What is the best scope for 223 hunting? Today we will show you the best scopes for 223 Remington harboring beneficial features to help unlock your full potential and deliver the best shooting performance.
The 223 Remington is a well-known caliber in the field of target shooting and varmint hunting. It is a rimless bottlenecked cartridge that is loaded to roughly 55,000psi. Besides, it is accurate in all environments and can shoot accurately up to about 250 yards.
A worthy scope is paramount to fully harness the capabilities of this cartridge. With the right rifle scope at hand, you will achieve unmatched accuracy in the fields or shooting range. On top of that, you will be able to elevate your hunting or target shooting expeditions to new heights.
What Makes a Great Scope for 223 Remington?
A great scope for 223 Remington is characterized by a comprehensive set of features that work together to optimize the performance and versatility of this round. These features include:
Versatile Magnification
Firstly, a great scope for 223 Remington should have an adjustable and versatile magnification power to match its multifunctionality.
Optical Clarity
Furthermore, the scope should have premium-quality glass elements that provide high-quality image views in all settings. The lenses should also feature anti-reflective lens coatings to boost light transmission and reduce internal reflection of light.
Lightweight Construction
The lightweight and portable design is another attribute of a great scope for 223 Remington. The more lightweight a scope is, the more convenient to use it becomes.
Durable
The best scopes for 223 Remington should have a housing that is crafted with quality materials to maximize durability and longevity.
Adjustability
Lastly, a great scope for 223 Remington should have easily adjustable windage and elevation to enable quick and accurate shooting.
8 Best Scopes for 223 Remington
Finding a scope for a specific type of cartridge or rifle can be a daunting task, especially in a market flooded with numerous options. If you are in the market for the best scopes for 223 Remington, we have put together this comprehensive guide for you.
Let’s dive in:
1) Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm rifle scope is perfect for any occasion. Mounting it on your .223 rifle will greatly improve the accuracy and target acquisition speed. Increase your efficiency in the hunting grounds with a dedicated scope by your side.
The variable 1-6x magnification power provides both quick target acquisition and holds points for specific ammunition at longer ranges. This makes it a perfect companion for both hunting and shooting at close to medium ranges.
Furthermore, the scope has fully multi-coated optics which maximize light transfer. This results in the production of bright and detail-rich image views from sunrise to sunset. On top of that, the scope has a large field of view which makes it easy to find targets.
As one of the best scopes for 223 Remington, this optic is crafted with durability in mind. It has a 30mm, single-piece tube made from aluminum. The robust construction is then complemented by an IPX-7 waterproof rating to ensure that wet weather doesn’t keep you out of the field.
Features
- Second focal plane BTR-1 reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 1-6x zoom magnification
- IPX-7 waterproof rating
- 30mm main tube
- Aluminum housing
- Matte black finish
- Capped turrets
- Fast-focus eyepiece with knurled zoom ring
- Throw down the PCL zoom deployable lever
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Lighted reticle
- Overall build quality
- Clear and quality glass
- Good reticle
Cons
- Stiff throw lever
- No mount included
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is a versatile scope that pairs well with the 223 Remington. It has a heavy-duty construction and a ton of other great features that guarantee reliable performance in all fields.
The highlight of this scope is low-light performance. It employs Leupold’s legendary Twilight Light Management System which provides more glassing light in poor light settings. This enhances optical clarity which is vital for accurate target identification and quick acquisition.
Moreover, the scope is built to last. It has a rugged design made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum. On top of that, the scope has scratch-resistant lenses to ensure additional protection in the field.
Another highlight of the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is portability. It has a lightweight design of 12.2oz for effortless carrying in the field. This rifle scope also brings to the table a body that is fully waterproof and fogproof to be usable in all weather conditions.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Twilight Light Management System
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustment
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 1-inch body tube
- Matte finish
- 60 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
Pros
- Affordable
- Clear and quality glass
- Tactile capped turrets
- Ease of use
- Ruggedized construction
Cons
- Fragile windage adjustment dial
3) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Designed for value and performance, the AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is an incredible sighting tool for hunting. It excels at close and medium ranges and performs in nearly all kinds of lighting and weather conditions.
The scope build quality is a force to reckon with. It is battle-proven to weather whatever abuse comes its way. On top of that, the optical tube has dependable waterproof, dustproof and fogproof protection to be ready for anything Nature throws at it.
To complement the ruggedized construction, this riflescope has a dual tritium/fiber optic reticle illumination system which provides a clear and vibrant aiming point under any light setting.
Over and above that, the multi-layer coated lenses ramp up light transmission to provide superior clarity, zero distortion and glare reduction as well.
