There’s nothing quite like the rush of calling in a coyote—and with the .223 Remington (or 5.56 NATO), you have one of the flattest-shooting, most popular predator rounds on the market. But fast follow-up shots, small targets, and varied hunting terrain demand a scope that’s just as quick and versatile as your rifle. Whether you’re hunting at first light, in wide-open country, or calling in thick brush, the right optic can mean the difference between a clean hit and an empty stand. This guide covers the best scopes for coyote hunting with a .223, which features really matter, and how to pick a model that’s ready for action—day or night.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP — Fast dialing, clear glass, and flexible magnification for field or brush.
- Best for Fast Shots: Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 — Classic, lightweight, and lightning quick for close-to-mid shots.
- Best Value: Primary Arms SLx 3-18×50 ACSS HUD DMR — Advanced reticle for range, wind, and holdovers at a bargain price.
- Best for Night Hunting: Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital NV — Day/night ready for coyotes after dark.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Scope for Coyote Hunting with .223
- Magnification Range: Coyote shots can be anywhere from 25 to 300+ yards. A 3-9x, 2.5-10x, or 3-15x is ideal for most hunters. Higher zoom (4-16x, 3-18x) is great for open fields or long setups.
- Glass Quality & Low Light: Good glass makes it easier to spot coyotes at dawn, dusk, or against brush. Look for fully multi-coated lenses and brands with strong reputations for clarity.
- Turrets & Adjustments: If you dial for distance or shoot at long range, exposed turrets with a zero stop and smooth clicks are helpful. For classic stands, capped turrets are simpler and lighter.
- Reticle Type: BDC (bullet drop compensator) and hashmark reticles are excellent for fast holdovers. Simple duplex or center dots are best for close, fast shots.
- Weight & Size: Lightweight scopes balance better on AR-15s and are easier to carry for long hunts. Heavy tactical scopes are fine for stand or truck hunting.
- Night Vision Ready: For nighttime predator hunting, consider a digital night vision scope or a traditional scope with enough eye relief to run behind a clip-on NV unit.
- Warranty & Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof—and backed by a true lifetime warranty. Vortex, Leupold, Primary Arms, and Sightmark are all proven choices.
Detailed Product Reviews
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP
Who It’s For: Coyote hunters who want maximum flexibility—fast dialing for distance, crisp FFP reticle, and sharp glass for those tough twilight shots.
- Key Benefits:
- First focal plane EBR-2D reticle—easy holds at any zoom
- Zero stop elevation turret, side parallax, and fully multi-coated glass
- Rugged, magnum-rated construction—perfect for .223, .22-250, or .243
- 10-level illumination for low light and dusk/dawn
- Lifetime VIP warranty
- Pros:
- Outstanding for long stands, big fields, and fast holdovers
- Daylight-bright illuminated reticle
- Easy to dial and repeat zero
- Cons:
- Heavier than basic “hunting” scopes (28 oz)
- More reticle info than needed for up-close shots
Final Verdict: The best “do-it-all” coyote hunting scope for ARs and bolt actions. See latest price
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
Who It’s For: Classic predator hunters who want speed, light weight, and bombproof reliability in any conditions.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-9x zoom—covers almost all coyote hunting distances
- Leupold Twilight Light Management—crisp image in the worst light
- Lightweight (12.2 oz) and short for balance on any rifle
- Rugged, fogproof, and waterproof—backed by Gold Ring warranty
- Duplex reticle—fast, uncluttered, and perfect for quick shots
- Pros:
- Ideal for moving targets and fast follow-ups
- Super simple—no confusing turrets or controls
- Affordable and made in USA
- Cons:
- No illumination
- Not as much zoom for extra-long shots (300+ yards)
Final Verdict: For the majority of predator hunters, this is a lightweight, worry-free classic. See latest price
Primary Arms SLx 3-18×50 ACSS HUD DMR
Who It’s For: Open country, plains, and range hunters who want the most advanced holds for wind, drop, and moving targets.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-18x zoom—huge flexibility from close to 400+ yards
- ACSS HUD DMR reticle—wind holds, ranging, and moving target leads built-in
- Illuminated reticle for low light
- Side parallax, exposed turrets with zero reset
- Lifetime warranty and robust, weatherproof build
- Pros:
- Insane value for features and reticle
- Perfect for AR-15 platforms and long-range bolt guns
- Tracks and holds zero for big volume shooters
- Cons:
- Heavier and larger than classic hunting scopes
- Reticle can be “busy” for those who prefer minimalism
Final Verdict: Best for technical shooters and anyone who likes to dial, hold, or hunt in big country. See latest price
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital NV
Who It’s For: Coyote hunters who spend most of their time after dark and want day/night performance on the same rifle.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-32x digital zoom—crazy range for a night vision scope
- Daytime color and night vision modes in one unit
- Built-in IR illuminator, video recording, and simple menu
- Mounts on any picatinny rail—perfect for ARs and bolts
- Runs on AA batteries or USB power bank
- Pros:
- Proven field performance for coyotes, hogs, and varmints
- Superb clarity for the price
- Works as your only scope for day or night
- Cons:
- Heavier than traditional optics
- Batteries drain faster on max IR
Final Verdict: The easiest way to go from day to night predator hunting with one scope. See latest price
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Reticle | Illuminated | Weight | Best For | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 | 3-15x | EBR-2D FFP | Yes | 28 oz | All-around | Vortex VIP |
| Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 | 3-9x | Duplex | No | 12.2 oz | