In most instances, the 223 is adequate for hunting Coyote with any rifle chambered in it, whether it is an AR-15 or a bolt action .223, all that is required is to couple it with the best rifle scope.
This article will review several rifle scope options that will provide you with excellent value by offering high performance at a reasonable price.
The .223 Cartridge
This is the civilian version of the military’s 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. It is used in several applications such as hunting, target shooting, and law enforcement because it is widely available, adaptable (several rifles are chambered in it), and has a low recoil.
The cartridge is loved for its rather flat trajectory which results in improved accuracy, over a decent range. It’s also powerful and can take out small and medium-sized animals such as coyotes, foxes, and deer with properly placed shots.
.223 Coyote Hunting Scopes-Top Picks
| Riflescope | Best Price |
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm |
|
Primary Arms SLx 1-8 x 24mm |
|
Bushnell 4-12×40 |
|
Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm |
|
Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm |
|
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm |
1. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
You can’t go wrong with a Vortex scope because of the reputation it has for optical quality. This particular scope is also reasonably priced, so it is accessible to a wide range of shooters.
One of its highlights is the simplicity with which it has been built. The scope is compact in a way and has a low-profile design with a capped turret, that prevents any accidental adjustments during use. A long eye relief of up to 4.7 inches allows for comfortable positioning when shooting rounds.
The lens has the option of two SFP reticles, which, while lacking in illumination, provide the shooter with windage and holdover correction.
It features high-quality glass that’s fully multi-coated resulting in a clear image. There is also an integrated sunshade on that greatly reduces the glare on a sunny day.
The scope has great durability, it’s waterproof and fog proof and the casing has been constructed using a robust aluminum material.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.57 – 16 mm
- Field of View: 12.6 – 42 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.7 in
- Weight: 14.3 oz
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Simplified and easy to use
- Lightweight
- Decent image quality
- 2 reticle options.
2. Primary Arms SLx 1-8 x 24mm Rifle Scope
If the first focal plane type of reticle is your thing, then this option gives you a lightweight and dependable alternative with an array of features to serve you well in any environment. It’s agile and features a turret with audible feedback for every adjustment.
The FFP reticle means that the reticle size and readings remain constant and accurate regardless of magnification across the 1-8x range.
The reticle is illuminated, red dot style for accuracy even on close-quarter engagements. Additionally, you get a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy magnification changes.
The dependability of this primary Arms LPVO is based on the fact that this brand’s scopes are subjected to rigorous testing during development. The tests ensure that the scopes will withstand the harshest outdoor conditions without breaking. This is reinforced by the included lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 8 x
- Reticle: ACSS 5.56 / 5.45 / .308
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3 – 9 mm
- Field of View: 105 – 14.3 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.2 – 3.3 in
- Weight: 17.9 oz
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Durable
- Great field of view
- Lifetime warranty
3. Bushnell 4-12×40 Rifle Scope
This Bushnell 4-12x rifle scope is a robust option that would work perfectly with a 223 cartridge, for coyote hunting.
The magnification range makes it well-rounded to use for medium to long-range targets, with a great degree of accuracy and proper target identification. The scope is also easy to install with weaver-style aluminum mounting rings included
The Bushnell 4-12x is affordable, more like a budget option, but this doesn’t mean that it’s been stripped down of features. One of the notable features is an adjustable objective that makes it dead-accurate when aiming at a target.
Additionally, you get a ballistic reticle that provides drop points for holdover estimation, that can handle targets up to 500 yards, and 5mph wind hold lines. Not only does this reduce the time it takes to make a shot but also improves accuracy for quick repeated shots.
When it comes to the drawbacks, you’ll notice that the glass isn’t up to par when compared to some of the more expensive options, but this is a budget scope, so what do you expect? The manufacturer compensated for this with excellent build quality and durability.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnification: 4- 12 x
- Reticle: DOA Quick Ballistic Reticle
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10 mm
- Field of View: 27 – 9 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.3 in
- Weight: 15 oz
Pros
- Budget price
- Durable
- Great reticle
- Easy to install
4. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm
Great optical clarity, detailed reticle, and great build quality are some of the highlights of the Diamond black Tactical 4-12x.
This is the type of scope to use with a 223 rifle for coyote hunting, without worry about it getting damaged because it’s well built and comes with a lifetime warranty.
The reticle is shaped like a crosshair, with hash marks on the vertical and horizontal lines. These hash marks are accurate when estimating holdover and windage corrections without adjusting the turret. This is ideal for hunting moving targets and making multiple shots.
When it comes to the turret, it’s a tactical style that was carefully designed to allow for simple adjustments. After sighting in, a zero-reset feature allows you to re-index the zero reference marks on the turret.
