Looking for the best Scope for 223? Look no further. Today’s post shines a light on the best Leupold scopes for 223 and accompanying our top picks is a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you have an easier time doing the selection.
Over the years, the .223 has been excellent cartilage for thousands of hunters and target shooters. Its versatility, less recoil and availability make it one of the most preferred cartridges in many states. Regardless of what you use this cartridge for, the best scope for 223 will help you spot your targets easily hence shooting more accurately.
Leupold makes some of the best scopes for 223. Leupold scopes provide a versatile magnification range, a wide field of view and great durability. Leupold scopes are user-friendly and help all shooters that use the .223 to shoot more accurately regardless of their experience or shooting expertise. Continue reading and unearth the best Leupold scopes for 223.
5 Best Leupold Scopes for 223
The .223 Remington is a versatile cartridge and is hence used in different shooting disciplines. It is one of the most effective ammo for mid-range hunting making it the ideal choice for hunting varmints, coyotes, wild boar and hogs. Any optic paired with this legendary ammo should complement its capabilities.
When stalking the market for the best 223 scopes, you will come across different brands and telling apart the brands can be a difficult task especially if you are a first-time buyer.
Leupold is known for quality optics and some of the best scopes for 223 are associated with this manufacturer. If you are looking for the best scope for 223, here is a detailed review of some of the best Leupold scopes for .223 cartilage available on the market.
#1) Leupold VX Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope
When it comes to versatility and reliability, it’s hard to go wrong with the VX Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope. Thanks to the 3-9x magnification, you can use the scope for close and mid-range hunting/shooting. It also delivers the legendary Leupold dependability in different light and weather conditions.
Relentless performance defines the Leupold VX-Freedom .450 Bushmaster Riflescope and further cements its position among the best Leupold scopes for 223. This scope has been made to get the job done all the time.
It’s durably made to withstand rugged outdoor conditions and sealed with advanced methods to stand extreme temperature and climate exposure. This makes the scope fully waterproof, fog-resistant, and shockproof.
When it comes to optical performance, the VX-Freedom is guaranteed to provide unmatched low-light performance. The high-quality glass delivers high-quality images, while the Twilight Light Management System gives you excellent image brightness and clarity in any lighting condition. The scope also comes with precision 0.25 MOA finger-adjustable windage and elevation.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Durable, shockproof construction
- Zero stop system
- Second focal plane duplex reticle
- Advanced optical system
- Versatile 3-9x magnification
- Twilight Light Management System
- 25 MOA finger click windage and elevation adjustments
- Unmatched low-light performance
- 1-inch main tube
#2) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope
This riflescope works great with the .223 cartilage. With the 2-7x magnification, it works great in both short and medium-range shooting. The scope features an ultralight design that makes it easy and comfortable to carry in the field. Featuring unrivaled durability, this scope is a top contender among the best Leupold scopes for 223 for hunting.
This scope features the durability and ruggedness found in high-end scopes. It’s crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which enhances its durability without adding any unnecessary weight. Besides, it’s O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled to provide you with a lifetime of waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Like any other Leupold scope, the VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope provides unparalleled low-light performance. It has a hunt-plex reticle which makes precision aiming at varying ranges on small targets simple, particularly in low-light conditions.
Furthermore, the riflescope has high-quality lenses that deliver advanced optical performance and the best glare reduction. The exterior lenses are dirtproof and scratch-resistant to provide clear views all the time.
Features
- Ultralight design
- Unbeatable accuracy
- Best-in-class optics that deliver great optical performance
- Waterproof and shockproof construction
- 1-inch main tube
- Scratchproof lenses
- Quick-grip power selector
- Numerous reticles
#3) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
If you are looking for the best Leupold scope for long-range hunting/shooting with the 223, look no further than Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope. This high-end scope has virtually all the features you need to take your hunting/shooting to the next level.
The high 5-25x magnification provides the flexibility you need to reach out to long ranges. Combining incredible facets and a wide magnification range augment Mark 5HD position betwixt the best Leupold scopes for 223.
