Which power scope for a 223

[Buckfever]

Some paper punching and some prairie dog hunting.  The indoor range is maxed out at 100 yds. I am trying to make up my mind between a 4-14-40 or a 6-20-40.  I am leaning toward the 4-14-40 at this time.  I have never had a Varmint rig before and I am working my way through this.  I bought a Tikka Continental Varmint.  Yep not made anymore but a beautiful wood and blued with a 26" barrel.  I thought the 6-20-40 probably exceeds the range of a 223 and the 4-14-40 would be less expensive , smaller, and less weight,  Thoughts and opinions please!  This board has been the best thing for me and the new equipment I have purchased and I thank all that have shared their experience and ideas with me in the past.    Thanks  Buckfever

[quickdtoo]

I'm thinkin 4-16x40, a bit more on the high end and it moves ya into the Bushnell Elite 4200, one of my favorites. Or a 5-15x40 Bushnell Elite 3200 for a bit less $$. FWIW, I have a 5-20x40 on my .223.

[Graybeard]

For punching holes in paper even to only 100 yards I really like to have the option to go to 20X or 24X. You can't always use them depending on heat mirage but I like the option for times you can use them. But for practical real world use 14X to 16X is plenty for most every thing. The three scopes in this range I've used most are the Bushnell's both 5-15 and 6-24 and some old and really good Tasco World Class 6-24s. Using those old Tasco's I've shot a lot of groups in the .2's and .3's and even some less than .2" at 100 yards for five shots.