Do you know what is the biggest advantage of being a part of the military world? Any ammunition that has been globally accepted as a military tool will, with time, make a space for itself within the sporting firearms arena.
Military prowess guarantees not just optimum efficiency but also a sense of reliability on the product. If you cant trust the ammo being used by people who protect the land then what are we even doing here, huh?
One such cartridge that has been adopted into the sporting arena due to its past experience with the US military force is the .223 Remington cartridge. Developed for war purposes, the 223 comes with a minimum of 500-yard projectile capacity and the strength to pierce into a steel shield or helmet.
Officialized in 1957 as the standard cartridge for the M16 Rifle, the 223 cartridges became accepted globally as a military cartridge. Over time, it proved to be equally suitable for hunting and shooting especially predator and varmint hunting.
The cartridge is designed in such a manner that it would be the best fit for a rifle that is lightweight and has commendable power. The scope for such a pair should also be such that it enhances the varmint shooting properties and yet remains hunter friendly. To make things easier for you, we bring forth the top 5 scopes for 223 Remington. Cause who doesn’t love a picture-perfect hunting day!
Top 5 Best Scope for 223
| Name | Specs | USP | Today's Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell AR Optics | 1-4x24 | Accuracy at its peak | Click Here |
| Vortex Crossfire II | 4-12x44 | Pocket Friendly | Click Here |
| Nikon P-Tactical | 3-9x40 | Mr. Perfect | Click Here |
| Primary Arms Gen III | 3x32 | Versatile Reticle | Click Here |
| German Precision Optics | 4-12x42 | Easy on the Eye | Click Here |
1. Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 Rifle Scope
What would you even do with a scope that has a magnification range of only 1-4x? Hunters who have not experienced the magical powers of the Bushnell AR Optics may think so! But not us. Cause right now, you can trust Bushnell more than you trust your own eye. Furthermore, not all hunts are about magnification.
This is why the Bushnell AR Optics comes under the category of the best scope for 223. Combining the power of 223 cartridges with the accuracy of Bushnell AR Optics you get what we can call the optimum short-range shoot.
The Bushnell AR Optics has a 24 mm lens is fully multi-coated and has an anti-reflective coating as well as a rain guard. This ensures better light transmission as well as better overall optical performance. So you might have to think twice before you blame the weather for a bad hunting experience.
So what is the big fuss about accuracy? Let me tell you! The Bushnell AR Optics has target turrets that give utmost precision to your target. Coupled with the caliber-specific reticles that the scope has, you can be sure that no target is missed due to a lack of accuracy. Furthermore, the fast-focus eyepiece reassures the reticle’s ability to retain the focus on even a running target.
The Bushnell AR Optics is made up of aircraft-grade aluminum and thus promises durability. A lifetime warranty is an added advantage. The scope is also waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
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2. Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 Rifle Scope
Like the Bushnell AR Optics Riflescope, Vortex Crossfire II also upholds accuracy above everything else. Yet one thing that stands out for this scope is the usability of it for mid as well as long-range shooting.
The scope has a magnification range of 4-12x which is sufficient for a considerable long-range shot. The 44mm objective lens is fully multi-coated and also retains an anti-glare coating. Basically, a large portion of the light falling onto the lens is transmitted in and the glare reduction feature ensures that of the image produced the color stability is retained. Now that is more like a picture-perfect shot.
Another feature that stands apart is the Dead-Hold BDC Reticle. Placed in the Second Focal Plane, the scope has hashmark crosshairs which make it easier for you to effortlessly place a target.
Provided with a remarkable fast-focus eyepiece, you can be sure that no animal will miss your shot! Also, the reticle feature keeps you from not fussing about the holdover estimations. The scope is also provided with commendable windage and elevation adjustments.
Molded from aircraft-grade aluminum, purged with nitrogen and sealed with an O-ring, the Vortex Crossfire II will last a lifetime. The product is also waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
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3. Nikon P-Tactical 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
Nikon P-Tactical is, without a doubt, one of the best scopes in the market. it has everything you could ask for – good optics, remarkable reticle functions, eye relief, and what not. It is fitted with the kind of features that would make it easy to use the scope for amateurs as well as professionals.
The fact that it is designed for a .223 caliber cartridge makes it all the more prominent in this list. The 98 percent light retention capacity as proposed through the fully multi-coated lens helps min ensuring better visibility even during night time.
The Nikon Sport Optics looks into the best features for the reticle, i.e., the BDC 600 reticle that is also embedded with a Spot On Ballistic Technology. The crosshairs in this scope range between 100 and 600 yards thereby making it suitable for both short-range and long-range shooting.