The scope is durably made to handle tough outdoor environments and also ensure that you get many years out of it. The exterior lenses are scratchproof and added durability.
Besides that, the scope is fully waterproof, fog-proof and shock-resistant. The rugged construction offers unbeatable durability and supports stellar performance in any weather.
The reticle on this scope is housed on the first focal plane. This means that it changes its size with a change in magnification. This helps you estimate the range easily at all magnification settings. This 35mm scope also comes with a high-speed throw lever to help you put accurate fire downrange quickly.
Another good thing about this scope is its outstanding low-light performance. If you use the .223 to hunt at dawn or dusk, this scope got your back. The Twilight Max HD Light Management system gives you extra 30 minutes of shooting light, outstanding glare reduction and superior edge-to-edge image clarity.
Features
- Durable and shockproof aluminum construction
- 35mm main-tube
- First focal plane reticle
- Twilight Max HD Light Management system
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Scratchproof lenses
- Integrated throw lever
- High-speed power selector
- Matte finish
- More tactile and audible click adjustments
- Fairly light design
#4) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Simplicity and accuracy best describe the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope. It features a versatile 3:1 zoom ratio suitable for close and mid-range shooting. The ergonomic and lightweight design makes the scope easy and comfortable to carry in the field. This makes it one of the best Leupold scopes for 223 for several hunting applications.
The scope boasts a standard duplex reticle and best-in-class optics. This gives you great accuracy in almost every shot that you make. The high-quality lens coating delivers unparalleled light transmission with the best glare reduction. This gives you bright, clear and razor-sharp views even in low-light conditions.
For all-weather reliability, the scope is not only fully waterproof but also fog-resistant. This means that it will remain unscathed come rain, fog, or any other weather element. Needless to say, it is made with high-strength aluminum which enhances durability and ruggedness while keeping weight at a minimum.
For added convenience, the scope comes with a traditional eyepiece lock ring which lets you lock in a focus setting that’s most comfortable for your eye. It also comes with Leupold’s Custom Dial System that allows you to tailor your turrets to your exact ballistics as well as environmental conditions.
Features
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Ultralight design
- Fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing
- Durable and rugged aluminum construction
- Waterproof and fogproof
- T-MOA reticle
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- 1-inch main tube
- Quick grip power selector
- Advanced optical system
#5) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 Riflescope
The VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 Riflescope is renowned for its outstanding performance in low-light situations. It features Leupold’s Elite Optical System which delivers excellent light transmission, glare reduction and superior resolution as well. This gives you superior image brightness and clarity regardless of the lighting condition.
As far as durability goes, this riflescope offers unbeatable durability. Like any other Leupold scope, it’s designed, machines in the USA. It features a rugged aluminum housing that most hunters and tactical shooters demand. Not to mention that it’s fully waterproof and fogproof for all-weather reliability.
Combining superior optics and rugged housing creates a powerhouse that will conquer anything it encounters. Hands down, VX-3HD is a leader among the best Leupold scopes for 223.
Another good thing about the scope is the user-friendly design. It boasts match-grade repeatability and ergonomic controls that are not just easy to read but also easy to use even when you are wearing gloves.
The lightweight design makes it easy to carry, while the Custom Dial System allows you to tailor your turrets to your exact ballistics and environmental conditions. To top it all, this scope is amazingly light and comes with generous eye relief to keep your eyes safe from heavy-recoil rifles.
Features
- 5-10x magnification range
- 1-inch main tube
- Generous eye relief
- Incredibly tough yet lightweight
- Custom dial compatible
- Waterproof and fogproof
- One revolution CDS ZeroLock dial
- Durable and rugged aluminum construction
- Leupold’s Elite Optical System
- Duplex reticle
- Removable throw lever
- Guard-ion lens coating
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Best Leupold Scopes for 223 Buying Guide & FAQs
How to Choose the Best Leupold Scopes for 223
Magnification
Magnification is one of the most important factors you should consider when shopping for the best Leupold scopes for 223. You need to have the right magnification for shots aimed at both close and long distances. Magnification brings the targets closer to your eyes, so you can have an easy time making an accurate shot placement.
