While some might argue that a .22-250 caliber isn’t ideal for coyote hunting, the right optic can significantly enhance its performance, making it a formidable choice. You’re likely seeking precision and accuracy in your hunts, and the 2024 lineup of scopes includes options that cater to these exact needs.
From the Leupold VX-3HD’s exceptional clarity to the Nightforce SHV’s rugged durability, each model offers unique advantages. As you consider upgrading your gear, understanding the nuances between these top picks will be crucial in finding the perfect match for your hunting style.
Let’s explore what sets these optics apart, keeping in mind the factors that matter most to you.
Top 6 Best Optics for Coyote Hunting With .22-250
- Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope
- Bushnell Match PRO 6-24X50 Riflescope
- Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Scope
- Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
- NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm Hunting Scope
**Disclosure: 𝘈𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘐 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴.
1. Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm Riflescope
If you’re on the hunt for coyotes with a .22-250, the Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm Riflescope, featuring its Custom Dial System for quick elevation adjustments, is your ideal choice. Its Duplex Reticle and CDS-ZL ensure you’re always on target, offering unmatched precision. The Elite Optical System enhances light transmission, crucial for dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
You’ll appreciate the low-profile throw lever, allowing for effortless magnification changes without losing sight of your prey. Proudly designed and assembled in the USA, this riflescope promises durability with its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof capabilities. Backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee, you’re investing in quality with peace of mind. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the game, this riflescope meets your needs for accuracy and reliability in the field.
Best For: Hunters and shooting enthusiasts seeking precision and reliability during dawn and dusk hunts, especially for coyotes with a .22-250.
Pros:
- Custom Dial System allows for quick elevation adjustments, enhancing shooting accuracy.
- Elite Optical System offers excellent light transmission, crucial for low-light conditions.
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design ensures durability and reliability in harsh environments.
Cons:
- Some customers have reported issues with customer support and product performance.
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope
For hunters seeking a blend of affordability and performance in their coyote hunting gear, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II riflescope’s Dead-Hold BDC reticle and fully multi-coated lenses make it an ideal choice. You’ll appreciate its adjustable objective that enhances accuracy at various ranges. Its construction from aircraft-grade aluminum, along with being O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, ensures it withstands the elements, providing waterproof and fogproof performance.
Customers rave about its clear views, ease of zeroing, and robustness in harsh conditions. Despite its budget-friendly price, it delivers in clarity, durability, and maintaining zero, making it a commendable option for those not wanting to splurge yet seeking reliable performance.
Best For: Hunters and shooters looking for an affordable, reliable riflescope with good performance for mid-range distances.
Pros:
- Clear and bright fully multi-coated lenses for excellent visibility
- Durable construction with waterproof and fogproof capabilities
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle useful for varying range shooting without dial adjustments
Cons:
- Not ideal for very long-range shooting beyond 200 yards
3. Bushnell Match PRO 6-24X50 Riflescope
Hunting enthusiasts seeking precision and clarity in their coyote hunts with a .22-250 will find the Match PRO 6-24X50 RIFLESCOPE by Bushnell an exceptional choice. This scope boasts a first focal plane reticle, ensuring accurate holdovers across its 6-24x magnification range. With parallax adjustment down to 10 yards and 10-MIL turrets for swift dialing, you’re set for quick, precise adjustments. The Deploy MIL reticle enhances your accuracy with elevation and windage holds, while the tool-less turret reset simplifies in-field adjustments.
Its matte black finish and robust 30mm main tube promise durability, and users commend its clear glass at high magnification. Priced competitively, it stands toe-to-toe with brands like Vortex and Athlon, offering good value for your money.
Best For: Hunters and precision shooters looking for a high-quality riflescope with excellent clarity and adjustment features for mid to long-range engagements.
Pros:
- First Focal Plane reticle allows for accurate holdovers across the entire magnification range.
