When it comes to finding the best scope for 22-250, there are plenty of models available on the market. In this article, we will take you through the important factors to consider when buying a .22-250 scope, show you the best-rated models available out there, and help you find the best model for your needs.
The .22-250 cartridge is known for its flat trajectory, accuracy, and versatility. It is exceptional for varmint and small game hunting at varying ranges including close and medium distances. On top of that, it is ideal for target shooting and hunting medium-sized game at longer distances.
For whatever application you use your .22-250 for, a worthy scope is an important tool to have. It will significantly improve your overall experience in the fields, fine-tune your shooting accuracy, and make every hunting expedition more and more competitive.
What Makes a Great Scope for 22-250?
A great scope for 22-250 is made of several features that complement its abilities and intended use. These features include:
Versatile Magnification
First and foremost, a great scope for .22-250 should have a broad and versatile magnification to match the versatility and accuracy of this cartridge. A versatile zoom power also gives you the flexibility to go hunting and shooting in different environments.
Crisp Reticle
It is also important for the scope to have a crisp reticle for easy aiming in all the environments you will be hunting and shooting in.
Clear Optics
The best scope for 22-250 should have clear optics and quality lens coatings to enhance optical clarity and maximize light transmission respectively.
Lightweight Construction
Another thing that makes a great scope for 22-250 is lightweight construction. The more lightweight a scope is, the easier it is to carry and shoot with.
Sufficient Eye Relief
Last but not least, a great .22-250 scope has to have a sufficient eye relief to enable comfortable and safe shooting in different angles.
Best Scopes for 22-250 -Top Picks
The following scopes are the best of the best for .22-250 hunting and shooting applications. Let’s take a look.
1) Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope
First up, we have the Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope. Designed for medium to long range use, this rifle scope is loaded with an array of high-quality features that make it the best scope for 22-250.
For starters, the scope has a variable 4-12x magnification offered in the second focal plane. At the lower end of the magnification, the scope provides a significantly large field of view for quick and easy target finding. Furthermore, it provides rapid target acquisition for targets at extended distances when you ramp up the zoom power.
Another outstanding features of this rifle scope is the optical system. It has a large 50mm objective lens that draws in large volume of light on the inside to enhance low light performance. Additionally, the scope has low dispersion glass which provides industry leading optical clarity in all situations.
With a weight of 18.9oz only, this rifle scope is fairy lightweight and portable. It also boasts European style eyepiece for smooth and precise reticle adjustment, and a weatherproof body for operability under any weather condition.
Features
- 3x optical zoom
- Second focal plane reticle
- European style eyepieces
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Low dispersion glass
- 25 MOA adjustment click value
- 1-inch main tube
- Resettable and lockable turrets
- Large 50mm objective lens
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight construction
- Clear and bright optics
- Good eye relief
Cons
- Non illuminated
2) Athlon Optics Neos 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Athlon is a brand that has built a reputation in the industry of optics. It makes an array of quality and cost-effective optics for users of all levels and the Neos 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is not any different.
This high-powered rifle scope packs premium precision at a price that is hard to beat. The magnification is adjustable from 4x to 12x for easy shooting across different distances. On top of that, the scope has adjustable parallax from 10 yards to infinity to enhance accuracy in extended distances.
Another thing that makes the scope stand out is quality construction. It is built with aircraft grade aluminum for optimal strength and toughness. The single-piece 1-inch tube also features IPX-7 rating against moisture and dust in addition to fog proof and shock protection for operability in all weather conditions.
Optically, the scope has a large 40mm objective lens to enhance low light performance. On top of that, the optics are fully multi-coated to provide the brightest and clearest images possible and enhance your aim in any distance.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- 1-inch heat treated single-piece tube
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Glass-etched second focal plane reticle
- 4-12x total magnification
- 40mm objective lens
Pros
- Lighted reticle
- Relatively lightweight
- Bright and crisp clear optics
- Solid and well made
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
3) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
To elevate the performance of your 22-250, you need a top-performing optic like the Vantage 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope. It is designed with cutting edge features and advanced technology to transform your overall performance and experience whether in the hunting field or shooting range.
