There is no doubt that the .223 Remington has been gaining in popularity for the excellent performance in the hunting world since its advent many years ago. So, when you choose to buy such a gun, you should fully take advantage of its potential in hunting, aiming, shooting and defending.
You can find a wide range of accessories tailor-made for this perfect rifle, but it’s also difficult to pick the best one out of hundred models in the market.
If you are struggling with finding the best scope for 223, join me in the next few minutes to see the experts’ recommendations.
Table of Contents
Product Comparison Table
| Product Name | Product Detail |
|---|---|
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane  Highlights • Magnification: 4-12x44mm • The Dead-Hold BDC reticle • Long eye relief • A fully multi-coated, anti-reflective optical system • Aircraft grade aluminum construction | |
Bushnell AR Optics  Highlights • Magnification: 3-9x40mm • Fully multi-coated lens • Drop Zone-223 BDC Ballistic Reticle • Side focus parallax adjustment • Target turrets • Aluminum alloy and anodized finish | |
Nikon M-223 4-16x42M BDC 600  Highlights • Magnification: 4-12x40mm • BDC 600 Reticle • Rapid Action Turrets • Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets • Nikon's Spot On Ballistic Match Technology | |
Primary Arms 4-14x44 FFP Rifle Scope  Highlights • Magnification: 4-14x44mm • First focal plane • ACSS Orion reticle • Go with different rifles • 3-year warranty from the manufacturer | |
Nikon M-223 4-16x42M BDC 600  Highlights • Magnification: 4-16x42mm • Quick-focus eyepiece • Fully multi-coated optics • Lifetime warranty |
Top-rated 223 Scopes: Updated For 2019
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane
If you take hunting very serious, you must have heard of Vortex, a legend for top quality rifle accessories with plenty of value-added features.
No wonder Vortex has some of the best scopes for your 223.
The Crossfire II is the most innovative product line of the manufacturer so this scope won’t let you down.
It has a huge zoom of 4 to 12x, which is ideal for shooting in medium to long range. Together with the 44mm objective lens, Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane promises to give you a large and clear vision for hunting.
Another thing we love about Vortex scope is the dead hold SFP reticle with thinner posts, which helps to reduce image obstruction and promote clearer view. The reticle is placed in the second focal plane to retain the same appearance of your target.
Thanks to the aircraft grade aluminum alloy of the body, the Vortex accessory for 223 is approximately 1.1 pounds, which is very handy especially for new hunters. The premium material also adds more sturdiness to the product.
First timers may face some problems with the resettable MOA turrets. Although it is an innovation of Vortex, you may notget accustomed to this new technology at first.
| Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane is an all-rounded riflescope for those who want to try new things to get better results in hunting. |
Pros:
- Super lightweight and durable
- Perfect specifications for various range
- Built from high-quality materials
- Advanced SFP reticle
Cons:
- Awkward MOA turrets
2. Bushnell AR Optics
If Vortex offerings are a bit out of your budget, have a look at Bushnell AR Optics.
Apart from the excellent magnification, which is from 3x to 9x, and the objective lens, which are 40mm, the Bushnell scope features a second focal plane, which enables zeroing at 100 yards, aiming points at the maximum of 500 yards.
Such incredible figures for a 223 scope!
Bushnell AR Optics is one of the most durable scopes for 223. The whole body and lens are multi- and fully coated, giving you brilliant brightness from dusk till dawn. The outermost layer is waterproof, scratch-proof and rust-proof. So, buying a Bushnell is very cost-effective as you can use it for ages.
Also, the nitrogen sealing process, which is applied for the optics, will be useful for preventing moisture from both the inside and the outside.
However, the erector cap is down to the bottom, so you can hardly use the low scope rings, which may limit your hunting experience.
| If you want fire with the average magnification, there is no better choice than Bushnell AR Optics. |
Pros:
- A nitrogen-purged lens with multilayers
- Standing the test of the time
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Inconvenient position of the erector cap
- Large dots in the reticle
3. Nikon P-223 BDC 600 Riflescope
When it comes to a riflescope, it would be a great mistake not to mention Nikon.
A big bonus for Nikon’s products is the lifetime warranty policy, in which your defected scope can be repaired or replaced for free.
As for the renowned 223, we highly recommend you try the P-223 BDC 600 riflescope. The P-223 series is customized for AR-style rifles with Nikon spot-on ballistic match technology.
Not only compatible with the trajectory of the .223 Rem and the 55-grain polymer tip bullet, but the BDC 600 reticle also offers shooters unique open circle aiming points and hash marks from 100 to 600 yards. This will assist your field of view, making shooting from a far distance more correct.
The zero-reset turret with spring-loaded adjustment knob comes in handy when you are chasing both standstill and moving targets.
The only thing that may make you reconsider Nikon P-223 BDC 600 is the image quality. It is not as clear as other scopes even though this is certainly not a cheap product.
| Specially made for the 223, Nikon P-223 BDC 600 will be a helpful companion for further shooting. |
Pros:
- Effective light transmission
- Efficiently targeting
- Sturdy and endurable
- Custom-made for the 223
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Low image quality
- No mounting ring included
4. Primary Arms 4-14 x 44 FFP Rifle Scope
Though Primary seem less famous than the other competitors in the list, they still bring to the rifle scope market some of the best options.
One of those is certainly the Primary Arms 4-14×44 FFP Rifle Scope.
As the product name suggests, the scope offers a tremendous range of magnification from 4 to 14. The objective diameter is 44mm, equipped with the ACSS Orion hunting reticle.
Thanks to the one-of-a-kind reticle, Primary scopes are not only compatible with the 223, but they are also feasible with other types of rifles such as the 308 or 30-06. So, if you own more than one hunting gun, this is an optimal choice.
