Are you looking for the best varmint scope for 22-250? If yes, this comprehensive buying guide is for you. Varmints are a nuisance in most homes and farms so hunting them down is the most effective method to eliminate them.
A scope is one of the most indispensable tools you should have for varmint hunting. It will enhance your shooting precision so you can eliminate these pests effectively no matter the conditions. Furthermore, the right scope will get you on target quickly and more importantly hit them ethically the first time.
What Makes a Great Varmint Scope for 22-250?
A great scope for 22-250 varmint hunting combines several attributes to ensure accuracy, clarity, and usability in all hunting fields. The attributes include but are not limited to:
High and Adjustable Magnification
Firstly, the scope should have high and adjustable magnification power since varmints are often shot from long distances.
Large Objective Lens (40mm or Larger)
Furthermore, the scope needs to have a large objective lens that lets in more light and improves image brightness and clarity in low-light conditions.
Crisp Illuminated Reticle
Thin or fine reticles are helpful for long-range precision on small targets such as varmints. It is also important for the scope to have an illuminated reticle for varmint hunting in low light settings of dawn and dusk.
Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
Moreover, the best varmint scope for 22-250 should have high-quality lens coatings to enhance light transmission, improve clarity, and fight glare.
Durable and Weatherproof Construction: The scope should be fog-proof, waterproof, and dustproof, given the possibility of hunting in different weather conditions. Additionally, it should be robust and well-built to withstand recoil, shock, and abuse.
Generous Eye Relief
It is also essential for the scope to have a generous eye relief to prevent scope-related eye injuries and enhance glassing comfort during prolonged hunting periods.
Best Varmint Scopes for 22-250
1) March Scopes Tactical Turret 1.5-15x42mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: FML-4Tube
- Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Weight: 23.28 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 Mil Rad
- Adjustment Type: Mil Rad
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 40 Mil Rad
The March Scopes Tactical Turret 1.5-15x42mm Rifle Scope is the best varmint scope for 22-250. It is engineering with top-tier features that cater the needs of both professional marksmen and serious hobbyists.
The highlight of the scope is the versatile magnification range, which transitions seamlessly from 1.5x for close-range engagements to 15x for precise long-distance shots. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide hunting and shooting in different environments. Furthermore, the scope’s optical clarity is outstanding, thanks to the high-grade lenses, which deliver edge-to-edge sharpness, minimal chromatic aberration, and exceptional light transmission even in low-light conditions.
The 42mm objective lens strikes a perfect balance between weight and brightness, offering a compact profile without sacrificing performance. Additionally, the scope features a fast-focus eyepiece and generous eye relief enhance usability, ensuring a comfortable shooting experience for prolonged sessions.
The scope’s tactical turret system is another highlight, offering precise, tactile, and audible adjustments that inspire confidence in the field. The turrets feature a zero-stop mechanism, making it easy to return to your baseline settings after making adjustments.
Above all, the scope boasts a robust construction that ensures durability under harsh conditions, with a shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof design that holds up well in extreme environments.
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity
- Large field of view
- 6 level illumination module
- Top quality multi lens coating where the transmittance is very near 100%
- Water repellent lens coating
Cons
- Heavy
2) Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 2 – 12 x
- Reticle: MIL
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 55 – 8.5 m at 100 m
Carrying the renowned Steiner name, the HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope is a versatile and high-performance optic designed for avid hunters and precision shooters. It balances versatility, durability, and precision making it a valuable investment.
Featuring a broad magnification range of 2-12x, this scope is perfect for both close-range engagements and long-distance accuracy. The 42mm objective lens complement the broad zoom range by gathering ample light and delivering crisp and bright images even in low-light environments.
Furthermore, the scope features Steiner’s proprietary lens coatings that enhance light transmission and reduce glare, ensuring optimal clarity and contrast. It also features intuitive and precise reticle with illuminated settings that allow for quick target acquisition in dim lighting.
Construction-wise, the scope is built with a rugged, lightweight aluminum housing that offers exceptional durability while maintaining a manageable weight. With its waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction, it withstands harsh weather and challenging terrains, adding to its reliability.
