances. Also, the eye relief is quite long, and the fast focus eyepiece enables easy reticle aiming.
Moreover, the optics have an anti-reflective nature that provides clear vision while aiming. The scope also features maximum resistance against shock, fog, and water. As a result, it becomes an ideal choice in any condition.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is one of the best products you can find in the market. The lenses are anti-reflective and multi-coated at the same time for clear vision. The scope itself is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof.
Product Specs
Magnification:
2-7x
Type of Reticle:
V-Plex
Parallax:
100 yds
Objective Lens:
32 mm
Focal Plane:
Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
9.45 in
Field of View:
5.2 – 18.3 ft/100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.25 MOA
Runner-up:Monstrum 2-7×32 AO
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PROS
- Uses an adjustable objective lens for focusing sharply
- Comes with a rangefinder reticle to calculate the distance
- Reticle illumination works perfectly at night under dim light
- Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum which is fog and waterproof
- Offers 2-7 times magnification which enables shooting 400 yards or further
CONS
- Illumination switch is very stiff
- Mounts are made of cheap quality material
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of the users are quite pleased and satisfied with the purchase. They regard this as one of the best scopes for larger caliber rifles. Users believe that it is just perfect for shooting at larger distances. Also, the reticle illumination option makes it a great choice even when shooting at night.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are several things that we find impressive about this scope. It features an adjustable objective lens that allows you a sharper focus. It also has a 2-7 times magnification capability, which makes it ideal for shooting at 400 yards or further. Additionally, it features reticle illumination in red or green for dim light operation.
Moreover, the scope features aluminum construction, which is quite durable. It is not only reliable but also quite lightweight to suit your aim and target needs. Also, the rangefinder reticle further enhances your accuracy while aiming down the sights.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this is a great scope considering the features it possesses. Built with aircraft-grade aluminum, it offers fog and waterproof performance. It features a rangefinder reticle also available for distance calculation. If long-range sniping is what you seek, this scope is probably your best bet.
Product Specs
Magnification:
2-7x
Type of Reticle:
Illuminated Rangefinder
Parallax:
Adjustable
Objective Lens:
32 mm
Eye Relief:
3.5 – 3.8 in
Field of View:
58.9 – 16.9 ft/100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.25 MOA
Best .223 Scope for the Money:Leupold VX-Freedom
PROS
- Entirely fog and waterproof
- Features a Duplex reticle with a matte finish for clear sight
- Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, so it’s light yet durable
- Lenses are scratch-resistant, which makes them highly reliable
- Comes with a Twilight Light Management System for anti-glare sight
CONS
- Turret system is very ineffective
- Adjustment knobs are made of cheap material
What Recent Buyers Report
A vast number of users think of this scope as a great value-for-money option. Yes, it is rather affordable but is also effective in terms of functionality. The scope itself features many useful features and properties that make it a great option for most buyers.
Users recommend this product to anyone looking for a scope on a tight budget.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit features a multitude of features that make it stand out. It has a Duplex reticle with a matte finish that provides crystal-clear sight. The company claims that this scope is completely fog proof and waterproof as well. Also, it is quite durable as it is made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
Additionally, it features a Twilight Light Management System, which enables anti-reflective properties for clear sight. The lenses themselves are highly durable and scratch-resistant for longevity.
Overall, the construction of this unit is of high quality, which ensures a reliable shooting experience. It also works great at larger distances.
Bottom Line
So, if you want to get the best bang for your buck, this is the perfect scope to buy. With multiple features like Twilight Light Management System and scratch-resistant properties, this unit is just ideal. Most importantly, it is quite effective for working at various ranges.
Product Specs
Magnification:
3-9x
Type of Reticle:
Duplex
Parallax:
Fixed
Objective Lens:
40 mm
Focal Plane:
Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
4.2 – 3.7 in
Field of View:
33.1 – 13.6 ft/100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.25 MOA
Best Varmint Scope For .223:BARSKA Varmint AC10048
PROS
- Comes with a scope cap and lens cloth
- Designed perfectly to withstand reverse recoil
- Has up to 20x magnification for high accuracy
- Multi-coated lenses provide clear and anti-glare sight
- Equipped with a Target Dot Reticle for easy and reliable shooting
CONS
- Some users reported durability issues
- Does not come with mounting stands
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers report this scope as a great option to purchase for your rifle. It is because it offers too much versatility with several features. At the same time, users also report their exceptional performance under most conditions. If you are looking for a scope, you might want to try out this one.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Well, this scope speaks for itself. With its various features and superb performance, it is considered an effective model at multiple ranges. It has a 6.5-20x magnification capability, which offers high accuracy. Besides, the optics are multi-coated to provide you a glare-free experience.
