A scope, or more accurately a telescopic sight is an optical sighting device used commonly in firearms. They have a reticle mounted in a position in the optical system to give an accurate aiming point.
Scopes comes with different types of reticle. They range from traditional crosshairs to complex reticles which are designed to estimate accurately the range to a target. This compensates for the bullet drop as well as the windage required for crosswinds.
Typically, mounting a scope requires several tools. The tools are the base and the rings. A wide range of scopes could be mounted for your .22-250 rifle if you could pick the appropriate scope to fit with the tools and your rifle.
Hence, check out this scope review to pick the best for.22-250 riflescope.
Top 5 Rated Best Scope for .22-250 Rifle Comparison Table
| Name of product | Weight | Eye relief length | Magnifications | Objective diameter | Price | link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC) | 1.2 pounds | 3.7" | 4-12x | 40mm | $ | https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-ProStaff-Black-Matte-Riflescope/dp/B004MY7LLG |
| Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24x50mm AO Riflescope w/ Dead-Hold BDC Reticle, Black CF2-31045 | 2.5 pounds | 4" | 6-24x | 50mm | $$ | https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Crossfire-Riflescope-CF2-31045/dp/B00HYRGSTO |
| Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Illuminated Side Focus Tactical Riflescope (35mm Tube .25 MOA with Rings) | 1.2 pounds | 3" | January 13, 1900 | 56mm | $$$ | https://www.amazon.com/Millett-LRS-1-Illuminated-Tactical-Riflescope/dp/B002R1JGWS |
| Nikon Buck Master II Scope with BDC Reticle, 4-12 x 40mm | 1.3 pounds | 3.7" | 4-12x | 40mm | $ | https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Buck-Master-Scope-Reticle/dp/B00SMX9CS8 |
| Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 Riflescope | 1.8 pounds | 3.6" | 3-9x | 40mm | $ | https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Prostaff-3-9x40-Riflescope/dp/B00P6LZVMK |
The top 5 best scope for .22-250 are decided by certain factors:
- Weight
- Eye relief length
- Magnifications
- Diameter of objective lens
- Price
Weight
A heavy scope may add additional weight to your .22-350 rifle. This indirectly inhibits movements so make sure you choose the optimum weight for your scope.
Eye relief length
Long eye relief for scopes gives you an added advantage during shooting targets at long range or near point blank. Longer eye relief also allows more shooting positions. However, long eye relief may cause smaller magnifications.
Magnifications
A diverse range of magnifications could help you to use your scope at any light conditions whether it is for short distance or long distance.
Diameter of objective lens
The bigger the diameter of objective lens, the more the light that can pass through for a brighter image as well the image would be more detailed.
Nikon ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
The first best scope in this best scope review is from Nikon. Made of polymer and aluminum, this compact riflescope has 4 to 12x magnification and 40mm objective lens. This scope is fully multicoated with optical system that transmits up to 98 percent of available light. There is also a zero-reset turret installed with spring-loaded adjustment knob.
The eye relief is 3.7 inches. This Nikon best scope is nitrogen-filled and has O-ring-sealed housing for waterproof and fogproof performance. The reticle is BDC for quick-focus at eyepiece which measures 14.1 inches. The BDC reticle allows hunters to hold ‘dead-on’ at ranges. This exceeds those previously thought possible.
The BDC’s unique see-through ballistic circles offer an advantage for long-range shooting. However, the scope allows a normal sight picture for shorter-range shots in which the crosshair itself is the aiming point. The fully multicoated lenses give bright and high contrast views as expected.
The reticle adjustments are a precise hand-turn 1/4-inch click adjustment that gives positive-click once you get your scope zeroed in. This makes zeroing the scope quicker and could maintain your setting even with heavy recoil. To top it all up, Nikon riflescopes are offered Nikon’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. So don’t hesitate to call up the manufacturer at any moment if you have any warranty issues with your .22-250 scope.
One of the highlight of the scope is that it allows for high-resolution images even when hunting at the least desirable condition. The scope’s various magnification range offers flexibility. From heavy timber to the open prairies, this scope is suitable for any type of hunting situation.
As for the 3.7 inches eye relief, it is consistent. The scope keeps your brow safe even with the heaviest recoiling cartridges or severe shooting angles.
Let me move on to the technical details. The objective diameter is 40mm while the exit pupil is 3.3 to 10mm. The field of view is around 7.3-23.6 feet at 100 yards while the tube diameter is around 1 inch. The diameter of objective at the outside is around 50mm. Meanwhile, the eyepiece outside diameter is 44mm.The maximum internal adjustment is 60 MOA and the overall length is 14.1 inches.
About the field adjustments, just sight in as usual and lift the adjustment knob. Rotate to your “zero”. After doing so, simply re-engage. The field adjustments in scopes nowadays are now as easy as dialing your subsequent ranges. The scope also offers an optional sunshade accessory for bright, rainy, or dusty conditions.
The downside is the limited eye relief in the early morning setting. I would be hesitant to make out animals in detail at longer distances as target acquisition might be iffy. This best scope is also very susceptible to parallax distortion if the eyes are in a different angle. I noticed that any movement of the eye, either up or down or left to right, would change the crosshairs location.
