Forums46
Topics538,031
Posts9,732,153
Members87,055
|
Most Online25,604 Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
What power scope do I want for .223?
#5742559
05/13/15 09:12 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
Don't need a 23x100 or anything crazy but I want a dedicated high power scope for my AR.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5742734
05/13/15 10:42 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173 |
What's high power?
How far do you want to shoot?
What's your budget?
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5742976
05/14/15 12:36 AM
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,004
JThoele
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,004 |
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5743127
05/14/15 01:53 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,130
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,130 |
14,15,18 x is about right
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5743128
05/14/15 01:54 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,130
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,130 |
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: J.G.]
#5743161
05/14/15 02:20 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
What's high power?
How far do you want to shoot?
What's your budget? Whatever the max effective range is (550?), and about a grand. I like Leupold scopes and already use a couple VX3's.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5743208
05/14/15 02:43 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173 |
Forget Leupold then. To hit accurately and consistenly that far is well over $1k.
Bushy Elite
SS
Vortex Viper PST
Those are quickly what comes to mind in that price range, Mil/ Mil FFP. . Many are under budget.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5743473
05/14/15 01:38 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,755
ccoker
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,755 |
Do you want to shoot very small targets at 500 or steel plates? If the latter you don't need but a good 1-4. What about close range shooting fast?
Basically, what are you going to use the rifle for?
Last edited by ccoker; 05/14/15 01:39 PM.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5743476
05/14/15 01:43 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Navasot
Hollywood
|
Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032 |
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5743478
05/14/15 01:44 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Navasot
Hollywood
|
Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032 |
I had a 12 on a savage model 12 .223 that really fit it well
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5743586
05/14/15 02:55 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,954
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,954 |
I have a 1-4 Burris XTR and a SS 3-9 mil/mil on my AR's. I like them both. The 1-4 is more for competition, and the 3-9 is for basic shooting and hunting.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: ccoker]
#5744024
05/14/15 08:04 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
Do you want to shoot very small targets at 500 or steel plates? If the latter you don't need but a good 1-4. What about close range shooting fast?
Basically, what are you going to use the rifle for? I want to squeeze every bit of accuracy out of this rifle. I have an Aimpoint already for close up. I'd like to be able to take head shots on pigs far away. I've been using a 2.5x8 scope between this and my 6.8.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5744442
05/15/15 12:56 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 525
6.5x47Lapua
Tracker
|
Tracker
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 525 |
I don't want to sound like a jackass. But here it goes.
Medium range(4-700 yards) head shots on a pig with a 223 ar15 sounds like a recipe for failure. Add in the want for high magnification sounds even worse.
I recommend a reasonable magnification scope around 12 power. I also recommend lots of range time on 1/2 moa steel out to all ranges you plan on hunting. You will gain an appreciation for how hard of a shot that is.
Last edited by 6.5x47Lapua; 05/15/15 12:57 AM.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5744568
05/15/15 02:34 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,711
603Country
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,711 |
Long range head shots do sound a bit much. BUT...if that's what you want to do, or try to do, you will need a scope capable of real precision. The long range guys on the forum can point you in the right direction for a turreted FFP scope. Bring money. Gonna cost you big. And the high dollar range finder will be needed. And a really good flashlight for tracking would be a good addition too. Gonna need that.
And then there are the needed upgrades to your rifle, and I hope you reload.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5744721
05/15/15 05:33 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
The rifle will do it and I want a scope that allow it. I'm not saying I know I can right now since I haven't tried. The farthest I've taken game is about 175 from the kneeling. I don't think a longer spot from an actual rest or sticks is out of the realm of possibility.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: 603Country]
#5744723
05/15/15 05:38 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
Long range head shots do sound a bit much. BUT...if that's what you want to do, or try to do, you will need a scope capable of real precision. The long range guys on the forum can point you in the right direction for a turreted FFP scope. Bring money. Gonna cost you big. And the high dollar range finder will be needed. And a really good flashlight for tracking would be a good addition too. Gonna need that.
And then there are the needed upgrades to your rifle, and I hope you reload. Thanks for the details. I do reload and my rifle is currently a .2 moa weapon with a 2.5x8 scope. I do plan on upgrading the trigger to a Geissele from the decent Timney. I really can't think of anything else to upgrade.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5744994
05/15/15 02:11 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,711
603Country
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,711 |
I was being a bit snotty. Sorry about that. Still, the difficulty of a 700 yard head shot on a pig is considerable. If I had the intention of doing that, I'd need the rifle and the ability to shoot 0.5 MOA at 700 yards. And I would need a Leica RF to determine the range when I saw the pig. My 260 might be good enough, but my scope isn't. I'd need one of the serious long range guys to help me get set up. And am I even good enough to make the shot? I'm not the best at reading the wind. Anyway, good luck to ya.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5745039
05/15/15 02:35 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,954
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,954 |
I have taken 2 head shots on a pig at a reasonable range with an AR in 223. One at ~180 yards, and one about 300. Both were good first shots and did not anchor the pig, but allowed for follow up shots, that were not very effective either. Three things that should not go together with a 223- long range, head shots, and pigs. If I am pig hunting, especially at "long range", the last caliber I want is a 223. The NRA defines long range beyond 600 yards, and I do as well. So, your long range may be different from my "long range". But 200-300 yards is not long range.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5745061
05/15/15 02:49 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,638
DStroud
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,638 |
If I had an AR that averaged LESS than .250 (1/4 inch) groups I would leave the trigger as is.
