Help on scope magnification on an AR

[justbill5789]

I am finally done building my .223 AR15 with a 20 inch Lilja stainless barrel. If I did my job right, it should shoot really tight groups. Of course, can I shoot tight groups is another story. I will be test driving it this weekend with BUIS. I will be adding a Vortex PST FFP soon. I will probably be predominately shooting at 100 yards via a bench. However, I may head to a different range to shoot to 200 yards. I also like to once a year head to the BLM and shoot longer ranges.
I was thinking of getting a 6x24-50 to get the most scope for my budget. The cost between the 6x24 and 4x16 is $50. Am I getting too much scope in the 6x24? I am looking for opinions since I have ZERO experience with actually using a scope. I have done my research. However, no one seems to talk about magnification choices. I would appreciate input on what magnification is best and WHY?

Just Bill

[Black Majik]

There is no such thing as too much scope when you're running FFP, unless you're running something ridiculous such as a 12-42x (of course YMMV). It all depends on the application. If there's too much mirage or your magnification is too high for you to spot your own hits just dial it down. When it comes to 6-24x vs 4-16x might as well go for the slightly more power. .223 barely recoils any so you'll be able to spot hits at max power if you wanted at farther distances.

[vintagearms]

With the Vortx PST, the 6x24 is supposedly a bit sharper than the 16x, so no, I think your on the right track.

[gmcal]

IMO, magnification wise both scopes will serve you're needs well. But I have to ask. Why do you need FFP if you're shooting at short/known distances?

[ronas]

Since both are FFP you should know at what magnification each scope's reticle becomes useful. The more powerful scope's reticle may be useless at 6-7x. This will depend on the scope and how good your vision is.

I'd also want to know the thickness of the reticle subtenstions at various power settings. Are they the same for each scope?

[r3dn3ck]

4-16x is more than sufficient. I'd stop at 10x myself but I'm happy with 10x out to 800yrds.