- Parallax adjustment down to 10 yards and 10-MIL turrets enable quick and precise dialing.
- Competitive pricing with features comparable to higher-priced scopes, offering good value for money.
Cons:
- Some users have reported issues with zeroing the scope efficiently.
4. Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Scope
Designed with high-grade optical glass, the Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Scope ensures brightness and clarity, making it an ideal choice for coyote hunters seeking precision in their .22-250 setup. It features finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets for pinpoint accuracy, and its nitrogen-filled tube prevents fogging. The scope’s double internal spring-tension system guarantees remarkable zero-holding capability, ensuring your setting remains intact even in rough conditions. It’s waterproof, shock-resistant, and comes with a Forever Warranty, highlighting its durability and reliability.
The etched reticle enhances durability, and its compatibility with Burris Signature Rings and Trumount bases makes installation quick and easy. With clear optics even in low light conditions and smooth adjustments, you’re getting a scope that offers great value for its price.
Best For: Coyote hunters and precision shooters using a .22-250 setup looking for a reliable and clear scope.
Pros:
- High-grade optical glass ensures brightness and clarity in various light conditions.
- Features like nitrogen-filled tube, waterproof and shock-resistant design, and Forever Warranty highlight its durability.
- Finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets and double internal spring-tension system for remarkable accuracy and zero-holding.
Cons:
- Information on specific cons isn’t provided, suggesting potential for improvement in user feedback or testing for downsides.
5. Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
If you’re aiming for precision in coyote hunting with a .22-250, the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes offer unparalleled image clarity and adjustment accuracy. Crafted by Athlon Optics, this black, aluminum scope is designed specifically for hunting. It’s equipped with a 50mm objective lens and a first focal plane reticle, ensuring your shots are accurate at any magnification.
With a magnification range of 4x and a precise 0.1 MIL click value, you can easily adjust for windage and elevation, providing 18 MIL total adjustment. The parallax adjustment stretches from 10 yards to infinity, allowing for crisp images regardless of distance. Plus, its fully multicoated optics amplify light transmission, enhancing your visibility in various lighting conditions.
The durability of the scope is guaranteed by its construction from aircraft-grade aluminum and the XPL coating that shields the lens from both dirt and scratches. With dimensions that facilitate easy mounting on your rifle, this scope earns high marks for its crisp image quality, straightforward adjustability, and excellent value for money. It stands out as a reliable option for improving your coyote hunting adventures.
Best For: Hunters and precision shooters seeking quality optics for long-range engagements without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- First focal plane reticle maintains scale and accuracy across all magnification levels.
- Fully multicoated optics enhance light transmission for clear, bright images in various conditions.
- Precision Zero Stop system allows for easy return to zero, enhancing shot repeatability.
Cons:
- No night vision capability, limiting low-light performance.
6. NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm Hunting Scope
For coyote hunters using a .22-250, the Nightforce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 hunting scope, with its ZeroSet feature for rapid return to zero, ensures you’re always on target. Its robust 30mm tube, coupled with a versatile 4-14x magnification range and a large 50mm objective lens, provides clear, bright images even in low light conditions.
You’ve got options with reticles, choosing between quarter-minute of angle or tenth mil-radian, making it adaptable to your shooting style. The scope’s exposed elevation adjustment and capped windage offer precision, while its parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity sharpens your focus on distant targets. With 12 brightness settings, this scope stands out in any hunting scenario, making it a top pick for accuracy and performance.
Best For: Coyote hunters seeking a high-quality scope with versatility, precision, and excellent low-light performance.
Pros:
- Versatile magnification range suitable for various distances
- ZeroSet feature allows for quick return to zero, enhancing reliability
- High-quality illumination with 12 brightness settings for clear reticle visibility in any lighting condition
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Optic for Coyote Hunting With a .22-250
When selecting an optic for coyote hunting with a .22-250, you’ll need to consider several key factors to ensure you’re making the best choice.