Features
- 3-9x total magnification
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 1-inch main tube
- Type III hard anodized finish
- Multi-layer coated lenses
- Dual-illuminated Mil-Dot reticle
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
- Bindon aiming concept
- 50 MOA adjustment range
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Excellent build quality
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Narrow eye relief at max power
4) Primary Arms SLx Series 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best scopes for Remington 223, the Primary Arms SLx Series 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope offers the best balance of precision, value and versatility. It is perfect for hunting and shooting on the range at medium to long ranges.
The scope has an adjustable 4-14x magnification offered in a front focal plane reticle. This guarantees precision aiming in all ranges. The reticle stays true at all magnifications and helps with range estimation.
Another impressive facet of this rifle scope is durability. It is crafted from a high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum body for sturdiness and rigidity. Additionally, it is shockproof, waterproof and fog-resistant for unimpeded performance in all environments.
The other noteworthy and convenient features the Primary Arms SLx Series 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope boasts include side adjustable parallax adjustment, fast focus eyepiece and excellent glass clarity.
Features
- Variable 4-14x magnification power
- 30mm main tube
- Anodized matte finish
- The first focal plane traditional Mil-Dot reticle
- Tactile and audible windage and elevation adjustments
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Side adjustable parallax
Pros
- Excellent glass clarity
- Easy to use
- Good value for the price
- Open turrets
Cons
- Poor eye relief
5) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Rifle Scope is by far the best budget scope for 223 Remington. It is high-powered to get you close to distant targets and enhance your precision at all ranges.
Vortex makes its optics with durability in mind and this model is not any different. It is built from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum which guarantees durability without being unnecessarily heavy.
Furthermore, the scope is purged with argon gas to prevent fog build-up internally and waterproofed to ensure smooth operability in less ideal weather conditions. It is also hard anodized against scratches and corrosion that causes rust when you use the scope in wet environments.
And that’s not all. The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Rifle Scope has a lightweight design of 14.0z for easy portability. It also boasts a broad 60 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range for use in all kinds of terrains.
Features
- 4-12x magnification range
- Hard anodized finish
- SFP Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 1-inch tube diameter
- 1/4 MOA adjustment range
- Pop-up dials for windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Bright and clear optics
- Lightweight
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Top-notch accuracy
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
- Non-illuminated
6) Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40mm Rifle Scope
Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40mm Rifle Scope is one of the best scopes for 223 Remington for hunting. It is designed to provide exceptional visibility in low light and help you acquire targets in a clean, ethical manner.
The scope is built ready for use in all environments. It has an ultra-sturdy aircraft grade aluminum body which provides next-level durability and strength even in unforgiving terrains. On top of that, the scope is fogproof and IPX-7-rated against moisture, dust and debris.
Cementing the quality construction is fully multi-coated lenses that optimize optical clarity by ramping up light transmission. These coatings not only boost light transfer but also protect the scope from scratches and abrasions for added protection in the field.
Above all, the Talos 4-16x40mm Rifle Scope has a relatively lightweight design so it is portable, easy to shoot with and efficient at scattering heavy recoil.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Matte finish
- 4-16x total magnification power
- Waterproof and nitrogen-purged
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-inch body tube
- 40mm objective lens
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Clear glass
- Great price
- Superb low-light visibility
Cons
- Narrow eye relief at max power
7) Athlon Optics Cronus BTR Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Next up, we have the Athlon Optics Cronus BTR Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. This low-power variable scope is an excellent companion for those looking to take their hunting or shooting to the next big level.
It is crafted using premium quality glass elements to ensure bright, clear and sharp images, with little to no chromatic fringe. On top of that, the scope has advanced fully multi-coated lenses which effectively reduce internal light reflection and increase transmission of light. This gives you bright image views even in low-light settings.
Not only is the optical performance of this scope incredible, but also the convenience features. It boasts a precision zero-stop system that you use to lock down your zero position. additionally, the dial turrets for windage and elevation are exposed to allow you to make adjustments quickly and with ease.
Above all, the Athlon Optics Cronus BTR Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope is built with the most durable materials to maximize performance and guarantee durability even with everyday use.
Features
- One-piece tube construction
- Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof
- Exposed tactical direct dial turrets
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- High-precision erector system
- Advanced fully multi-coated optics
- Second focal plane glass etched reticle
- UHD glass elements
- 30mm tube diameter
- 1-6x total magnification
Pros
- Lighted reticle
- Clear glass
- Excellent fit and finish
- Long eye relief
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- Comparatively costly
8) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope
Our last scope recommendation for the 223 Remington is the Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35. If you mainly shoot at constant targets at close range, this fixed power rifle scope suits you.