Overall, this is a fantastic deal when you consider the Vortex brand’s dependability and quality optics. The reticle is also simple to use and accurate, even for inexperienced shooters.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnification: 4 – 12 x
- Reticle: VMR-1 MOA
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10 mm
- Field of View: 7.9 – 23.6 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.9 in
- Weight: 16.2 oz
Pros
- High quality optics
- Great build quality
- Easily adjustable turret
- Generous eye relief
5. Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
This is an iconic rifle scope, that’s been used by shooters for years which means that it’s been tried and tested, and will match up to all the demanding shooting conditions.
One of its distinguishing characteristics is the short dimensions and a forgiving eye box. These make it comfortable and easy to use. It’s also lightweight and has a solid build quality. The casing for example uses one-piece tubing with two seals.
The scope has a versatile magnification that is ideal for hunting both close and medium targets. This means it can be used by a hunter inside a dense forest or on a plain field.
Finally, the Fullified has one of the most effective reticles; it’s a ballistic plex designed in the shape of a crosshair with small ballistic lines on the lower crosshair that are used to estimate holdover from 100 to 500 yards.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Reticle: Ballistic Plex
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.44 – 13.33 mm
- Field of View: 31 – 13 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.8 in
- Weight: 13 oz
Pros
- Portable
- Good build quality
- Lightweight
- Decent eye box
6. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
This one is for shooters that have a strong desire to customize their rifle scope to the rifle ballistics and average shooting conditions. We are talking about the renowned Leupolds’s Custom Dial System where the manufacturer builds a custom reticle right onto the dial.
This greatly improves the accuracy of the target and eliminates the need to estimate holdover, and the use of a ballistic calculator when aiming at a target.
Another likable characteristic is the clear lens which makes the target clearly visible and allows the scope to be used even under low-light conditions. The lens makes use of Leupold’s advanced optical system to achieve this.
Overall, this rifle scope will set the standard for fast target acquisition, even in low-light conditions. It’s well-made, with one of the longest eye reliefs and clearest lenses available.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Weight: 12.2 oz
Pros
- Excellent light transmission
- Customizable dial
- Detailed reticle
- Guaranteed for life
Buying the best scope for 223 Coyote Hunting
These are some of the characteristics to look for in a rifle scope for coyote hunting with a.223 rifle.
Magnification
Ranges from 1x for LPVO scopes to 28x for larger, more capable scopes used for extremely long-range targets. The .223 cartridge is effective for close to medium-range targets. The ideal magnification for this type of rifle scope range anywhere from 3x to 10x. A scope with very high magnification, used with a .223 cartridge, will almost certainly be underutilized.
Objective lens
The size of the objective lens influences the quality of the image that the shooter sees. This is because it lets in more light, resulting in a bright image. A wide objective lens comes in handy as the distance to the target increases, on the other hand, it results in a heavy and unwieldy rifle scope.
Coyotes are mostly hunted under low light because this is usually the time they come out of hiding. A wide objective lens is useful under these conditions because it greatly helps with visibility.
Field of view
Refers to the total area that is viewed through the rifle scope. The FOV is measured in degrees or ft at 100 yards. A larger field of view is useful, especially when hunting because it allows you to track and easily acquire targets. It also heightens your awareness of your surroundings.
Durability
A good scope should be able to last for a reasonable amount of time without breaking. The first good sign of a good rifle scope is the material it is made of. A durable scope is made of tough materials like aluminum. Other features include waterproofing and fog proofing.
Price
It is obvious that a more advanced rifle scope is more expensive, but this does not always imply that you must spend a large sum of money to get a scope that will serve you well. There are inexpensive scopes that perform admirably when hunting coyotes with a 223.
Best scope for 223 Coyote Hunting-FAQs
What is the most popular caliber for coyote hunting?
The 223 Remington is the most common caliber for coyote hunting. The.223 cartridge is preferred because it is widely available, making it easier for shooters to locate ammo, reloading components, and rifles chambered in it. It is also powerful due to its high velocity. The power is sufficient to take down coyotes and other large varmints while being accurate and producing an acceptable level of recoil.
Do I need a special license or permit to hunt coyotes?
Regulations vary by state or country. Some places require a specific hunting license, while others allow coyote hunting year-round without one. Always check local regulations before hunting.
Can I use a shotgun for coyote hunting?
Yes! Shotguns, especially with buckshot or slugs, can be effective at close to medium range, typically under 100 yards.
CONCLUSION
This article gives a detailed assessment of the best scope for hunting coyotes with a 223. The scopes on our list not only provide superb performance, but they also come at a fair price and have a slew of added features.
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