For added convenience, this rifle scope features a smooth magnification ring and side parallax adjustment that contributes to a user-friendly experience, offering sharp focus across varying distances. Steiner’s attention to detail is also evident in the quality of the turrets, which provide crisp, audible clicks for windage and elevation adjustments.
Pros
- Versatile 6x optical system
- Wide field of view
- HD Glass for unrivaled clarity
- Rugged waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof design
Cons
- Big budget
3) EOTech Vudu 3.5-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: MD1
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Field of View, Linear: 5.7 – 29.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 86 – 100 mm
- Weight: 33.23 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 Mil Rad
- Adjustment Type: Mil Rad
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 23/29 Mil Rad
This is the best Varmint scope for 22-250 for hunters looking to take their hunting a notch higher. The scope delivers exceptional performance in all lighting conditions from dawn till dusk.
Its sleek, durable design combines ruggedness with functionality, offering a lightweight yet robust aluminum body capable of withstanding harsh conditions. This guarantees dependability even in the harshest hunting fields. Furthermore, the 50mm objective lens ensures superior light transmission, providing bright and clear images even in low-light environments.
With a magnification range of 3.5-18x, this scope is versatile enough for mid-range engagements while offering the clarity and precision needed for long-distance shooting.
The illuminated reticle is another noteworthy feature, with adjustable brightness levels to suit various lighting conditions. The reticle is housed on the first focal plane (FFP), which is a game-changer for serious marksmen, as it maintains consistent sub tensions throughout the magnification range, enabling precise holdovers and windage adjustments.
Another highlight of the EOTech Vudu is its exceptional glass clarity. The lenses are coated with anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings, ensuring crisp visuals and resistance to dirt, water, and fog. Over and above that, the scope features exposed turrets that offer tactile and audible clicks, making elevation and windage adjustments quick and accurate.
Pros
- Rugged design prevents damage from heavy recoil and rough handling
- Efficient light transmission and unmatched edge-to-edge clarity
- Operable in different temperature ranges
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Weight
4) Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Weight: 14.6 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 60/60 MOA
Vortex optics stand out for their quality and the Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Rifle Scope is not any different. This premium optic is an exceptional tool for hunters and shooting enthusiasts who demand reliability, clarity, and durability in their optics.
The scope impresses with its solid construction and sleek design. It has an anodized aluminum tube that is built to last. Though robust, the scope is lightweight, ensuring it can handle the rigors of outdoor use without adding unnecessary bulk to your firearm.
To complement the durability, the scope features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle for easy shooting at varying distances. It eliminates guesswork by compensating for holdover and windage, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting or hunting scenarios.
Furthermore, the fully multi-coated lenses deliver superb light transmission, even in low-light conditions, providing sharp and clear images. The scope is also nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof and waterproof for dependable performance in challenging weather conditions.
Functionality and ease of use are where this scope truly shines. Adjustments are smooth and precise, thanks to the metal-on-metal precision turrets that allow for easy zeroing and consistent tracking. The capped reset turrets protect against accidental adjustments, which is a thoughtful addition for field use. Over and above that, the eye relief is generous, ensuring comfort even with high-recoil firearms.
Pros
- Durable aluminum construction
- Lightweight design
- Capped turrets
- Exceptional optical clarity
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Non-illuminated
5) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Length: 12.39 in
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 60/60 MOA
Made with the avid hunter in mind, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm rifle scope is an exceptional entry in the mid-range optics market, delivering outstanding performance, reliability, and versatility. It is easy to use and ideal for hunters of all levels, including beginners.
Constructed with Leupold’s legendary durability, this scope is rigid enough to withstand harsh environments and rugged use. Additionally, it is 100% fog-proof and waterproof, further bolstering its reliability in unpredictable weather.
The variable 3-9x magnification range provides ample flexibility for various shooting scenarios, whether you’re zeroing in on a target at moderate distances or scanning the landscape for game. The 40mm objective lens allows for excellent light transmission, resulting in a bright, clear image even in low-light conditions. The scope also features proprietary Twilight Light Management System that reduces glare and enhances contrast, ensuring that every detail is visible when it matters most.