There is a Target Dot Reticle available with this scope for easy shooting as well.
Moreover, the scope is perfectly designed to withstand reverse recoil on large rifles. As a result, it keeps your eyes protected from any sort of injury. A scope cap and cloth are also provided to keep your scope clean and tidy for better vision. These features add incredible value to your money.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is a great scope at a great price. There are many features available with it that make it stand out when compared to other models. It is designed to withstand reverse recoil, which you can consider while shooting with a larger caliber rifle.
Also, it comes with caps and cloth for better shooting experience.
Product Specs
Magnification:
6.5-20x
Type of Reticle:
Target Dot
Parallax:
Adjustable
Objective Lens:
50 mm
Focal Plane:
Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
3.6 in
Field of View:
5.7 – 16 ft/100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.125 MOA
Best Scope For AR-15 .223:Nikon P-Tactical BDC600
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PROS
- Fully fog, shock and waterproof
- Optics are multi-coated to ensure vivid image quality
- Comes with windage and elevation adjustment turrets
- Can be used effectively for 100 to 600-yard shooting distance
- Uses a BDC 600 reticle for aiming which is quite effective at long range
CONS
- Reticle itself is not quite visible
- Not ideal for low light conditions
What Recent Buyers Report
We were able to find overwhelming responses from the users of this scope. They say that it is a great model to have on your rifle. With multiple features and several adjustability options, it makes for an ideal component to complement your scope. If quality is what you look for, users recommend picking this one.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We think that this unit offers some features which make it a great option, adding value to your money and ensuring an enhancement to your shooting performance. It offers a BDC 600 reticle for aiming down the sight, which is quite effective.
Whether it is short or long-range, this scope does the job for you. Also, the optics are multi-coated to deliver a reliable user experience under any condition. Also, it features adjustability options.
That being said, you can adjust windage and elevation with the adjustment turrets available. Moreover, the scope is ideally designed to provide a clear vision for long-range shooting. Overall, it is a great scope.
Bottom Line
If variable range shooting is what you prefer, this product will be a good choice for you. Not only is it fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof, but it also provides extra adjustments. It comes with adjustment turrets to adjust windage and elevation for different distances, making it multi-purpose.
Product Specs
Magnification:
3-9x
Type of Reticle:
BDC
Parallax:
Fixed at 100 yds
Objective Lens:
40 mm
Focal Plane:
Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
3.6 in
Field of View:
33.5 – 11.5 ft/100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.25 MOA
Best Scope For .223 Long Range:Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn
PROS
- A great scope with a high-definition clear vision
- Excellent fingertip adjustment windage and elevation
- Works perfectly under low light with 3 to 9x magnification
- Beautifully designed and tested to increase its durability and performance
- Offers a fast-focus eyepiece alongside windage and elevation adjustments
CONS
- Crosshairs are a bit on the thicker side
- Does not come with scope cap or cloth
What Recent Buyers Report
Users seem to be extremely satisfied with the purchase. Most of them believe that this is a great scope considering its price tag. It is not only deadly accurate but also quite easy to use. The fine-tune adjustments for windage and elevation make it even more accurate. The reports suggest that this is a must-have for your rifle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What impresses us about this scope is its overall build quality. It offers a brilliant HD clear sight to its bearer. Beautifully designed, it is highly durable and tested for superior performance as well. It also works wonders in dim light with 3 to 9x magnification.
It also features a fast-focus eyepiece and adjustments for windage and elevation.
Additionally, the scope provides superior performance and durability than most traditional models. It is fully resistant to fog or water, which makes it ideal for any situation. If clear vision is your priority, this is one of the best scopes you can find.
Bottom Line
Looking for a reliable scope? Well, don’t look any further. This is one of the most reliable models available, both in terms of durability and performance. It works great in low light and offers great versatility with many tweaking options.
