The 9 Best Scopes for the 22-250 in 2020
The 22-250 is an extremely high velocity 22 caliber rifle that is commonly used for varmint hunting. Some hunters use it for deer hunting and its main strength lies in its range. Since it is a high-velocity gun, you can use it on targets up to 1000 yds out.
For this distance though, you need a proper, high magnification scope with a compensating or range finding reticle for maintaining accuracy. With that in mind, the review below looks at 9 of the best scopes for the 22-250 rifle.
You can also read other product reviews such as varmint scope , sniper scope , spotting scope , long range scope .
9 Best Scopes for 22-250 – Review
|
IMAGE |
PRODUCT |
FEATURES |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Nikon 16423 (Best Overall) |
|
|
|
2. Barska AC10050 (Best for the Money) |
|
|
|
3. Bushnell ET6245FG (Best Tactical) |
|
|
|
4. Bushnell 613944 (Best Compact) |
|
|
|
5. Athlon Optics 214061 (Most Durable) |
|
|
|
6. Leupold 56170 (Has Twilight Light Management System) |
|
|
|
7. Nikon 16330 (With Spot-On Ballistic Match Technology) |
|
|
|
8. Vortex CF2-31045 (Has Adjustable Objective) |
|
|
|
9. Nikon 6729 (Fully Multicoated Lenses ) |
|
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
|
1. Nikon 16423 (Best Overall)
|
|
2. Barska AC10050 (Best for the Money)
|
|
3. Bushnell ET6245FG (Best Tactical)
|
|
4. Bushnell 613944 (Best Compact)
|
|
5. Athlon Optics 214061 (Most Durable)
|
|
6. Leupold 56170 (Has Twilight Light Management System)
|
|
7. Nikon 16330 (With Spot-On Ballistic Match Technology)
|
|
8. Vortex CF2-31045 (Has Adjustable Objective)
|
|
9. Nikon 6729 (Fully Multicoated Lenses)
|
1. Nikon 16423 – Best Overall Scope for the 22-250
Photo: Nikon
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Main tube Diameter: 30mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5-4 in.
Starting off the list is Nikon’s 16423, which takes the overall best spot because it has an illuminated X-MOA reticle for easy low light use. It actually has 10 brightness adjustment levels for controlling the intensity of the red illumination to suit different low light environments.
That said, the reticle is also designed for precision because it has marks for range estimation, maintaining holdovers and wind plus bullet drop compensation. These markings are etched on the second focal plane, which means they don’t change in size as you adjust the magnification.
Aside from that, you get fully multicoated lenses on all the exterior facing glass layers. This ensures you get a high contrast field of view for easy target spotting.
This performance is enhanced by a large 50mm objective lens, which allows lots of light to pass through for bright imaging.
Other features include side-focus parallax adjustment, precise 1/4 MOA click adjustments with 60 MOA maximum internal adjustment travel for windage and elevation, and a shockproof aircraft-grade aluminum body that is also waterproof and fog proof.
The only problem is that the scope is quite expensive.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Barska AC10050 – Best 22-250 Scope for the Money
Photo: Barska
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Main tube Diameter: 25.4mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in.
For those on a tight budget, Barska’s AC10050 is the most affordable scope for the 22-250 to consider buying. Despite this, it has a high magnification power of up to 24x, which is suitable for long-range spotting.
The scope also has a tactical Mil-Dot reticle that is highly precise at range estimation and compensating for elevation drops. It also has an adjustable objective to eliminate multi-range parallax error and this helps to maintain high accuracy.
Other features include a large 50mm objective lens that allows lots of light through to create a bright field of view, multi-coated lenses for producing high contrast imagery, a sturdy body design that is shockproof to absorb recoils and a waterproof, fog proof design.
On the downside, the scope’s reticle is not illuminated for enhanced low light hunting.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Bushnell ET6245FG – Best Tactical Scope for the 22-250
Photo: Bushnell
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Main tube Diameter: 30mm
- Eye Relief: 4 in.
If you are looking for a tactical scope for your 22-250, this unit from Bushnell is the best one because it is equipped with a G2 Designated Marksman Reticle (DMR). This reticle has mil-hash marks that are perfect for range and holdover estimation, as well as for windage correction.
Additionally, the scope has up to 24x magnification for extended range shooting. The reticle is placed on the first focal plane such that its markings enlarge with higher magnification for easy reading.
A Throwhammer throw lever is included for easy magnification adjustment at the flick of a finger.
The optics are multicoated for enhanced clarity while EXO barrier technology helps the exterior glass surfaces to repel oil, water, and scratch causing debris such as dust. Rain guard HD anti-fog technology is also incorporated into the lens to keep them clear in any condition.
Other features include a durable 30mm 1-piece tube design that is very durable, a 3-in sunshade to prevent glares and a convenient side-focus parallax adjustment knob that ensures you keep your eyes glued to the target.