Overall in my scope review, this Nikon best scope helps put virtually any shot in your comfort zone.
Suitable for:
- Any light conditions
- Diverse conditions
- Bench shooting
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope
The second best scope in this review is from Vortex optics. Vortex optics offers unconditional lifetime warranty so clear your mind out regarding the warranty issue. The Vortex scope is 30 mm in diameter. The multiple anti-reflective coatings increases light transmission on all air-to-glass surfaces.
With fully multi-coated lenses and resettable MOA turrets, there’s no compromising on the Crossfire II. The solid anodized aircraft-grade aluminum tube is nitrogen purged and O-ring. The magnification offered is 6 to 24 xs.
As for the technical details, the objective lens diameter is 50 mm while the eye relief is 4 inches. The field of view is around 17.3 to 4.4 feet at 100 yards. The tube size is 30 mm and the turret style is capped.
The adjustment graduation is 1/4 MOA and the travel per rotation is 15 MOA. The maximum elevation and windage adjustment is 40 MOA. That will sum up the technical details for now.
You must be careful when handling the eye relief. You need to be exactly 3 1/2 inches from scope or you may not be able to see through the scope. However, the glass is clear and good and the scope comes with a sun shade for free.
The different multiples of MOA reticle subtensions are useful for estimating the distance to target your sight. After 16 powers, the scope was blurry and the AO was really hard to rotate. Nonetheless, the clarity up to 16 powers is really good.
The sight-in took less than ten rounds at fifty yards. Meanwhile, the turrets are well marked and adjusted cleanly and predictably. The zoom and focus controls could be adjusted with a reasonable amount of effort and the sight picture is extremely clear without the reticle blocking the target.
Some minor issues I had with this best scope are the elevation turret markings that did not line up completely with the indicator. However, that was easily fixed by re-zeroing the turrets. Also, at maximum magnification, the sight picture is slightly blurry in bright light settings. That is to be expected though from budget scopes.
The included sun shade has been very helpful when shooting in the late evenings. I would have preferred though the flip up lens caps instead of the caps on the elastic strap. The reticle subtensions are calibrated to 18 x. So just keep it at that power level and only increase it up to 24x to check on your targets.
Overall in this best scope review, the real selling point of the scope for me was the solid Vortex warranty, which is fully transferable. The manufacturers will repair or replace it without any fuss. On the other hand, I am also quite amazed on how clear the picture is and the details that could be seen from extremely far distances.
Suitable for:
- Highest levels of performance
- Reliability
- Beginner-medium level shooters
Millett Illuminated Side Focus Tactical Scope
Millett riflescope is also one of the best scope in this review. The huge 56 mm objective lens are for a wider field of view plus a brighter image. The super-strong 35mm tube improves reliability and resolution. Meanwhile, the positive 1/4 MOA click adjustments are for windage and elevation.
This glass etched exclusive Mil-DotBar reticle is the ideal choice for the long-range hunter, tactical operator or a target shooter. The Millett Long Range Rifle Scope takes pride in itself for superior brightness and outstanding consistent accuracy.
This rifle scope by Millett is built for marksmen who prefer something bigger for their big guns as the scope is massive with a one-piece 35mm tube and 56mm objective. The Millet scope features precision controls with 140 MOA adjustment as well as a Mil-DotBar reticle for enhanced accuracy. You can also pair the scope with an red dot sight for double accuracy.
The scope rings that come with the scope are for a picatinny rail. Besides that, the scope is included with flip-open lens shade and tactical rings. The scope has a modified mil dot, dots at 1 mil to 5 mil, so you can calculate mil at both 25x and 12.5x.
However, the clicks feel a little mushy and heavy. It is also missing some features, like zero stop. Nevertheless, they are consistent in their click value and rock solid which promises to hold up to years of abuse.
The scope is in the second focal plane. Despite that, I’m hitting a 6” target in strong winds at 700 yards repeatedly. The rings that come with it are pretty high. Therefore, if you are going to mount on a flat rail I would look out for a set of low rings.
There is an extended full shroud for the front lens and the rings are larger than the 1″ standard ring size. The rings are made out of aluminum though steel would have been better. The weight of the bare scope is 984 g while the sun shade is 116 g. The Millett rings are 176 g.
The estimated distance from the rear objective to the shooters eye while sighting to allow shooters full view in the objective depends upon the caliber (recoil amount). Typically, you may want at least 3 inches to avoid getting hit in the eye with the scope during recoil.
Although the scope does not have the zero stop but the turrets can be slipped after setting your zero at whatever distance you like. So you always can find it easily and it does have the illumination knob by the eyepiece. An illumination knob is where you can turn the crosshairs green for night vision.
But this best scope is more suitable for an experienced shooter because it is a long range scope. The scope covers could use some more retainability when closed as the rear one falls off when shooting due to the percussion.