What truly sets the VX-Freedom apart is its ease of use and precision. The ergonomic turrets are crisp and tactile, allowing for precise windage and elevation adjustments without any guesswork. The scope also has a lightweight design that ensures it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your firearm, and a scratch-resistant matte finish that keeps it looking great after tough outings.
Pros
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof & fog-proof
- Robust 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum
Cons
- 1-inch tube size
6) Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen II 2-12x42mm AHMR2 Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: AHMR2 IR MIL
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 9.6 – 55.7 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
- Length: 11.8 in
- Weight: 25.4 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 Mil Rad
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 25 – 32 Mil Rad
Next, we have the Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen II 2-12x42mm AHMR2 Rifle Scope. It offers impressive performance at a price point that competes with higher-end models for hunters and precision shooters.
The scope features a variable 2-12x magnification range, adaptable for both close-quarters and mid-range engagements. It offers a great balance between field of view and detailed target acquisition, vital when hunting. Furthermore, the 42mm objective lens allows for excellent light transmission, even in dim conditions, making it ideal for early morning or late evening hunts.
The other notable feature of the scope is the AHMR2 reticle. It is is illuminated for visibility in low light and etched onto the glass for durability and precision. The reticle’s design, combined with the scope’s locking turrets and zero-stop function, ensures easy and reliable adjustments in the field, eliminating guesswork. Besides, the turrets have positive tactile and audible feedback, making adjustments intuitive, even while wearing gloves.
The Helos BTR Gen II is also built to last and withstand harsh conditions. Its aircraft-grade aluminum construction is both lightweight and durable, offering waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof performance. Moreover, the precision-machined parts give it a sleek, high-quality feel while the matte finish prevents glare in bright light.
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Durable and robust construction
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses that provide better light transmission
- Precision zero stop system allows you to return to your initial zero position with a sharp and precise stop
- Locking turrets
Cons
- Slight learning curve associated with mastering the reticle
7) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: Illuminated 22 Subsonic
- Weight: 15.2 oz
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 12.7 – 39 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope marks our last recommendation for the best varmint scope for 22-250. If you are looking for a high-quality optic at an affordable price, look no further.
The selling points of this rifle scope are robust construction and sleek matte finish. It is built with an aluminum housing that is durable enough to withstand abuse and repeated use. Moreover, the nitrogen-purged tube ensures it is both waterproof and fog-proof, making it a reliable companion in challenging weather conditions.
The 3-9x magnification range is versatile, accommodating close-range engagements as well as longer shots, while the 40mm objective lens provides excellent light transmission for clear, bright images. The scope also features Hawke’s H2 optics system, which delivers sharp resolution and precise clarity.
Using the Vantage scope in the field is a seamless experience. It boasts smooth and precise fingertip-adjustable turrets that make windage and elevation adjustments simple and accurate. Additionally, the ¼ MOA click adjustments are tactile and audible, ensuring confidence in zeroing the scope. The scope also features a generous eye relief and a fast-focus eyepiece that makes it easy to dial in a crisp reticle view.
Pros
- Bright and clear optics
- Affordable
- Long, eyeglass-friendly eye relief
- Smooth and precise fingertip-adjustable turrets
- Solid construction
Cons
- Lacks ultra-high-end performance as premium models when pushed to extreme distances
What Magnification Do You Need?
Rifle scopes come in fixed or variable magnification that is represented by the first number of the configuration. For the best varmint scopes for 22-250, it is best to get a variable powered scope.
For close and medium range hunting and target shooting, look for a scope with magnification in the range of 3-9x or 4-12x depending on terrain and shooting field. Such scopes provide a wide field of view for easy target location and precision at moderate distances.
For long-range precision shooting of 500+ yards, you should get a scope with higher magnification like 16x or 20x.
Which Reticle is Ideal?