However, the unit is very expensive and its reticle is not illuminated.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Bushnell 613944 – Best Compact Scope for the 22-250
Photo: Bushnell
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Main tube Diameter: 25.4mm
- Eye Relief: 4 in.
Measuring only 11.5 in. long, Bushnell’s 613944 is the most compact piece in this review, which means it consumes very little space above your rifle. Despite its small size, the scope has quite some impressive features.
For starters, you get Dusk and Dawn Brightness (DDB) multicoated lenses that are designed to enhance brightness and clarity in low light conditions. This helps to add on a few minutes to every hunting day once darkness starts setting in.
The unit is also equipped with a fast-focus eyepiece that gives you a clear field of view shortly after making any adjustments.
Other features include a camouflaged matte black color with the option of a camo Realtree AP color and a fully waterproof and fog proof construction.
On the downside, the scope’s magnification is not very powerful (up to 9x) and it lacks an adjustable objective for parallax elimination.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Athlon Optics 214061 – Most Durable Scope for the 22-250
Photo: Athlon Optics
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Main tube Diameter: 30mm
- Eye Relief: 3.3 in.
Apart from having a sturdy 1-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube, Athlon Optics’ 214061 entire body is heat-treated. This ensures the paint sticks to the surface for better protection against rust and corrosion.
Other than that, the scope features an illuminated APMR Mil reticle that is easily visible at dusk and dawn. This reticle is etched on the first focal plane, which ensures the markings shrink or magnify with the target for clear reading.
More features include fully multi-coated lenses with a large 50mm objective for enhanced brightness and clarity, argon-purged optics for fog-proof performance and a waterproof and shockproof design that gives the ultimate recoil resistance.
However, this unit has a very short eye relief of only 3.3 in., which makes it a bit risky to use on a rifle with heavy recoil.
Pros:
Cons:
6. Leupold 56170 – 22-250 Scope with a Twilight Light Management System
Photo: Leupold
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Main tube Diameter: 25.4mm
- Eye Relief: 3.7-4.9 in.
Leupold’s 56170 is equipped with a Twilight Max HD light management system that balances between light transmission, image contrast and resolution, and glare minimization so as to create a crisp field of view. This helps to add up to 10 minutes of hunting time after dusk.
Apart from that, the scope has a tough, rugged design that is punisher tested to withstand a minimum of 5000 impacts for recoil resistance. Additionally, it is tested to perform normally at extreme temperatures of -40˚F to 160˚F.
You also get a very generous eye relief of up to 4.9 in. and a 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof design. However, inside is a wide duplex reticle, which has no bullet drop compensation markings for holdover estimation.
Pros:
Cons:
7. Nikon 16330 – 22-250 Scope with Spot-On Ballistic Match Technology
Photo: Nikon
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Main tube Diameter: 25.4mm
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in.
Nikon’s 16330 features the brand’s Spot-On Ballistic Match technology, which enables you to determine the exact aiming point on its reticle for any type of bullet at different yardages. This makes it very versatile because you can easily use it on any type of gun.
Additionally, the unit is fitted with Nikon’s BDC 150 reticle, which has compensation markings for holdover estimation. These markings are in the form of see-through ballistic circles that allow for long-range shooting while also creating a clear, uncluttered view for short-range aiming.
Other features include zero-reset spring-loaded adjustment turrets that give an easy reference point for quick setting after firing, fully multicoated optics for clear, high-contrast imagery, a quick-focus eyepiece and nitrogen-filled, O-ring sealed optics for fog proof and waterproof use.
However, the reticle is not illuminated for enhancing your low light hunting experience.
Pros:
Cons:
8. Vortex CF2-31045 – 22-250 Scope with an Adjustable Objective
Photo: Vortex
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Main tube Diameter: 30mm
- Eye Relief: 4 in.
With its adjustable objective lens, Vortex’s CF2-31045 allows for parallax error removal from 10 yds to infinity, which results in sharper and accurate image focusing even at short range.
Additionally, the unit has fully multicoated lenses with anti-reflective compounds for eliminating glares from the field of view.
Apart from that, the scope has quite a forgiving eye box, as well as a generous eye relief of 4 in. This makes it safe to use on a heavy-recoil gun while its fast focus eyepiece gives you a clear reticle and sight picture in no time after making adjustments.
That said, the reticle inside is a dead-hold BDC reticle with customized hash marks for holdover estimation and windage correction. You also get a single-piece aluminum construction with a durable hard-anodized finish.
However, the reticle is not illuminated for easy low light use.
Pros:
Cons:
9. Nikon 6729 – Fully Multicoated Scope for the 22-250
Photo: Nikon
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Main tube Diameter: 25.4mm
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in.
Lastly, Nikon’s 6729 features multicoated lenses that transmit up to 98% of the available light to create a bright field of view with high contrast images for quick target spotting. These optics are also nitrogen-filled for fog-proof performance and sealed by O-rings for waterproofing.
