The .22-250 Remington is a legend among coyote hunters—flat-shooting, fast, and accurate at ranges where most predators feel safe. But to make the most of your rifle, you need a scope that can keep up: clear enough for twilight, tough enough for wind and cold, and ready for quick shots or long stands. This guide covers the best scopes for coyote hunting with .22-250, plus tips for choosing the perfect optic for your hunting style and terrain.
Quick Picks
- Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 — Best Overall
- Burris Veracity 3-15×50 — Best for Low Light
- Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP — Best Value/First Focal Plane
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a Scope for Coyote Hunting with .22-250
The right scope brings out the full potential of the .22-250 on predators. Here’s what to look for:
- Magnification: 4-16x, 3-15x, or 4-14x is the sweet spot—low end for quick close shots, high end for long-range setups in open country.
- Objective Lens: 40–50mm lets in plenty of light for dawn, dusk, or night hunts without adding unnecessary weight.
- Reticle: Simple BDC, MOA, or mil-dot reticles work well. First focal plane (FFP) reticles are a bonus for accurate holdovers at any zoom—helpful when shots happen fast at different ranges.
- Turrets: Exposed, zero-reset turrets are ideal for dialing elevation/wind on distant coyotes. Capped turrets are better if you don’t dial or hunt heavy brush.
- Glass & Coatings: Fully multi-coated lenses, HD/ED glass, and good low-light performance are crucial for twilight or moonlight hunts.
- Durability: Waterproof, shockproof, fogproof construction—because coyote hunting means weather, bumps, and sometimes travel miles from the truck.
- Weight: Under 24 oz for hiking hunts; heavier models work well from a stand or shooting bench.
Detailed Reviews — Best .22-250 Coyote Hunting Scopes
Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44
Who it’s for: Coyote hunters who want a scope that’s clear, reliable, and quick to adjust—ideal for long shots on wary predators in open fields or rolling prairie.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-16x magnification for both close and distant shots
- 44mm objective for plenty of brightness at dawn and dusk
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle for fast, simple holdovers
- Precision Glide Erector system for smooth zoom
- Easy zero-reset capped turrets
- Pros:
- Excellent clarity and light transmission
- Holds zero on .22-250 and larger calibers
- Vortex’s lifetime VIP warranty
- Cons:
- No illumination for night hunting
- Not FFP, but still excellent for most hunters
- Final Verdict: The Viper HS is a time-tested, feature-rich scope that’s perfect for making tough coyote shots with confidence. See today’s price:
See Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 Price
Burris Veracity 3-15×50
Who it’s for: Hunters who want a super-bright, rugged scope for low-light sets—ideal for first/last light, snowy days, or hunting under the moon.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-15x magnification is perfect for most coyote situations
- Large 50mm objective gathers extra light
- Ballistic E1 FFP reticle for quick holdovers at any zoom
- Zero Stop for instant return to zero after dialing
- Pros:
- Outstanding light transmission in bad weather
- Easy to use with gloves or in the cold
- Burris Forever Warranty
- Cons:
- Heavier than smaller objective scopes
- Priced near the top of this segment
- Final Verdict: The Veracity is perfect for coyote hunters who want max brightness and confidence in every shot. Click for latest deals:
See Burris Veracity 3-15×50 Price
Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP
Who it’s for: Hunters who want first focal plane accuracy, tactical features, and an affordable price—ideal for quick ranging and holdovers on moving coyotes.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-14x FFP ACSS or mil-dot reticle for fast holdovers and wind calls
- Side parallax for sharp focus at any range
- Exposed turrets for quick adjustments
- Built tough for predator hunting abuse
- Pros:
- FFP reticle works for any distance, any zoom
- Great glass and warranty for the price
- Light enough for carrying all day
- Cons:
- No illumination for night
- Not as much max zoom as some scopes
- Final Verdict: If you want affordable first focal plane precision for predators, the SLx 4-14×44 FFP is a top pick. Click for pricing:
See Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP Price
Bushnell Engage 4-16×44
Who it’s for: Coyote and predator hunters who want simple, reliable performance and quick mounting to most rifles.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-16x magnification for all hunting scenarios
- Deploy MOA reticle for fast adjustments
- EXO Barrier coating repels water, fog, and dust
- Side parallax and tool-less zero reset
- Pros:
- Easy to mount and use
- Reliable tracking and holds zero
- Good value for the features
- Cons:
- No illumination
- Not FFP
- Final Verdict: The Bushnell Engage 4-16×44 is a smart, budget-friendly predator scope for all conditions. Click for deals:
See Bushnell Engage 4-16×44 Price
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12×40
Who it’s for: Budget-focused hunters who want proven glass, easy holdovers, and a scope that’s ready for hard field use.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-12x zoom for fast acquisition and long shots
- Quadplex reticle for fast sight picture
- Lightweight and easy to mount
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Pros:
- Great value for the money
- Solid, clear glass for legal hunting light
- Trusted by hunters and outfitters
- Cons:
- No exposed turrets or advanced reticle
- Limited max magnification for wide-open country
- Final Verdict: The Whiskey3 is a great all-around coyote scope for hunters who want affordable reliability. Click for today’s price:
See Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12×40 Price
Comparison Table
Name | Magnification | Objective | FFP | Illuminated | Weight | Price Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vortex Viper HS | 4-16x | 44mm | No | No | 20.4 oz | Check Price |
Burris Veracity | 3-15x | 50mm | Yes | No | 25.1 oz | Check Price |
Primary Arms SLx | 4-14x | 44mm | Yes | No | 17.9 oz | Check Price |
Bushnell Engage | 4-16x | 44mm | No | No | 19 oz | Check Price |
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 | 4-12x | 40mm | No | No | 15.3 oz | Check Price |
FAQ — Coyote Scopes for .22-250
What’s the best magnification for coyote hunting with .22-250?
4-16x or 3-15x is ideal—gives you a wide view for close, fast shots and enough zoom for distant, wary coyotes in open fields.
Is FFP (First Focal Plane) important for predator hunting?
FFP reticles keep your holdovers accurate at any zoom, which is handy for long shots and quick corrections. SFP works fine if you usually hunt at one power or prefer a traditional look.
Are illuminated reticles needed for night coyote hunting?
Helpful, but not required. For legal daylight or dusk/dawn hunting, bold black reticles are usually enough. If you use thermal/night vision, consider a dedicated NV optic instead.
Will these scopes hold up to .22-250 recoil?
Absolutely. Every scope above is built for centerfire rifles—no issues with .22-250 or even larger calibers when mounted properly.
What features make the biggest difference for coyote hunting?
Quick, repeatable adjustments, crisp glass at low light, and a reticle that matches your style—those three things help you hit more coyotes in real field conditions.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The .22-250 is a classic coyote cartridge that deserves a clear, dependable scope. Every optic above has been chosen for field-tested performance, real-world value, and features that help you make the most of every stand or stalk. Click any link to check today’s deals, see more reviews, and get ready for your most successful coyote season yet!