The selling point of this rifle scope is optical performance. It has 11-layer fully multi-coated optics that ramp up light transmission and prevent glare. This guarantees brilliant image clarity even in low light settings.
Furthermore, the scope is crafted with user convenience in mind. It has a fast focus eye bell for easy reticle focusing and a high torque zoom ring for effortless magnification adjustment. Over and above that, the scope has a lightweight design so you don’t have to worry about it being cumbersome to carry.
In terms of construction, the Vantage 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope has a 1-inch body tube made from high strength aluminum. It is optimized for durability and has a dependable waterproof and fog proof protection for all weather use.
Features
- Side focus control for parallax adjustment
- Fast focus eye bell
- 1-inch single-tube chassis
- Durable aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- High torque zoom ring
- 11-layer fully multi-coated
- 1/4 MOA low profile fingertip turrets
- 4x to 12x adjustable magnification
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Low cost
- Great glass
- Great eye relief
Cons
- Not duty worthy
4) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm Rifle Scope is the best scope for 22-250 for seasoned hunters looking to take their hunting skills a notch higher. The scope excels in all lighting and weather conditions and provides clear view of targets no matter the distance.
With the adjustable 3-15x magnification, the scope gives hunters the flexibility to look for game in any environment and distance. It provides a wide field of view across the entire zoom range for easy target identification, monitoring and acquisition.
Furthermore, this sighting tool is built to last. It has a ruggedized 30mm tube for strength and toughness. The tube is made from 6061-T6 aluminum to protect the optics from damage and is fully protected from all weather elements to be usable even in adverse weather conditions.
To complement the versatile magnification, the scope also has fiber optics illumination which enhances the contrast between the reticle and target in low light. The brightness intensity of the reticle is adjustable into 8 different levels for greater shooting accuracy across different light settings. Over and above that, the scope has a generous eye relief which makes it eyeglass friendly.
Features
- Guard-ion lens coating
- Fast focus eyepiece
- CDS custom dial system
- Rear focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- 30mm main tube
- Motion sensor technology
- 8 adjustable brightness settings
- Versatile 5:1 zoom ratio
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Generous eye relief
- Lighted reticle
- Great glass
- Good low light performance
Cons
- The windage and elevation knobs could be better
5) NightForce SHV 4-14×56 .250 MOA Rifle Scope
Designed for performance and versatility, the NightForce SHV 4-14×56 .250 MOA Rifle Scope is all you need to unlock the full potential of the .22-250. It is simple to use and great for all hunters and shooters of all levels, even beginners.
Even in the harshest and most unforgiving conditions, this rifle scope delivers. It is built with the most hard-wearing materials to endure the roughest impacts, shock and recoil. Furthermore, it is built waterproof and fog proof to be usable in all weather conditions.
Not only is the build quality of this scope superb, but also its optical features. It combines optics of extra ordinary precision with a massive 56mm objective lens to enhance performance in low light. Besides, this rifle scope has zero tolerance lens that prevent movement of the optical elements in any direction.
With all these features packed in a small body, the NightForce SHV 4-14×56 .250 MOA Rifle Scope guarantees a lifetime of reliable performance when you need it the most.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 100 MOA adjustment range
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Aircraft grade aluminum alloy housing
- Zero tolerance lens
- 30mm single-piece body tube
- 25 MOA impact point correction
- 4-14x magnification
Pros
- Clear glass
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Good magnification range
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- Short eye relief at max power
6) Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
Let’s have a closer look at our next recommendation of the best scope for 22-250, the Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope. The clarity of this rifle scope’s glass is phenomenal and it is suitable for use even in low light settings of dawn and dusk.
There is no question on the toughness of this scope. It is built with aircraft grade aluminum, a material that is tough enough to weather any abuse. The tube is hard anodized to be scratch proof and corrosion resistant. It is also nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for fog proof and waterproof performance respectively.
Cementing the ruggedized construction is fully multi-coated optics that are responsible for ensuring high levels of light transmission. Other than that, this rifle scope boasts a long eye relief of 3.7 inches to be usable with or without eye glasses.
