“Are you a passionate varmint hunter seeking the perfect optic to take your precision and accuracy to the next level? Look no further. In the world of varmint hunting, the .22-250 is a caliber of choice, known for its flat trajectory and impressive accuracy. This review will take you through the Best Varmint Scope for 22-250 to truly maximize your potential, will also uncover the features that matter, and guide you toward the ideal choice for your next hunting adventure. Therefore let’s dive in!
Why is it Called 22-250?
The .22-250 is a popular rifle cartridge, and its name is derived from its specifications. The “22” in .22-250 indicates the bullet diameter, which is .22 inches, or 5.56mm in metric terms. The “250” represents the parent case from which the cartridge is derived, in this case, the .250-3000 Savage.
What is The Effective Range of 22-250?
The effective range of the .22-250 cartridge typically falls in the range of 300 to 400 yards for varmint hunting and target shooting. It is known for its flat trajectory and accuracy, it is a popular choice for precision shooting at these distances.
Is 22-250 Better than 223?
The choice between the .22-250 and .223 Remington largely depends on your intended purpose. The .22-250 excels in long-range varmint hunting and precision target shooting due to its higher velocity, flatter trajectory, and suitability for larger varmints.
On the other hand, the .223 Remington is a versatile and widely available cartridge, it is ideal for shorter to moderate-range varmint hunting, target shooting, and tactical use in semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15. The “better” cartridge depends on your specific needs and preferences, as both have their strengths and are widely respected in their respective niches.
Best Varmint Scope for 22-250
1) Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is budget-friendly with high-quality optics.
Has a magnification range of 6x to 24x, and it offers shooters the flexibility and versatility to engage targets at varying distances with precision.
One of the outstanding features of this scope is the adjustable objective (AO), which allows users to focus the reticle and eliminate parallax for precise shot placement.
Offers a 50mm objective lens that gathers ample light, thus ensuring a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions.
The scope is built with a rugged and shockproof construction, it is also designed to withstand the rigors of the field, including recoil from high-caliber rifles.
Specifications
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 4.4 – 17.3 ft at 100 yds
- Length: 14.5 inches
- Weight: 23.6 oz
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Pros
- Has Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Hard Anodized Finish
- Has Capped Reset Turrets
- Features Adjustable Objective
Cons
- None
2) Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x40mm rifle scope, Is a well-regarded optic designed to enhance your shooting precision and accuracy.
The scope features a 4-12x magnification range, that allows you to zoom in on your target for precise shots at medium to long distances.
With the 40mm objective lens it offers a generous aperture, thus ensuring ample light transmission for clear and bright images even in low-light conditions.
It has an adjustable objective (AO) that allows you to focus the scope for parallax removal and crisp image clarity at various distances.
Specifications
- Magnification 4 – 12 x
- Tube Diameter 1 inches
- Reticle Focal Plane Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil 3.3 – 10 mm
- Field of View, Linear 8.4 – 24.7 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief 3.9 – 4.4 inches
- Weight 19.2 oz
- Length 13.6 inches
Pros
- Fully Multi-Coated
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Waterproof, fog proof, shockproof
Cons
- None
3) Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Rifle Scope
Our next contender of the Best Varmint Scope for 22-250 is the Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm rifle scope, a versatile and dependable optic.
With a magnification range of 1.75-5x, the scope is well-suited for close to medium-range shooting, thus making it a great choice for hunting, especially in dense or wooded areas.
One of the key features of this scope is its second focal plane design, meaning that the reticle size remains constant as you adjust the magnification, providing consistent aiming points regardless of zoom level.
Not to forget, the scope is also sealed with O-rings and nitrogen-purged to be both fogproof and waterproof, ensuring its reliability and performance in adverse weather conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1.75 – 5 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 6 – 18.29 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 23.1 – 68.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 3.7 inches
- Weight: 12.8 oz
- Length: 10.2 inches
Pros
- It is fully multi-coated
- Long eye relief
- Has a durable construction
- Affordable price
Cons
- None
4) Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APLR2 Rifle Scope is designed for precise shooting, making it a favorite among competitive shooters.
Featuring the first focal plane (FFP) reticle, the feature is helpful because it allows the subtensions to remain accurate and consistent at any magnification setting.
