Scope Choice for .223

[Texpppr]

I have a winchester Model 70 heavy barrel .223 and took off a 6-24x scope. put on a 4-12 power. What would be the better choice for that gun. I have both still. I live in south texas and really not sure what I am going to use it for.

[MarkB]

I think it mostly depends on what you are hunting and how open the country is where you are. I thought I had decided on a 4x16 power scope for my 223, but the more I think about it, I am starting to lean toward a lower power, like 2.5x10. I am using the 223 for coyote hunting and really don't need a lot of magnification. I have a Swift 6x18 sitting on it for now, and while I can zoom in on a fly at 100 yards, it doesn't seem to be of much use for what I am hunting. Most of my shots will be in the 100 to 150 yard range, but I don't want to be stuck with too much scope for those times when a close range shot is available or if the coyote is running. The last coyote I shot was at 200 yards with my old 30-06 that has a 3x9 scope on it. Even at that range I had enough magnification to get a good look at her. Hmm, decisions, decisions....

[Bennie]

I have a 6x18 on one of my 223 and a 4.5x14 on another they are both set up mostly for pdoggin. But my wife hunts deer and other varmints with one of them and she can turn the power down when necessary.

[BozoWise]

True what are you hunting with this rifle?

I have some 223's with low power and high power scopes for different hunting opportunites.

What are the makes and models of the scopes? I would look at quality and light gathering properties before I looked into power. I have seen 3x9 Leupolds that were much more functional then the higher power cheapos. So in that case I would rather have the Leupold.

[texasshooter]

BW.... you are right on with that post. Quality of the optic should always come before power. My 223 has a leupold LRT 6.5-20 on it, but that's cuz all I use it for is shootin prairie dogs. I have thought about putting something with a little les power on it to make it a carry rifle, but it's a Rem 700 VS so it's too heavy to carry no matter what scope I put on it. If I were to scope a carry rifle, I would probably use the Leupold Vari X III 4.5-14... it's a real nice compromise. Lower power when you need to get on your target fast, but high enough on the upper end to be useful when you need it.

Just my thoughts on the subject

[BozoWise]

I'd trade you a new 4.5x14 for that LTR ;D I too love both of those scopes.

I was into the low priced power scopes in the past. They are all gone now and I will not do any of the cheaper scopes again. A rifle is only as good as the optics in my .02

[Texpppr]

For now (that is next hunt) there might be some predator hunting at deer camp. I am going to leave the 4-12x on it. but as it is a heavy barrel gun, really not realalistic as a carry all day piece anyway. hmmm

[MarkB]

BozoWise said:

True what are you hunting with this rifle?

I have some 223's with low power and high power scopes for different hunting opportunites.

What are the makes and models of the scopes? I would look at quality and light gathering properties before I looked into power. I have seen 3x9 Leupolds that were much more functional then the higher power cheapos. So in that case I would rather have the Leupold.

The 3x9 I mentioned just happens to be a Leupold. I have been completely satisfied with that scope. It's been through my "rowdy years" and has managed to hold it's zero no matter what I put it through. The Swift was borrowed off my Beeman R9 pellet rifle. The max range of it is about 40 yards, so the limitations of the glass really doesn't come into play. I couldn't agree with you more on quality vs magnification.
I have my eye on the Bushnell Elite 4200's currently. After my 3 daughters birthdays, my wedding anniversary, and Christmas I think one of the Elite 4200's might find a home on my CZ. I think it's a good all around scope and the price is within my budget.
Oh and by the way, I am currently accepting donations

[BigJ]

I put a BSA scope on mine 6x24 like the extra power for scopeing the hills when comes to pulling the trigger I drop the power down don't show my heart beat so bad
Just did a camo job on it first one ever did looks good to me. Have several people wont me to do theres

[BozoWise]

BigJ send me some pictures so i can post them.

[Texpppr]

I ended up putting the 3-12 power on (50mm), the other one 6-24 was 40mm. ended up needing to get high rings to replace the medium ones that were on there.

[ICMCumin]

Texpppr - you ought to be well-satisfied with that scope - will provide a lot of versatility...

[BigJ]

Bozowise Just did a camo job on the 223 and my new marlin 17v will take Pictures and email to you so you can post thing both tured out good for my first attempts

[sbe12g]

if you can afford the scope.......go with the ziess conquest......for me it runs circles around a loopy.

[BozoWise]

Shoot those pictures over BigJ