AusVarmint

Finally got myself a 223 intended for fox use after all these years chasing them with the .22. I am after some advice on scope choice around $500 or less would be better. I have been looking at scopes that have bdc or mildot type recticle due to often having to compensate for bullet drop with the .22 however I am unsure if this will be as important with 223. Will be using 55 grain loads mainly whistling on foot day and night and would prefer magnification in the 4-12 range give or take.
Have a few on the short list as follows

Nikon monach 3 4-16 X42 BDC

Burris fullfield 11. 4.5-14X42 Ballistic Plex. Apparently superseded by the E1 now.

Bushnell Elite Tactical 5-15x40 Mil Dot

Had a look through the prostaff today also which I am still considering for the price I liked it <$300

Nikon prostaff 4-12X40 BDC
and also
Bushnell AR 4.5-18x 40mm in the more wallet friendly range

Any advice appreciated thanks

G'day Britto, welcome to the forum mate, jump in and join the fun. Good folk on here that are most generous with their experiences and knowledge.

Which scope you look for will depend on what you are more than likely to use it for the most. I wouldn't want any BDC, hash marks etc on a scope you want to use at night, they just clutter up your vision with mostly useless stuff. A good duplex reticule work very well. Just hold in the centre of their chest out to 250 yards, if you can see them clearly that far out, the 223 will do the rest.
Brands in the price bracket you list will certainly have something to suit you. 4-12 is a good power range for night time shooting, with a preference for a 50mm objective for more light gathering abilities. Its helpful to have a side focus but definitely not essential, one of those personal preference things.

Hope you find some of that useful mate. But its best to keep things as simple as possible shooting at night, less to worry about. Lets you get off quick shots.

And everyone likes getting a quick shot off at night

GriMo wrote:And everyone likes getting a quick shot off at night

Hello there Mr Grimson, good to see you have decided to honour us with your presence again. Whatcha been up to ? Back home yet ? We will of course require a hunt report from your Mexican adventures with the ladies. No description required, but some photos would be good.

A Meopta Meopro will give way better glass than all those options, and comes close to your budget. I would go the 3-9x42, or the 4-12x50 version. I have a fair bit of first hand experience with these scopes, whilst slightly heavier, are absolutely excellent value for money. You could also look at a good second hand optic too, I have done pretty well buying second hand optics...

Hey britto welcome aboard

I am with Camel and jacko a duplex reticle (I advocate The KISS Principle especially at night)in the 3-12 power range.

Can i suggest a Sightron S1 this should be available in your price bracket and represent great value for money.

Plus 1 on the Meopro and another option if you can get onto one is a Hakko Superb?

Cheers,
Waldo

Waldo wrote:Plus 1 on the Meopro and another option if you can get onto one is a Hakko Superb?

Cheers,
Waldo

The Meopro is a good choice. If memory serves, Missed had a Hakko for sale. Can't remember if it was Superb though.

Cheers,
Rob

Thanks for the warm welcome gents. I have not even looked at the meopro, sightron or hakko Ill do a little research and suss them out. BDC type recticle idea is binned now too I think. Where does everyone shop? I like to support my local shops but like to keep cash in my wallet more. So far I have found prices similar online as in shops.

britto wrote: Where does everyone shop? I like to support my local shops but like to keep cash in my wallet more. So far I have found prices similar online as in shops.

Where are you at mate, quite a few blokes on here that work in the industry might be someone nearby.

Im in Melbourne at moment. Ablas have MEOPTA MEOPRO 4-12X50 Z PLEX advertised for $495

britto wrote:Im in Melbourne at moment. Ablas have MEOPTA MEOPRO 4-12X50 Z PLEX advertised for $495

Keith (KJD) works for Abelas in Sydney but should be able to let you know what they have in stock down there.

He might grace us with his presence if your lucky

britto wrote: ... would prefer magnification in the 4-12 range give or take.

BDC type recticle idea is binned now too I think.

Hi Britto,

For what it's worth, I'd say you're on the right track. You won't regret having 12x mag for foxes in open country. It can even come in handy on a rimfire.

The 223 is much, much flatter shooting than a 22lr so a plex reticle does the job nicely. Hope you have a lot of fun with your new rifle.

Just for interest, what type of landscape are you shooting in? flat, hilly, open, scrubby, trees? Tell us a bit about your 22. Do you have a scope on it?

britto wrote:Im in Melbourne at moment. Ablas have MEOPTA MEOPRO 4-12X50 Z PLEX advertised for $495

I have this scope on my 223 great under light it really suits ths 223.
I bought mine from abelas but you wont get one for that price its old. I payed $599 from memory.

I shoot in varying landscapes and always trying new places. Father in law has property up albury wodonga way which is pretty hilly but open country. Visit some hilly scrubby state forrests up around that way too. Usually on foot and use scope mount torch where permitted at night if dont have a mate with me.

My .22 is CZ lux 452 with leupold vx1 2-7X 28. fitted up an ultrafire c8 I think xml u2 led with remote switch I have rigged up. Have been using CCI velocitor ammo usually trying to squeeze a little more distance out of it but now with the 223 I think will sight it in with subs and have dedicated rabbit gun.
Also have t3 hunter in 308 and Miroku o/u 12 gauge.