Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics 223 rem with 6x scope?

Is this enough power for the 223 as a varmint gun?
What say you?

When I am on a stand my scope is set on 6x. It has an MQ reticle in the FFP. They have to be way out there before I adjust magnification. It works at 20 yards as well.


mike r

If you will be shooting PD's and such, then no. If on the other hand, it is to be used for coyotes and such OK.

Why not ?
I guess it depends on the distance and size of the receiving party.
I have a SAKO L46"Full Stock" triple deuce that had an old Weaver K6W for years; it worked just fine for groundhogs, fox, coyote, bobcats, crows and even a few unlucky ground squirrels.
I never felt under scoped.
The rifle currently wears a Swarovski AV 3-9X36mm, that usually stays on 6X.

StarchedCover

I have a SWFA fixed 6X on my Ruger Predator 223. Not a lot of varmint hunting for me, but it makes a good range toy. I've shot it out to 400 yards with enough accuracy to hit most varmints. Having a clear scope with fine cross hairs is more important than a lot of X's in my experience.

Heavens no. You need at least 40x with an objective bell no smaller than 60mm, gathers a lot more light, you know, so you can shoot PDs in the dark, oh, and elevation turrets the size of baby food jars.

Note: The rings need 4 screws per side (total of 16) for that heavy recoil, and if the barrel twist is slower than 1 turn every 4 inches, chuck it in the dumpster with the other scrap metal.

I was very happy with a 8x36, yes, 36 mm non-AO on a 222 Rem 600......but a 223 can go a bit further.......a 12x will do all you need, but if you are running a sporter weight rifle, 8-10x on a top end should do most of what you need to do.

What size varmints, what distance?

My 222 howa mini has a 2 to 7 power and so far it seems ok. I am not a turret twister or 600 yard lead flinger though.

The distance to target is more relative than the chambering IMO.

700 Rem in .223 and a 6X Weaver works fine for me. Plenty of power, but I don't shoot prairie dogs in Wyoming.
Bob

On my 223's for PD's I use a variable usually set at 10X or occasionally 12X, at 6X you will find yourself wanting more magnification.

For coyotes or other varmints of opportunity I usually have it set on 6X.

drover

My 223 proly wear a 3-9x for yotes.
If chucks were around, 4-12x

No, I like a 10 X

Fotis: For "predator" Hunting you could get by with 6 power.
For Colony Varmint Hunting you would be better suited with a high power variable scope - my suggestion would be a Leupold 6.5x20.
Best of luck to you with whichever you choose.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

What ever you feel comfortable with.

Personally a straight 6x lacks the FOV for the type coyote calling I do so I use a number of 1.5-6x40mm scopes and find 6x plenty for long range coyotes.

For PD's and GS I's want more like a 4-16 or 6-24 or 6.5x20 on a rifle.

Thanks fellas

I have a Leupold VX3 2.5-8 x 36mm with the B&C reticle on my Kimber Montana .223 calling rifle. Just right for the purpose. For prairie dogs I much prefer a 3.5-10 x 40 or better yet a 4.5-14-14 x 40 for that use on a .223.

My CZ 527 .223 wears a 4.5-14X Burris. When calling dogs, it is usually set at 6x. For longer range prairie dogs and such, the 14x magnification can really help.

My sporter weight .223 wears a 4-12 which has been fine for everything from antelope to prairie dogs. For the smaller targets at distance, usually set on 10 or 12. My heavier weight .223 wears a 6.5-20 which rarely gets past 12x due to the mirage when PD hunting. Both are at 6-6.5 x for larger targets.
YMMV
David

My brother has a Bausch & Lomb 6x Scopechief on his 222 Rem chambered Win 70A sporter. Works great for chucks. Nice thing about a 6x on a 222 Rem, is that you can spot your shot through the scope as the recoil and scope magnification match well. I have can 8x Leupold on my heavy barreled Sako 222 Rem, but I would be just fine with a 6x on it. A 223 chambered rifle shouldn't be much different.

If you are hunting faster moving targets up close, you may want lower power. Also depends on the weight of your rifle.

Overall, 6x is very useful.