It also has a touch dial system that can adjust the focus range. The ability to easily reset to zero is an added advantage that might come handy for long-duration hunting. It also has a quick focus eyepiece so that you will never lose your target.
The scope is durable owing to its sturdy construction. The nitrogen purged, the O-ring sealed scope makes it water, shock, and fog-resistant.
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4. Primary Arms 3×32 Gen III Compact Prism Scope
The Primary Arms 3×32 Gen III Scope is a must-have for any dedicated hunters. But why would you call a basic scope with 3x magnification and an objective lens of a mere 32 diameter an exemplary scope when there are better ones in this list itself? That is where the reputation and name that Primary Arms have made for themselves seeps in. The scope is more reliable than any others in the Primary lens line up since it has ventured into new technical arenas to secure better standards.
The scope follows a light transmission pattern that is subservient to a prism scope rather than a traditional scope. Like most prism scopes the Primary Arms Gen III prism scope has a fixed magnification of 3x and an illuminated reticle.
The illuminated BDC reticle makes shooting at any light surroundings easy peasy! The crosshairs are also super impressive and the ACSS CQB Reticle permits shooting at 600 yards with the supersonic ammo and 250 yards with the subsonic ammo. The SLX lens is also a plus point in terms of optic quality.
The scope is rather a user-friendly one. It gives you all the mounting options you could ask for. The height adjustments are the main attractions of the scope. The rugged mount and scope has protective Durable Type II hard coating so that you will never have to worry about saying adios to this perfect scope
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5. German Precision Optics GPO Passion 4-12×42 Rifle Scope
The GPO Passion Scope is sort of like all your favorite goodies in the compact packet! Take a look at the optical quality and make sure you don’t drool over it. cause the optics are undoubtedly the best in the market. The 42 mm objective lens is bestowed with the GPO bright lens coating and Double HD objective lens technology. So what you see will be crystal clear, bright and color retained.
The Second Focal Plane Reticle allows for better target acquisition with its fast-focus eyepiece. The field of view is also worth a mention, cause no target will pass by unnoticed.
It is also fitted with quick adjustable ballistic metal-capped turrets. This makes the scope easy to use tool. Another factor worthy of mention is the eye relief! the eye relief extends up to 3.74 inch which is commendable for the scope.
Perfect for long-range shooting, the GPO Passion Scope is a sturdy device that keeps the question of longevity at bay!
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Things to Look for While Purchasing a Scope for 223
The best rifle scope for 223 cartridges would have to cope up with the 223 in terms of power and efficiency. Not exactly power with respect to the scope but efficient functioning. Nothing more nothing less.
Magnification
Cause why else are we using a scope in the first place? Keep this as your first priority while also reminding yourself about the field of view that you require. This depends on your shooting mode – long or short range. Nevertheless buying a scope with a larger magnification value will cause no harm, right? It keeps the scope open for both kinds of range views.
Optical Power
Highlight this – a hundred times! Optical power is a must for any scope. This starts with the lens diameter. The larger the lens, the better the light transmission. But then again when doing for a bigger lens make sure that it is not bulky. You do not need a scope that would bring down the rifle. Especially when the 223 is made suitable for lightweight rifles.
Another factor is the lens coatings. Within the different kinds of lens coatings, we can assure ourselves that the best mode for light transmission is guaranteed. Added features like glare reduction, color fidelity are all equally important.
Durability
Keeping in mind the bucks you are going to splurge in getting that one perfect scope, pressing on longevity is not too much to ask for. While a lifetime warranty is a reassurance, other features like good built, protective coatings are all equally reliable factors.
Reticle
Reticle functioning is an important criterion as it determines accuracy over other things. The 223 cartridges are well appraised for the accuracy of a shot. A good reticle has not just good markers to keep one’s aim intact but also ensures easier aim acquisition for beginners.
Eye Relief
Do we even need to expound upon this? Cause who in the right sense of mind would want to hurt oneself! Keep an eye open for the third eye or else buy scopes that would not bang into your head.
Conclusion
We have done our part of the job. The above listicle is well researched and designed. The whole purpose of the list is to reduce confusion and we hope that is what you felt too. Less confusion. More clarity. Remember your needs before jumping into the conclusion. Don’t jump anyway. Your rifle and cartridge are not going anywhere. Use what is best for the 223 as well as best for you as an individual.
So what are you waiting for? Purchase right now and hunt your target down. We are waiting.