Hunting / Target Scope Advice for .223

[mister308]

Hey all,

I recently purchased a neat 16.5inch .223 remington700 AAC-SD from another CGN'er. I'm having a hard time deciding on glass for it, though. This gun will be used for coyote hunts (under 300m) and also for recreational target shooting. Given the small size of holes, I have been leaning towards optics with higher magnification - namely the Vortex Viper PST 6-24 **used** (bring on the hate) but that's pushing my budget. Ideally I would like the glass to be under $900 bucks with FFP. Do you guys have any recommendations?

 

[scott_r]

I hunted the season with a Viper PST 2.5-10x32 FFP and to be honest it wasn't the best option. The turrets move waaay to easy. I lost a number of coyotes when getting out of the truck my turret moved. I taped them up but then what the point of having them. 6-24 is also alot of scope. I like my scope turned down to 3 or 4x as most they come in hard and dont stop till they near run you over. Lower power equals greater FOV which makes for easier running shots as well. 90% of your shots on coyotes will be 75-50 yards.
I know the long range tactical stuff is trendybut really not necessary on a coyote gun.
I just replaced the Vortex with a Leupold VX6 but the Leicas that Omar is selling are a heck of a scope for coyote hunting...just my humble opinion.

Cheers!!

 

[BrotherRockeye]

I like a little more x on my Varmint rifle because of the likely hood of longer shots. 4.5-14, 6-18 kinda thing.
The way I understand it, on higher x not only does your field of view deteriorate but the scopes ability to gather light as well.
Besides budget you have to consider what range you expect to be shooting at and what would best fit the application to you.
So ya...I'm no help really

 

[mister308]

I hunted the season with a Viper PST 2.5-10x32 FFP and to be honest it wasn't the best option. The turrets move waaay to easy. I lost a number of coyotes when getting out of the truck my turret moved. I taped them up but then what the point of having them. 6-24 is also alot of scope. I like my scope turned down to 3 or 4x as most they come in hard and dont stop till they near run you over. Lower power equals greater FOV which makes for easier running shots as well. 90% of your shots on coyotes will be 75-50 yards.
I know the long range tactical stuff is trendybut really not necessary on a coyote gun.
I just replaced the Vortex with a Leupold VX6 but the Leicas that Omar is selling are a heck of a scope for coyote hunting...just my humble opinion.

Cheers!!

i just thought that the illuminated reticle along with the 50mm lens would be good for those lowlight conditions. Seems like you are getting a lot of scope for the money with the Vortex, but the VX6 is out of budget unfortunately.

 

[scott_r]

i just thought that the illuminated reticle along with the 50mm lens would be good for those lowlight conditions. Seems like you are getting a lot of scope for the money with the Vortex, but the VX6 is out of budget unfortunately.

Ive never used my illuminated reticle on my PST and I only have a 32mm objective....I shoot right up to last light no issues.

I missed where you said you are shooting targets as well.

This might serve you well too

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...nge-riflescope-with-dead-hold-bdc-moa-reticle

4-16 is a great all around power,,,covers alot, not to say a 6-24 cant get it done but if you are gonna focus more on coyote hunting..big scopes with target turrets really arent needed. I missed 3 coyotes this winter from accidentally moving a turret that, I lost a good chunk of change missing those guys...still chaps my butt thinking about it lol..

Another great optic you might consider is the new Burris XTR II, pretty much the specs as the Viper PST's but better glass. Very good warranty as well.
http://www.burrisoptics.com/scopes/xtr-ii-riflescopes-series/xtr-ii-riflescope-3-15x50mm

Cheers!!

 

[mister308]

Ive never used my illuminated reticle on my PST and I only have a 32mm objective....I shoot right up to last light no issues.

I missed where you said you are shooting targets as well.

This might serve you well too

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...nge-riflescope-with-dead-hold-bdc-moa-reticle

4-16 is a great all around power,,,covers alot, not to say a 6-24 cant get it done but if you are gonna focus more on coyote hunting..big scopes with target turrets really arent needed. I missed 3 coyotes this winter from accidentally moving a turret that, I lost a good chunk of change missing those guys...still chaps my butt thinking about it lol..

Another great optic you might consider is the new Burris XTR II, pretty much the specs as the Viper PST's but better glass. Very good warranty as well.
http://www.burrisoptics.com/scopes/xtr-ii-riflescopes-series/xtr-ii-riflescope-3-15x50mm

Cheers!!

That Burris looks pretty, definitely gunna save up for that. Any word on its release?

 

[scott_r]

That Burris looks pretty, definitely gunna save up for that. Any word on its release?

I believe they are already out and a company in BC sells them...there was a post on here a few weeks back. From the reports Im hearing they are very good, competing with scopes in the 2k range and have a warranty thats excellent. Well worth saving for.

Cheers!!