Another plus point of Primary products is the minimal design with the stylish matte black coating. The finished body is also water-resistant and shockproof with nitrogen sealing.
Needless to say, the scope adds some beauty to your hunting beast.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer couldn’t manage the quality of the Primary well. There are some reports about some defects in the lens, mostly due to the importation from Asian factories, which are known for the uneven quality.
Still, this is one of the best way to reduce manufacture cost.
| If you are collecting rifles, think about Primary Arms 4-14×44 FFP as an extra component for your whole collection. |
Pros:
- Extensive shooting range
- Versatile, fit in many rifles
- Durable aluminum construction
- Sleek and fashionable appearance
Cons:
- Inadequate quality control
5. Nikon M-223 4-16 x 42M BDC 600
Another son of Nikon appears in the top list for scope rifle is the Nikon M-223 4-16x42M BDC 600.
Included in the M series for 223 scopes, you still have all the best points of the Nikon P series riflescope but for further ranges. This version gives you 4-16 times magnification, a 42mm objective lens.
Therefore, Nikon M-223 is an excellent choice for your 223 if you usually chase within a far distance.
Still, a compact body at nearly 1.2 pounds, water resistance, fog resistance, lifetime warranty, 100% light transmission and precise hand-turn click to adjust.
The best thing about this product is the oversized lens with a quick-focus eyepiece, allowing you to gain fast and instant target acquisition, while 100% light transmission makes it possible for hunting in the dark.
What a perfect addition to all lever-action rifle for long ranges!
The thing is, Nikon M-223 4-16x42M BDC 600 is great for entry level only. After you have some experience with hunting, you will want to have something more flexible and more precise.
| With Nikon M-223 4-16x42M BDC 600, hunting in severe conditions will no longer a problem. |
Pros:
- Best for long range shooting
- Work well in low light condition
- Useful eyepiece for instant focus
Cons:
- Simple and not very accurate
And The Winner Is
If you still following our 223 scope review, we believe you have an overall view of the huge world of the riflescope.
Choosing only one product is a challenge for us too.
But with the experience of using this rifle, Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane will be in the first place in the race.
The popularity of Vortex Optics is what we trust. Also, it is sturdy, versatile, user-friendly, not too weighty and of course has a sleek design.
If you are thinking about upgrading your 223, remember to check the Vortex Optics.
If you’re still reluctant, scroll down to see the ultimate guidelines for the best 223 scope.
Buying Considerations For 223 Scope
Reticle
This is a thin liner in your scope lenses. Some find it distractive, some think it’s great to assist your aiming point. You can see many variations of riflescope reticle, but the most popular is as follow:
BDC reticle or bullet drop compensating reticle
It has a modified crosshair with dot markings under the middle. BDC reticle can predict target moving over the long range.
Mil-dot reticle
In mil-dot reticle, milliradian dots are placed on the crosshair, enabling the hunter to get the relative distance from the target.
Illuminated reticle
This is a kind of reticle featured in hi-tech scope. The light which “illuminates” the crosshair is used in poor hunting scenarios, for example in a cloudy day or during the night.
Dot reticle
There is a red dot in the middle of the reticle for better targeting. However, if the dot is too big or the color is too bright, it may cause distraction.
Glass
The heart of the scope is, without a doubt, the optics or lens.
So, the main component, which is the glass, is the most essential thing for your consideration to buy a scope.
The high-qualified glass should improve your vision, giving a sharp and clear picture of your target.
A rule of thumb is not to go for multiple layers of the lens as it weights up your rifle. The most ideal choice is fully multi-coated lenses with each coating performing a different function.
Magnification
It is the figure that shows you how well a scope can zoom in and magnify and how accurate a hunter can be when firing the rifle from a far distance.
However, it’s not always the case that the wider the magnification, the better. It depends on your gun as well.
The 223 is suitable for long range shooting, so the 4x and above is perfect.
FAQs
Does Entry-Level Hunter Need A Scope?
Regardless of your level, a scope for lever action rifles is necessary. When you just take up hunting by practicing shooting standstill targets, you can opt for a reasonable scope with some basic features.
What Is The Appropriate Size For A 223 Scope?
When you pick up a rifle scope specially made for the 223, the size will be fit without any adjustment.
However, if you have an ideal scope in mind but not sure if it is compatible with your 223 rifles, my answer is to stick with a 1-inch tube. 223 scopes are often lighter because the gun is usually used for long range hunting and you don’t want to carry a burden on your way.
How To Mount A Scope On A 223?
The contacting points lie in the rings and bases. When you match these two components, make sure the height and diameter have the right dimensions.
You should also use some screw for tightening. After that, do some sampling adjustments in the magnification and eye relief to know if the scope works well.
Do The 223 Scopes Have A Flip-up Cover?
Normally, there is no cover in a scope package as the current model is easy to mount and demount. So, the additional coverage becomes redundant. When you don’t use the scope, just take it apart from the rifle body and put it in your backpack. You can better maintain the 223 scopes this way rather than a cover.
What Is The Best Reticle For 223 Scopes?
Currently, BDC reticle is the most common and easiest to use. Still, you have specific purposes for hunting, you can consider other options as BDC reticle is not suitable for going into details.
To Cut Along Story Short
Finding the right 223 scopes will take time to try and research. Our review is a reference for you to shorten the preparation period.
Our top suggestion for your trial is Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane. It is well finished from the construction to the efficiency.
Still, your best scope for 223 is your decision.
Based on the buying guides, hopefully, you will meet your lifetime favorite from our suggestion list. If you already find your true love, don’t hesitate to share with us in the comment section.
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