The scope has Nikon’s patented BDC reticle that is very similar to the one in the Nikon 16330 . It features see-through ballistic circles that are advantageous for holdover estimation but also create an uncluttered pattern for clear short-range viewing.
Other features include precise 1/4 MOA positive click adjustments with 60 MOA maximum movement, a quick-focus eyepiece, durable polymer, and aluminum construction and Spot-On Ballistic Match technology for versatile use.
There is a newer version of this product called the Nikon ProStaff P3 , which is available in multiple magnification sizes. It includes a relatively powerful 6-18x with a more tactical Mil-Dot reticle and it is worth checking out.
On the downside, both varieties lack illuminated reticles for better low light hunting performance.
Pros:
Cons:
How to Buy the Best Scope for 22-250
Photo: Pixabay
1. Magnification
Considering that the 22-250 rifle has a range of about 1000 yds , the recommended magnification for such a range is 9-10x.
Since all the scopes above fit this description, the next logical thing to check is the magnification range and the wider the range, the better. This makes the 6-24x in a few of the products above such as the Nikon 16423 stand out.
2. Objective Lens
The objective lens is the point through which light gets into the scope to create your field of view. That said, the larger it is, the better because it will allow more light to pass through so as to create a brighter image.
In this case, the 50mm diameter objective in Nikon’s 16423 , Barska’s AC10050 and a few others gives them an edge over the rest.
3. Lens Coating
Apart from having a large objective lens, the coating applied to this lens helps to improve the imagery in the field of view.
For instance, multicoating technology like in Nikon’s 6729 incorporates the use of anti-reflective compounds to eliminate glares. This ensures you get high contrast imagery for easy target spotting.
On the other hand, Bushnell’s ET6245FG features EXO barrier technology for repelling oil, water, and scratch causing debris such as dust. It also has a rain guard HD coating for anti-fog use. Such coatings are recommended for superior performance.
4. Reticles
There are various types of reticles available in different scopes. As a general rule of thumb, for long-range rifles such as the 22-250, tactical reticles are recommended. This is because they have holdover estimation and windage correction markings for better accuracy.
These include the X-MOA, Mil-Dot, Mil-hash G2DMR and APMR Mil reticles in Nikon’s 16423 , Barska’s AC10050 , Bushnell’s ET6245FG and Athlon Optics’ 214061 respectively.
However, the X-MOA and APMR Mil reticles in Nikon’s 16423 and Athlon Optics’ 214061 respectively, are better than the rest because they are illuminated. This makes them easier to use when hunting during low light conditions.
5. Turrets
Turrets are the knobs used for making elevation and windage adjustments. Ideally, they should produce audible clicks on every adjustment so that you can know if the adjustment is registered without taking your eye off the target.
That said, the most important thing to know is the MOA or Mil adjustment that each click represents.
For the more popular MOA system, scopes such as Nikon’s 6729 have 1/4 MOA positive click adjustments. This means that every click represents a 1/4-in movement on the field of view at 100 yds. This should guide you when making any adjustments if you fail to hit the target.
6. Construction
Scopes are only as durable as their build quality. Since almost all units are built using aluminum, sturdiness is almost guaranteed. However, Athlon Optics’ 214061 takes it up a notch with a heat-treated body surface for enhanced durability.
On the other hand, Leupold’s 56170 has a punisher tested design that is recoil resistant and is also built to withstand extreme temperatures. Such extras are recommended for long-lasting use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we highly recommend Nikon’s 16423 as the overall best scope for the 22-250 rifle because it has an illuminated tactical reticle, powerful magnification of up to 24x and a large 50mm objective lens that is fully multicoated.
However, Bushnell’s ET6245FG has a more tactical G2DMR reticle with Mil-hash markings that require some calculations before making adjustments. Though expensive, if you prefer the accuracy accorded by milliradian-based reticles, this is the best choice.
If you are on a tight budget though, check out Barska’s AC10050 , which actually also has a tactical reticle (Mil-Dot).
-
9 Best Scopes for 22-250 – Review
- 1. Nikon 16423 – Best Overall Scope for the 22-250
- 2. Barska AC10050 – Best 22-250 Scope for the Money
- 3. Bushnell ET6245FG – Best Tactical Scope for the 22-250
- 4. Bushnell 613944 – Best Compact Scope for the 22-250
- 5. Athlon Optics 214061 – Most Durable Scope for the 22-250
- 6. Leupold 56170 – 22-250 Scope with a Twilight Light Management System
- 7. Nikon 16330 – 22-250 Scope with Spot-On Ballistic Match Technology
- 8. Vortex CF2-31045 – 22-250 Scope with an Adjustable Objective
- 9. Nikon 6729 – Fully Multicoated Scope for the 22-250
- How to Buy the Best Scope for 22-250
- Conclusion