The 22-250 is known for its versatility. When choosing a scope for it, you should match the reticle with intended use to get the most out of it.
MOA and BDC reticles are the most common. MOA reticles offer easier adjustments for range estimation and are mostly ideal or hunting and target shooting. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles on the other hand are ideal for longer shots, allowing you to compensate for bullet drop at different ranges without making significant adjustments.
It is also wise to get an illuminated reticle with multiple adjustment settings. Such a reticle will help when hunting in low-light conditions, especially at dawn or dusk.
How to Choose a Varmint Scope for 22-250
When choosing the best varmint scope for a .22-250 rifle, take into consideration the following factors.
Light Gathering Ability
The objective lens is responsible for gathering light inside the scope. A larger objective lens (e.g., 40mm, 50mm) will gather more light, provide clearer image in low light conditions, and a spacious field of view for easy target location. However, extra-large objective lenses might add weight, so ensure it suits your hunting style without adding unnecessary weight.
Parallax Adjustment
A parallax-free scope or one with parallax adjustment is the best for 22-250. It will help with accuracy, especially at longer ranges. Additionally, parallax adjustment eliminates the potential for parallax error, which can cause the reticle to shift relative to the target at certain distances.
Durability and All-Weather Reliability
The best varmint scope for 22-250 should be rugged and well-built to hold up better in harsh conditions and under recoil. Additionally, the scope be sealed and nitrogen purged to withstand the elements, rain, fog, and recoil from the .22-250.
Turret Adjustments
Scopes with finger-adjustable turrets allow for quick and easy windage and elevation adjustments while shooting. The best varmint scope for 22-250 should also have locking turrets to prevent accidental adjustments, which can be a benefit when you’re on the move or hunting in tough conditions.
Weight and Size
The weight and size of any scope affects its portability and ease of use. For hunting purposes, especially if you’re on the move a lot, a lightweight scope is desirable. Ensure that the scope doesn’t add too much unnecessary weight to the rifle, but still provides the necessary features for accurate shooting.
Field of View (FOV)
The next feature to look at is the field of view. A wide field of view at lower magnifications helps you locate and track moving varmints with ease, while higher magnification aids in easy target acquisition at long ranges but may reduce the FOV. Choose a scope that offers a balance based on your primary shooting distances.
Cost
Rifle scopes vary in cost depending on the brand, build quality, and features incorporated. High-quality scopes can cost a fortune, but you don’t necessarily need to break the bank. For the best Varmint scope for 22-250, look for a model that offers the best features within your budget while considering the environment you will be hunting in.
Eye Relief
Last but not least, consider the eye relief which is the distance from the scope’s eyepiece to your eye. With a high-powered rifle like the .22-250, a generous and comfortable eye relief is important to prevent injury from recoil. Aim for a scope with at least 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief.
Read Also
- 8 Best Budget LPVO for Hunting
- 7 Best 6.5 Creedmoor Hunting Scopes
- 7 Best Nightforce Scope for Hunting
- 6 Best Leupold Hunting Scope
FAQs
- What type of scope tube should I choose for a Varmint 22-250 scope?
1-inch or 30mm tubes are common for .22-250 scopes. A 30mm tube offers more room for internal adjustment range and reticle movement, making it suitable for more precise long-distance shots. On the other hand, 1-inch tubes are lighter, easier to mount, and sufficient for most applications.
- What do numbers in a scope represent?
The magnification power and size of the objective lens respectively. In a 2-12x42mm scope for example, 2-12x is the variable magnification power while 42mm is the diameter of the objective lens.
- How much does a good varmint scope cost?
The cost of a good-quality varmint scope for a .22-250 can range from $200 to $500 for the budget models and over $500 for top-tier models depending on features like lens quality, reticle, magnification, and build quality.
Final Words
In conclusion, there are innumerable varmint scopes for 22-250 available on the market and your ideal model will trickle down to your hunting style and budget. With a quality scope at your disposal, you will not only push your 22-250 rifle to its full potential but also get the most from your hunting expeditions. Hopefully, the information in this buying guide has steered you in the right direction.