While this optic is designed for military personnel, it has a comprehensive set of features that make it ideal for sporting and tactical applications. This includes the significantly large field of view which helps with quick target scanning, monitoring and acquisition.
Another stand-out feature of the scope is battery-free illumination. It uses tritium/fiber optic technology to illuminate the reticle and ensure confident aiming in low light. Combining the assets of a large field of view, moderate magnification and lighted retile ensures outstanding fire control in all situations.
What’s more this optic has a rugged construction from forged 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum alloy. It also has dependable protection from water, dust, fog and other elements to ensure reliability under any condition.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Multi-coated lenses
- Moderate 3.5x fixed zoom power
- Forged 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum
- Bindon aiming concept
- Tritium/fiber optic illumination technology
- Carry handle mount
Pros
- Large field of view
- Battery-free reticle illumination
- Outstanding durability
- Excellent clarity
Cons
- Short eye relief
Further Reading
- Best Scopes for 30-06 Springfield
- LPVO for 6.5 Grendel
- Best Scopes for 400 Yards
- Leupold Scopes for 300 Yards
- Best 350 Legend Riflescopes
Best Scopes for 223 Remington Buyer’s Guide
Criteria for Choosing the Best Scopes for 223 Remington
Investing in a rifle scope is an important decision and the goal is to get a scope that satisfies your shooting needs. The market is flooded with optics and selecting a rifle scope from the large pool can be taxing. To make the selection process easier, here are the main considerations to keep in mind:
Magnification Range
The first thing to keep in mind is the magnification range. 223 Remington in a highly versatile cartridge suitable for a ton of shooting applications at close, medium and long ranges.
Go for a scope that offers a broad and variable magnification power. This way, you will be able to adapt to all the distances you will shoot at without breaking a sweat.
Durability
The durability of the best scopes for 223 Remington is directly proportional to the construction quality and type of materials used.
Look for a scope that is built with hard-wearing materials such as aircraft-quality aluminum. Additionally, it is wise to get a scope that is shockproof, impactproof proof and weatherproof.
Read: Best AR 15 ACOG Scopes
Reticle Design
The type of reticle a scope employs goes a long way to determine the overall shooting precision. Determine the kind of shooting you anticipate to primarily use the scope for and look for a model that has the ideal reticle design.
Will you be shooting in low-light conditions? An illuminated reticle is necessary to make the target more visible. There are different reticle options and it’s advisable to choose a reticle you are familiar with to make the shooting process easier.
Weight
Weight is the other thing to take into account. It varies from one rifle scope to the other depending on the type of glass and the quality of materials used.
We recommend a product with not more than 2 lbs for the best scopes for 223 Remington. The lighter the better, especially for hunting where you have to carry the scope around looking for a game.
Read: Best Leupold Scopes for 308
Eye Relief
This is a crucial parameter to consider when buying a scope for a .223 Remington. It measures the distance from the exit pupil of the scope to your eye. When a rifle recoils, you can get scoped, to prevent that from occurring, you should choose a rifle scope with adequate eye relief.
An ideal eye relief should provide an unobstructed field of view when your eye is further from the scope. The best scopes for 223 Remington should have an eye relief of 3.5 to 4 inches because it ensures a comfortable and safe shooting experience.
Lens Quality
When shopping for a scope for 223 Remington, it’s paramount to consider the type of lenses used and their ability to transmit light through the scope.
For efficient light transmission, the lens should be made of high-quality glass and have a lens coating to enhance the light transmission.
The amount of light funneled through the scope determines the quality of images and for crisp images in any lighting conditions, choose rifle scopes with fully multicoated lenses.
Read: Best Scopes for Browning Bar MK 3
Best Scopes for 223 Remington FAQs
Q: What Magnification is Ideal for a 223 Remington Scope?
3-9x and 4-12x are the best magnifications for a 223 Remington scope. They match the versatility of this round by allowing the shooter to pursue the game with ease at close to medium to extended ranges in all field conditions.
Q: Is Parallax Adjustment Essential for .223 Remington Scope?
Yes, parallax adjustment is essential for a 223 Remington scope. When taking shots at medium to extended ranges, you need to adjust the parallax to fine-tune your shooting precision.
Final Shot
Finding the best scopes for .223 Remington is essential to unlocking its full potential and achieving unmatched accuracy. All the scopes we have mentioned in this guide are perfect for this round and versatile enough to adapt to a wide range of shooting environments. Hopefully, we have steered you in the right direction and you are now able to find the ideal scope for your needs.