Your ideal magnification power will largely depend on your shooting range. If you are into close and mid-range hunting/shooting, a scope with about 3 to 9x magnification will be sufficient.
But if you are into long-range shooting, you’ll need a scope with higher magnification. Go for a scope with more than 10x magnification for long-range hunting/shooting.
Tube Size
The tube in any scope provides the rigidity that’s directly responsible for its durability and robustness. The tube size also determines the field of view. Riflescopes come in 3 different tube sizes, 1-inch, 30mm, and 34mm. A scope with a 34mm tube size provides a far better field of view. However, such scopes tend to be more expensive and heavier.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is another important factor that you should pay keen attention to. If you are new in the market, eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where your eye can see the full view without moving the scope.
The longer the eye relief, the better. It not only provides comfortable viewing, but it’s also important for safety. Scope with long eye relief keeps your eyes safe from recoil.
Accuracy and Clarity
The primary benefit of getting a Leupold scope for your 223 is to increase the image clarity which then leads to increased accuracy. Without a clear and accurate scope, you’ll be wasting your precious time and energy. Luckily, any Leupold scope is made to provide great clarity and precision.
Weight
When shopping for an apt Leupold scope for 223, weight is the other important factor you should consider. How heavy the scope weighs can either make or break your hunting/shooting experience.
While heavy scopes are recoil-resistant and more accurate, they tend to be cumbersome to carry around. On the other hand, lightweight scopes make the best scopes for hunters, especially those who trek a lot looking for targets.
Reticle
There are plenty of reticles that you can choose from. With Leupold scopes, the common reticles are BDC, Mildot, Dot and Illuminated reticles.
Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) reticles have markings under the center of the crosshairs. These markings indicate the projected bullet drop that’s to be compensated for. Scopes with BDC reticles are great for long-range shooting where there are concerns of estimating holdovers.
Mildot reticle is designed for range finding. Mil is a short form for milliradian Dot reticle. A scope that has a dot reticle exhibits a red dot which provides the point of aim. A red dot reticle is accurate, easy to use and easy to read as well.
Illuminated reticle. Scopes with illuminated reticles have a brightness setting that illuminates the target in low-light conditions. Scopes with illuminated reticles come in handy when hunting in low-light conditions.
Weatherproof
Go for a scope that’s made to provide all-weather reliability. Given that hunting and tactical shooting takes place outdoors, rapid weather change is a common occurrence.
So, having a scope that’s O-ring sealed will prevent the entry of any kind of ingress. The scope should also be nitrogen-filled or argon-purged to prevent internal fogging on the lenses which are caused by rapid changes in temperature and humidity.
See Also
- Best Leupold Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
- Best Vortex Varmint Scopes
- Best Scopes for Coyote Hunting
- Best Scopes for Varmint Hunting
Best Leupold Scopes for 223 FAQs
Q: How Far Can a .223 Bullet Travel?
It depends on several features among them the type of rifle and weather conditions. A good 223 round can travel 4.5 miles at most. On the other hand, an average .223 bullet will cover 3 miles, but the most effective range is between 400 and 600 meters.
Q: Are Leupold Scopes Worth the Money?
Absolutely. All Leupold scopes are designed, machined, and assembled in the USA. This guarantees that they are quality and worth the investment. As if that’s not enough, Leupold scopes have outstanding low-light performance, excellent accuracy and unbeatable durability.
Q: What Tube Size Scope for .223?
While 34 mm scopes provide a far better field of view, such scopes are costlier and heavier. In most cases, the 1-inch and 30mm tubes are the best. They are not only lightweight but also easy to use.
Conclusion
We hope that this review has been helpful. A scope is an indispensable addition to your .223. It helps improve your accuracy and performance regardless of the shooting activity you are in.
If you are considering getting a good-quality scope for your .223, it’s about time you got one from Leupold. All the scopes listed above are quality and outstanding low-light performance, great accuracy and unmatched durability.