Scope Power Recommendation

[Chk Chk Boom]

Hey guys, I just recently bought a .223 bolt action rifle from a fellow calgunner, and I'm looking to buy some optics for it. Though I have preferences (and a price range in mind ), I was hoping you could suggest some power ranges I should look into.

First: Target shooting mostly. Probably from a bench, with a bipod/other toys I haven't bought for it yet haha.

Second: I don't plan on taking it much further than 300 yds (I don't go anywhere I could shoot that far anyway ).

Third: Can you guys offer any insight to your favorite scope powers for < 300 yds with a .223?

Thanks guys!

Jeff

Edit: I have preferences for BRANDS not powers xD. Just wanted to clarify!

[bombadillo]

Let us know the brands you don't like, and the price point you're sticking around or at and it'll help more.

Its going to be a big difference if you're shooting for tiny little groups, hunting, or just want to hit paper at 200 yards.

I'd recommend a trijicon accupoint for close quarters stuff 3-9x40 for what ranges you're looking at. I tend to prefer the high magnification stuff so if you're willing to fork out a grand, the this Might be a good fit for you too with the .223 gun. Fine crosshairs, plenty of power, decent price and the reticles are great for holdovers and killing tiny little animals. I'm going to get this reticle with a higher magnification at some point. Leupold will also make you a set of target turrets specific to your bullet load if you tell them what you'll be shooting and all the nitty gritty about your rifle for sixty bucks.

[tamalpias]

Look into this a Falcon Menace scope. 30mm tube, 4.5-18x, parallax adjustments are where the adjustments knobs are at, photo quality glass made in Japan and assembled in England, price range is only around 400 bucks, and comes with sun shade.

Review of the scope by sniper central:

http://www.snipercentral.com/menace.htm

review by a member from another board:

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/optics/81754-falcon-4-5-18x56-short-review.html

and where you can buy one:

http://www.sightwonders.com/falcon.html

[Bongos]

it's funny for 308 I have a max of 17X but for my 223, I like 24-25X. So I would recommend 24-25X
Scope recommendation:
S&B PMII 5-25X 56mm P4 Recticle: $3200 (Front Focal Plane)
USO SN-3 3.8-22X 40mm RDMOA: $2700 (Front Focal Plane)
Zeiss Daivari 6-24X 56mm Mildot: $2200
Nightforce NXS 5.5-22X 50mm: $1500
Luepold Mark 4 6.5-20X 50mm: $1100

Starting out
Luepold VXIII 6.5-20X 50mm: $800

Remember, when it comes to glass "you get what you pay for"

[Fjold]

Since your shooting it strictly targets and not hunting, I would recommend a variable with an upper end up to 24X. That lets you crank it down if the mirage gets bad.

[LibertyOptics]

If you aren't shooting more than 300 yards you don't need more than a 10x. If you buy a higher mag scope and want to enjoy it you will need to spend more $$$ for the clarity at the upper end.

I've shot accurately to 1000 yards with a 10x, so 300 yards is a snap.

However, if you are truly benchrest shooting then the sky is the limit on magnification it seems.

Scott

[tamalpias]

Hey scott, does Viper scope come in a 4-12x or 4-16x variable with 50mm Obj.?

[Chk Chk Boom]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions!

It's funny, I was looking at almost that same exact model of leupold VX3 bombadillo.
And tamalpias... I really like the reviews of the Falcon, and since it's ~$200 cheaper than the leupold... that's $200 more goodies (bipod, ammo, etc) I can buy for it... xD

Thanks for the power recommendations guys. And LibertyOptics I totally overlooked the fact that if you crank up a cheap scope, clarity suffers immensely. I think I'm gonna stick between 12 and 16 or so max.

Thanks guys! You're a blessing haha.

Jeff

[angryasian]

Im a big fan of the millett TRS-1. theyre as good as the menace scopes, just a bit cheaper and easier to get.

[Target Plinker]

I just picked up a BSA optics 6-24x Mildot for my 223. So far I've read great review about them and they are fairly inexpensive.
maybe something to look into.

[forgiven]

Leupold 4.5x14x40 VXlll w/target turrets and fine crosshair will do the trick.