"Anyone taking up handloading necessarily plays with unknown factors and takes chances. But so does anyone who drives a car,goes to a cocktail party,eats in a restaurant,or gets married."
Jack O'Connor 1963
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5745105
05/15/15 03:30 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,711
603Country
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,711 |
DStroud, we are on the internet. Pretty much everyone shoots 1/4 inch groups on the internet.
Just thinking out loud...I wonder how many of us could get up, go to the range with our pick of our rifles, and shoot one 5 shot group of 1/4 inch, with witnesses. I doubt that I can do it. Better probably to say that I'm pretty darn sure I can't do it. And I have two really accurate rifles that are capable of it and have on occasion done it. If I wanted to try it, I'd pick one rifle (either my 220 or 260, or the 223 when I get it back from Derrick), put in a week of trigger time, reload some match grade bullets, clean the barrel, foul the bore, wait a day for a cold bore, and then sit down and try to make 5 shots go into one hole. It's possible that I could do it, but the percentages don't favor me - even on the internet. When I get the 223 back, I'll give it a try.
As for what Chad said about the 223 and long range head shots, I fully agree but didn't bring that up in my last post. I'd grab my 260. Hopefully the pig will hold still for just a bit. If he will hold still, I can probably make the shot at up to 300 yards or so, if I have time to really set up on a good rest. Past that, I'm dreaming.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#5745692
05/15/15 09:56 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
I have taken 2 head shots on a pig at a reasonable range with an AR in 223. One at ~180 yards, and one about 300. Both were good first shots and did not anchor the pig, but allowed for follow up shots, that were not very effective either. Three things that should not go together with a 223- long range, head shots, and pigs. If I am pig hunting, especially at "long range", the last caliber I want is a 223. The NRA defines long range beyond 600 yards, and I do as well. So, your long range may be different from my "long range". But 200-300 yards is not long range. 2-300 is long range for me with a .223.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: 603Country]
#5745694
05/15/15 09:59 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424
tenyearsgone
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,424 |
DStroud, we are on the internet. Pretty much everyone shoots 1/4 inch groups on the internet.
Just thinking out loud...I wonder how many of us could get up, go to the range with our pick of our rifles, and shoot one 5 shot group of 1/4 inch, with witnesses. I doubt that I can do it. Better probably to say that I'm pretty darn sure I can't do it. And I have two really accurate rifles that are capable of it and have on occasion done it. If I wanted to try it, I'd pick one rifle (either my 220 or 260, or the 223 when I get it back from Derrick), put in a week of trigger time, reload some match grade bullets, clean the barrel, foul the bore, wait a day for a cold bore, and then sit down and try to make 5 shots go into one hole. It's possible that I could do it, but the percentages don't favor me - even on the internet. When I get the 223 back, I'll give it a try.
As for what Chad said about the 223 and long range head shots, I fully agree but didn't bring that up in my last post. I'd grab my 260. Hopefully the pig will hold still for just a bit. If he will hold still, I can probably make the shot at up to 300 yards or so, if I have time to really set up on a good rest. Past that, I'm dreaming. Out of my 10 rifles only 2 will shoot 1\4 moa. Both have match barrels and use reloads. I had to check my target twice when the .223 did it so even I was surprised. I thought I had one hole and several flyers. I don't know why folks make a big deal out of someone claiming to shoot 1\4 moa. IMO, most of it is the quality of rifle. The fundamentals are basic and merely require repetition. I guess it's also relative as there's different levels or natural talent. The two areas I lack in are range estimation and wind calls. I don't want to use a range finder and need help relearning to read wind as its been too long since I was taught.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5746060
05/16/15 02:39 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173 |
Precision shots with a .223 Rem 200-300 yards? http://swfa.com/Bushnell-3-12x44-Elite-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P51677.aspx Get out of the "don't want to use a rangefinder mode". That's like saying I don't want to drive a car or truck because I can walk. Wind is an education followed by lots of practice.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: tenyearsgone]
#5746147
05/16/15 03:20 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 986
westexhunt
Tracker
|
Tracker
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 986 |
I know it's off topic slightly but I'm not a 100% ethical pig Hunter. Just want them dead quick. Shoot pigs behind the ear not in the head. I learned that when the biggest gun I had was a 22 mag. Killing pigs is different from killing deer from an ethical standpoint to me. I will take shots on pigs that I would never take on deer but pigs are vermin/nuisance where deer are game. And this is a smoking efing deal right here. http://www.natchezss.com/3-12x44-black-matte-illum.html
Last edited by westexhunt; 05/16/15 03:24 AM.
|
|
|
Re: What power scope do I want for .223?
[Re: 603Country]
#5746247
05/16/15 05:22 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523 |
DStroud, we are on the internet. Pretty much everyone shoots 1/4 inch groups on the internet.
LOL!!!! I DO need a new keyboard.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, txcornhusker
|