The other noteworthy features included are adjustable objective for parallax correction and a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is housed in the rear focal plane.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Aircraft grade aluminum body
- Hard anodized finish
- 30mm tube diameter
- SFP Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- 4-16x total magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 50 MOA adjustment range
- Adjustable objective
Pros
- Generous and consistent eye relief
- Lightweight
- Crisp clear glass through all zoom levels
- Highly resistant against abrasion
Cons
- Non illuminated
7) Primary Arms SLx Series 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope
Lastly, we have the Primary Arms SLx Series 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope harbors a multitude if high-quality and user-friendly features for accurate ranging on the hunting fields and shooting range.
It is crafted in a 30mm tube which provides ample room for reticle movement and adjustments. The tube is made from 6063 aluminum and is anodized to be scratch proof and rust proof. With the quality construction, this rifle scope delivers even in the most challenging environments.
For all weather performance, the scope is fully waterproof, dust proof and fog resistant. Over and above that, it employs premium quality glass element to enhance optical clarity. Every air to glass surface also features premium anti-reflective coatings to enhance performance in low light.
And that’s not all. The Primary Arms SLx Series 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope has a traditional Mil-Dot reticle put on the first focal plane. It stays true at all magnifications and is illuminated for crisp aiming in low light.
In addition to everything else, this rifle scope has a side parallax adjustment knob that keeps the reticle parallax free and focuses from 10 yards to infinity.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Variable 4-14x magnification
- Anodized non-reflective matte finish
- First focal plane Mil-Dot reticle
- Side adjustable parallax knob
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Exposed tactical style turrets with zero reset
- Tactile and audible 0.1 Mil windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Low cost
- Illuminated reticle
- Holds zero well
- Tough and reliable construction
Cons
- Poor eye relief
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What Magnification Do You Need?
Having the right scope magnification is important to unlocking the full potential of the well-known 22-250 cartridge. Generally, how far you will be shooting will dictate the scope size that you get.
For varmint and small game hunting, you need a variable power scope with 3-9x or 4-12x magnification. These magnification ranges provide the perfect balance of precision and quick target acquisition at all ranges.
When it comes to target shooting and long-range hunting, you need a scope with a higher magnification. A model with at least 14x magnification power should suffice.
How to Choose the Best Scope for 22-250
Below are the key things you should consider when buying a scope for 22-250.
Intended Usage
This is the first and most important thing to consider. The 22-250 is optimized for versatility. It is therefore important to consider the activity you anticipate to use it for and then look for a scope that best fits that application.
Durability
The build quality of a rifle scope determines its overall performance and reliability. The best scope for 22-250 should be carefully crafted with premium quality materials to last for a long time and be of service for long. Such materials include aircraft quality aluminum and magnesium alloy.
On top of the quality make, the scope you choose to buy should be fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather use.
Picture Quality
The picture quality in rifle scopes is determined by the type of glass employed and the quality of lens coatings. Rifle scopes that use ED or HD glass elements are the best in terms of resolution and picture quality. The scope you choose to buy should also come with premium anti-reflective coatings put on all air to glass surfaces to boost light transmission.
Eye Relief
The distance your eye has to be from the eyepiece of the scope during use is called eye relief. It is a very important factor to consider especially for those who put on eye glasses. The best scope for 22-250 should have ample eye relief of more than 3.5 inches to enhance both eye comfort and safety.
FAQs
- What is the range of a 22-250?
The 22-250 cartridge has an effective shooting range of 600 yards maximum. This makes it an excellent cartridge for a wide range of applications from varmint and medium game hunting, to long range target shooting.
- Is 22-250 good for long range?
Yes. The 22-250 is good for hunting and target shooting across varying distances, including long ranges. It has a high velocity that helps it maintain speed, energy and accuracy over long distances.
- What is the benefit of 22-250?
22-250 is a multi-functional cartridge suitable for hunting varmints and target shooting. Its main benefit is low recoil which makes it ideal for use by recoil sensitive hunters and shooters. It is also a high velocity 22 caliber rifle cartridge that is capable of reaching over 4,000fps.
Final Thoughts
Few cartridges can perform like the 22-250 when it comes to varmint hunting and target shooting. With the right scope at hand, you are guaranteed of a remarkable experience in the fields or on the range. Choosing the best scope for 22-250 requires you to do your homework well, but whatever your needs are, there is a scope out there for you.