Suitable for:
- Experienced shooters
- Long range
- Big rifles
Nikon Buck Master II Scope with BDC Reticle
Again Nikon is one of the best scope in this review. This compact riflescope comes with 4 to 12x magnification as well as 40mm objective lens. The fully multicoated optical system is designed to transmit up to 98 percent of available light ensuring maximum brightness in low-light or low-contrast hunting situations.
The zero-reset turret adjustment knob is spring-loaded. Meanwhile, the eye relief is 3.7 inches. The scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring-sealed housing for waterproof and fog proof performance. The BDC reticle is installed at the quick-focus eyepiece which measures around 14.1 inches.
To simplify field adjustments, Nikon integrated a zero-reset turret into the riflescope. Just sight in as usual and lift the spring-loaded adjustment knob. Rotate to your zero and re-engage.
Hunters will surely love the patented BDC reticle. This allows them to hold dead on at ranges which exceed those previously thought possible. The BDC’s unique see-through ballistic circles offer incredible advantage for long-range shooting. However, it allows a normal sight picture for shorter-range shots.
If you have a bolt action, make sure the chamber is empty by taking the bolt out. Set the rifle on a steady rest and place a target at 25 yards. Look through the empty action and the barrel at the center of the target.
You must see the “X” at the center of the barrel. Now, look through the scope and bring the Cross Hairs of the scope until they are right in the middle of the “X”. You can also adjust the focus by turning the ring at the end of the scope which is near the eye. This is focus adjustment not power.
Also, take note that this scope is parallax set for 100 yards. This means that anything closer will move relative to the reticle. Furthermore, the lens is clear in the middle but blurry along the edges.
The reticle is also another problem. It has a BDC reticle which means bullet drop compensator. To make full use of the BDC reticle you need to use an app on your phone or tablet, or a web site on your PC. Since some of us may not bring your laptop into the stand or to the range, I will advise you to use either the android or iPhone app.
However, if you plan to shoot somewhere near the range you zeroed at, you probably don’t care about the bullet drop compensator which makes this scope a very suitable choice. This scope also won’t fog up, even in 0 degree temperature.
I would recommend you to use a higher magnification scope in case you are shooting over 200yds with a small diameter bullet. The cross hairs are a little thick to pinpoint a target at 100yards but you can still shoot sub-Moa groups.
Suitable for:
- Low or high temperatures
- Low light
- Low contrast situations
Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Tactical Scope
This best scope review is moved on to the third best Nikon riflescope. Constructed of aluminum, this compact riflescope offers 3 to 9x magnification as well as 40mm objective lens. This fully multicoated optical system could transmit up to 98 percent of available light for bright and high contrast views. The zero-reset turret adjustment knob is spring-loaded. The eye relief is around 3.6 inches.
The scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring-sealed housing for waterproof and fogproof performance. The BDC reticle is suitable for the quick-focus eyepiece which measures 12.4 inches.
The BDC reticle which stands for bullet drop compensator allows hunters to hold ‘dead-on’ at range which exceeds those previously thought possible. The BDC’s see-through ballistic circles is an advantage for long-range shooting but it does allow a normal sight picture for shorter-range shots.
The precise hand-turn 1/4-inch click adjustments are positive-click. It gets you zeroed in faster and maintains your setting even with heavy recoil.
Now let me describe the technical details. The exit pupil is around 4.4-13.3mm while the field of view is 11.3 to 33.8 feet at 100 yards. The tube diameter is about 1 inches while the eye relief is 3.6inches. Meanwhile, the objective outside diameter is 50mm and the eyepiece outside diameter is 44mm.
The overall length of the scope is 12.4 inches. The adjustment graduation is 1/4 inches. The maximum internal adjustment is 80 MOA and the scope weighs around 13.7 oz. Regarding the warranty, the manufacturer offers workmanship/ materials lifetime guarantee.
The scope is not a first focal plane reticule. It is not a problem but for any yardage use or measurement you might want to have this scope at 9X or its maximum zoom range. Eye-strain is a true concern for some and it is rightly so. Eye strain is common in cheap poorly manufactured scopes. Fortunately, that is not a concern with the Nikon Prostaff.
This is a quality scope and looks promising to last. This scope is easy to zero in and it will stay. As a side note, after you zero in, you can always put the cap back on. This is to cover the elevation and windage adjustment. That way, you can’t touch it and the zero will always stay there.
The scope is awesome for 50 to 200 yards. However, there is no mount ring. Therefore, you have to buy it separately. Don’t worry though. Those don’t cost much. You can always get it at the local store.
Another highlight of this .22-250 scope is that the scope focuses and zooms easily. Sighting in is easy due to the turret reset capability. The ample eye relief allows for an easy and flexible stance. This scope is larger than expected due to the beefy rugged housing. Therefore, you may need higher scope rings.
The only minor problem I had is that the plastic covers on the adjusters can easily be cross threaded. This happens when you don’t really pay attention when you are putting them back on.
Suitable for:
- Eye strain relief
- 50 to 200 yards
- Easy sighting
Conclusion
I hope my best scope review has been helpful for you to choose the best riflescope for hunting. Hopefully, these best scope review has been one of the best reviews you seen so far. Check out some of the popular scopes for these calibers: