Magnifiacation for 223

[WV1951]

Looking at what best to put on my new 223 12FV. My S-I-L insists I need up to 20x variable, but I am more inclined to think 4-12, 4.5-14, or even 6-18 would be plenty adequate. He swears by the new Weaver 40/44 6.5-20x44 AO.

General plinking and maybe some GH. Can't imagine trying anything over 300 yds. Looking at min. 4-12x40 and not sure if AO is a necessity or a need. Occasional use and nothing serious.

Looks like Natchez is getting rid of their Vortex Crossfire ll 4-12x40 with plain v-plex for $120, which is a great deal. Lots of choices in 4-12x40 in my price range
Lots of people here like the Mueller APV, which is 4.5-14x40 AO, but it might be a crap shoot, although it is in the sweet spot for magnification.

I think you see the price range I am considering. Just looking for advice on adequate magnification. Wasn't sure about posting here or "Help Me Decide".

[WV1951]

I thought there would be some opinions, so there must not be any 223 owners here. Anyway, I decided on a 4.5-14x44 AO. Can return if I don't like. Optics planet has a generous trial deal.

[Texas10]

I put a Vortex Crossfire II with illuminated reticle on my sons 12FV. Its a 4.5-18 X 50, FFP and optics are good enough to see 22 cal holes easily in paper at 200 yds, maybe even 300 but haven't shot it yet at that distance. Compared to my Vortex Viper HS 6-24 X 50 (also on a model 12, in 223) it is a least as clear if not more. Think I paid about $275 for it on sale at Academy. The only thing I don't like is the resetting of turrets once its zero'd. A bit clumsy, not as easy as lift and turn like on my HS.

[M1ke]

My brother runs a 4-16 M-223 Nikon on his 223 rig and I just picked up a 6-24 Sightron SIII for mine. Both are overkill for our current use, but the 223s are our first step in precision rifles and those scopes will probably move over to our next rifles when we upgrade.

[Zen Archery]

I've always followed the 1x100 rule for large game size targets (deer, antelope, hogs)
Smaller varmint size I would def. get magnification.
300 yards a 3-9 is plenty. Save money off of magnification and invest it in quality glass.

[WV1951]

I've always followed the 1x100 rule for large game size targets (deer, antelope, hogs)
Smaller varmint size I would def. get magnification.
300 yards a 3-9 is plenty. Save money off of magnification and invest it in quality glass.

Thanks. I just wasn't sure what the 1" circle or square was going to look like @ 200 yds.(maybe 300) through a 3-9 scope.

[JW]

I have trouble with 1" dots at 200 yards when using a 3x9 power
Your scope should be better with 14 x mag dependent on the size of the cross hairs
Jack

[WV1951]

Posting this for those that later want to search for Mueller scopes opinions. Ended up with Mueller APV 4.5-14x40. Initial observation is quite good. For the price(got a set of Burris Signature Zees for another 20 bucks as a package deal), sure can't complain yet. Quite clear, good eye relief(for me) and at 14x, no issues. Pretty tight site picture at 14x as expected. Good looking piece. Will know more once I get to the range.

Had a chance to give it go today and the adjustment clicks were fine and not mushy to my feel as I have read about other entry level scopes.

[FiveInADime]

Posting this for those that later want to search for Mueller scopes opinions. Ended up with Mueller APV 4.5-14x40. Initial observation is quite good. For the price(got a set of Burris Signature Zees for another 20 bucks as a package deal), sure can't complain yet. Quite clear, good eye relief(for me) and at 14x, no issues. Pretty tight site picture at 14x as expected. Good looking piece. Will know more once I get to the range.
I have one. Currently it sits on a youth .243 I don't shoot very often. I bought it as a scope for my .22 and the first one I had the innards of the scope came apart on the first day I took it out. Called Mueller, got a nice guy on the phone and they expressed me a new APV which was ok but I went out and bought a little Simmons 22 Mag 3-9x32 AO in between and never took it off that .22 because it was very clear and the target turrets on it actually worked pretty dang well so I can dial from 50-100 and back easily.

The APV got a lot of good recommendations from guys on Rimfire Central and it's a nice looking scope for the money and that's why I bought one. I think the $45 Simmons was just as good for my .22, however. The APV has held up just fine on my .243.

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[243LPR]

I've always run a 6-18 on my bolt 223,plain old plex reticle for groundhgs out to 300 works for me.

[snowgetter1]

I had a Mueller 8x32 and it was a really good scope. It just had fine crosshairs and I wanted a scope with mil dot.

[earl39]

It just depends on what you plan to do. Do you want to shoot the deer or shoot the fly off the deers back? How good are your eyes? Some people have great sight and some don't.