From the magnification range that fits your hunting terrain to the type of reticle that enhances your accuracy, each detail plays a crucial role.
Also, don’t overlook the importance of durability, weatherproofing, eye relief, and light transmission quality to ensure your scope stands up to the elements and aids in your hunting success.
Optic Magnification Range
Choosing the right optic magnification range for coyote hunting with a .22-250 is crucial, as it must strike a balance between close and medium-range effectiveness. An ideal range falls within 4-12x, providing clear target acquisition across distances you’ll typically face. This range ensures you won’t sacrifice clarity for field of view or speed in shifting scenarios.
While higher magnifications like 6-18x may seem tempting for longer shots, they can hinder your ability to quickly engage targets up close due to a narrowed field of view. Conversely, opting for lower magnifications, such as 3-9x, might limit your precision at greater distances.
Your choice should center on finding a happy medium, balancing clarity, field of view, and acquisition speed for the most effective hunting experience.
Reticle Type Importance
Zeroing in on the right reticle type is key to maximizing your precision and efficiency when hunting coyotes with a .22-250 rifle.
You’ll want a reticle that not only complements the ballistic characteristics of the .22-250 cartridge but also enhances your ability to quickly acquire targets. Look for features like holdover points or windage marks, which are invaluable for adjusting shots in real-time, especially under varying distances and environmental conditions.
A versatile reticle type that offers clear visual aids for these adjustments can significantly improve your accuracy and efficiency in the field. By choosing a reticle that aligns with these requirements, you’re setting yourself up for a more successful coyote hunting experience.
Durability and Weatherproofing
After considering the ideal reticle type, it’s also important to focus on the durability and weatherproofing of your optic for successful coyote hunting with a .22-250. Your optic must be tough enough to handle rough use and the rifle’s recoil. It should also be weatherproof to stay functional in rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.
Look for features like fogproofing to ensure clear visibility in humid conditions or when temperatures fluctuate. A shockproof construction is vital to withstand the .22-250’s recoil without losing zero or harming internal parts. Opt for optics with sealed construction to keep out dust, debris, and moisture, ensuring your scope’s performance isn’t compromised during your hunting adventures.
Eye Relief Considerations
Understanding the importance of eye relief can significantly enhance your coyote hunting experience with a .22-250, ensuring comfort and preventing potential injuries.
Eye relief is the distance from your eye to the scope where you can see a full field of view without black edges. For a .22-250, you’ll want a scope with at least 3 inches of eye relief to handle the rifle’s recoil comfortably and maintain a proper shooting stance.
Opting for scopes with generous, adjustable eye relief can prevent the dreaded scope bite, allow for quicker target acquisition, and cater to your individual preferences. It’s crucial for keeping a consistent sight picture, reducing fatigue, and boosting your shooting accuracy during fast-paced hunts.
Light Transmission Quality
Why is light transmission quality a crucial factor to consider when selecting an optic for coyote hunting with a .22-250?
Optics with high light transmission ensure better visibility in low-light conditions, crucial for hunting at dawn or dusk. These conditions are prime times for coyote hunting, making clear visibility essential.
Improved light transmission not only allows for clearer target acquisition at longer distances but also enhances precision and shot placement. High-quality optics reduce glare and distortion, offering a sharp and bright image, even in challenging lighting.
They help you distinguish subtle details and movements, crucial for spotting coyotes in their natural habitats. Additionally, superior light transmission can extend your hunting hours, enabling effective engagement during twilight, when coyotes are most active.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, when you’re on the hunt for the perfect optic for your .22-250 during coyote season, you’ve got top-notch options.
From the precision of the Leupold VX-3HD to the clarity of the NIGHTFORCE SHV, each pick is designed to up your game.
Remember to weigh factors like magnification, reticle type, and durability. Make your choice based on what fits your hunting style best, ensuring you’ve got the edge in accuracy and reliability for those critical shots.