Product Specs
Magnification:
3-9x
Type of Reticle:
Multi-X
Parallax:
Fixed
Objective Lens:
40 mm
Focal Plane:
Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
6 in
Field of View:
13.6 – 40 ft/100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.25 MOA
Best Scope for .223 Bolt-Action Rifle:Vortex Viper HS LR
PROS
- Great for shooting at long range
- Very durable and scratch-resistant, makes it last longer
- Features an XLR reticle with hash marks to dial for bullet drop
- Optics are XR multi-coated to capture most light in a dim environment
- Comes with target-style elevation turrets for fine-tuning and other adjustments
CONS
- Power ring is quite stiff
- Slightly pricier than other alternatives
What Recent Buyers Report
Well, the huge amount of positive reviews say it all. Nearly all positive reviews for this product suggest the outstanding quality and performance of this scope. Many users explain their experience with it as simply one of the best, particularly due to the robust construction.
It is very durable and reliable and offers superior performance than most traditional scopes. Many expert buyers highly recommend it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The scope is ideally designed for long-range shooting. It features an XLR reticle that has hash marks to dial-up for bullet drop at larger distances. Optics are superb with XR multi-coating that enable maximum light capture even under low light.
Meanwhile, there exist target-style elevation turrets for elevation adjustment as well. Also, its highly durable and scratch-resistant construction makes it ideal for any situation. Moreover, the scope features an enhanced build quality as a whole. Whether it is the aiming reticle or the construction, everything is of high-quality.
Also, it ensures that you hit your target from far-off with the bullet-drop calibration option.
Bottom Line
Well, if you can buy it, nothing gets better than this scope. Despite being pricey, with tons of different features and adjustability options, this unit is second to none. If long-range shooting is what you do, this product won’t disappoint.
Product Specs
Magnification:
6-24x
Type of Reticle:
XLR MOA
Parallax:
50 yds to infinity
Objective Lens:
50 mm
Focal Plane:
First Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
4 in
Field of View:
5.1 – 17.8 ft/100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
1 MOA
Should Any Scope Be Used on a .223?
The answer is no. Not all scopes are designed to work with a .223 Remington rifle. They are designed based on a specific purpose or a specific set of rifles. Different scopes feature various visibility and aiming options that suit certain rifles.
The .223 is usually known as a more suitable choice for a mid to long-range rifle that requires a scope with higher magnification. Any scope with little magnification would just render the rifle useless considering its strength of shooting at long range.
Therefore, if you own a .223, you might want to consider a scope that has a higher magnification for a reliable experience.
How Far Will a .223 Shoot?
The 223-caliber rifle is considered as a mid to long-range rifle. It uses the .223 round, as the name suggests. Unlike other rifles, the .223 is capable of hitting targets at medium to long-range. This range can vary from 200 yards to nearly 600 yards.
However, with the increasing distance, the accuracy of the rifle might deteriorate. At 600 yards or longer, there is less chance of bullets hitting the target. Ideally, you would want to shoot anything from 200 to 400 yards with this rifle. It depends on the type of bullet as well.
Conclusion
You can find a ton of different types of scopes available in the market. Choosing one of them is not an easy task by any means. Therefore, we have come up with some reliable options for your .223 caliber rifle. These will not only improve your accuracy but also provide a reliable shooting experience.
People Also Ask
There are always some questions in the buyer’s mind at the time of purchasing the product. Addressing those questions is vital to ensure you buy the perfect product. Therefore, we have listed some questions here that are often asked by buyers. These might help you find the right answer to yours.
What Does .223 Mean?
There are different types of rounds or bullets used by different rifles. Some use larger rounds while others do not. The type of bullets you need depends on the type of rifle you have. The 223 usually refers to the type of bullet. It is commonly used by the .223 caliber rifle.
What is the Difference Between .223 and .556?
Both the 223 and 556 are nearly identical when it comes to size. However, these bullets have some differences anyways. Despite being able to load and fire in a 556mm chamber, the 223 round is loaded to a slightly lower pressure than its counterpart, the 556.
How Fast is a .223 Bullet?
The speed of the bullet is usually determined by the dimensions of the bullet. Some bullets travel faster than others. A higher mass of a bullet would mean less speed and vice versa. For example, a 55g .223 bullet can travel as fast as 990m/s.
How Much Does a .223 Drop at 100 Yards?
The bullets usually experience a drop as they move further and further. If you are in for long-range shooting, it is essential to calculate the bullet drop. However, the bullet drop varies from the bullet to bullet. A 223 bullet drops as much as 0.0017 inches at 100 yards.
How Much Does a .223 Drop at 400 Yards?
The 223 is one of the most commonly used bullets for hunting or shooting at medium to long-range. However, at a larger distance, you might experience bullet drops. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate it to hit your target accurately. At 400 yards, a 223 can drop to as much as 32 inches.