Offers a versatile magnification range of 6-24x, which enables the to provide unparalleled flexibility, allowing for close-range engagements and pinpoint accuracy at extended long distances.
For durability, it has a single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube that’s shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. The scope also has turrets that are exposed, thus providing quick and easy access for making adjustments on the fly.
Specifications
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 8.2 – 2.1 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 16.7 – 4.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
- Weight: 30.3 oz
- Length: 14.1 inches
Pros
- It is fully multi-coated
- Has a zero-stop system
- Has extra protection on the exterior lenses to prevent the scope from enduring dirt, oil, and potential scratches.
Cons
- Short eye relief
5) Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm Rifle Scope
On to the next, we have the Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, which is a premium scope with an affordable price.
It is constructed with durability as it is crafted from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum. The scope also features precise 1/4 MOA (Minute of Angle) click adjustments for windage and elevation.
Has a versatile magnification range of 6.5x to 20x which allows you to zoom in on your target with precision, thus making it suitable for various shooting scenarios, from close to long-distance hunting.
Also, the scope offers a Dead-Hold BDC reticle for convenient holdover points, thereby enabling you to compensate for bullet drops at different distances without needing to dial in elevation adjustments continually.
Specifications
- Magnification 6.5 – 20 x
- Objective Lens Diameter 50 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear 6.2 – 17.4 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief 3.1 – 3.3 inches
- Length 14.4 inches
- Weight 21.6 oz
- Exit Pupil 2.5 – 7.69 mm
Pros
- Has XR Fully Multi-Coated
- Waterproof, Fog proof, Shockproof
- Has Capped Reset Turrets
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Has Hard Anodized Finish
Cons
- None
6) Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Rifle Scope
Last but not least we have the Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Rifle Scope.
Has a magnification range of 4.5x to 14x which makes it versatile to perform well in both medium-range shooting and long-range shooting.
The scope is built well and has an elegant matte finish to go with its tough construction. Has a durable yet lightweight housing that is nitrogen-filled and sealed to ensure water and fog resistance.
Features a 50mm objective lens which is quite remarkable as it ensures there is clarity and brightness even in challenging lighting conditions due to its excellent light transmission.
And, like most of the Leupold scope, features Twilight Max Light Management System, which improves light transmission in particular blue and red lights, and this results in better performance in low light conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4.5 – 14 x
- Eye Relief: 4.4 – 3.6 inches
- Exit Pupil: 3 – 11 mm
- Weight: 17 oz
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 7.4 – 19.1 ft at 100 yds
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Long eye relief
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Quality optics
- Has Twilight Max Lens System for unequaled light management
Cons
- None
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Varmint Scope for 22-250
Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing the best Varmint Scope for 22-250:
- Weight and Size: The weight and size of the scope a crucial factors to consider about your rifle setup. A lightweight, compact scope may be preferable for hunters who need to carry their equipment over long distances.
- Eye Relief: Looking for a scope with generous eye relief is important to prevent recoil-related injuries. Aim for around 3.5-4 inches of eye relief for safety and comfort.
- Brand and Model: Always choose a reputable brand with a proven track record for producing high-quality optics.
- Budget: Determine your budget first and stick to it. While high-end scopes offer exceptional features and performance, there are also excellent mid-range options that can provide great value for your money.
- Durability: It is wise to ensure the scope is built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Opt for scopes with shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof features. High-quality materials and coatings add to a scope’s durability.
FAQS
- What is the ideal eye relief for a varmint scope on a .22-250 rifle?
It is wise to aim for approximately 3.5-4 inches of eye relief to ensure safety and comfort, especially considering the .22-250’s recoil.
- Do I need a high-end, expensive scope for varmint hunting, or are there budget-friendly options?
Not really, but high-end scopes offer advanced features and exceptional performance, but there are excellent mid-range options that provide great value for varmint hunting. Your choice should align with your budget and requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best varmint scope for your .22-250 rifle is a critical step in elevating your varmint hunting experience. The scopes listed are known for their precision and clarity, can extend your effective shooting range, and enhance your accuracy in the field.
By confidently considering your unique needs, such as magnification, reticle type, and durability, you will be able to choose the ideal optic to complement your .22-250 rifle.
Related: 5 Best Varmint Scope for AR-15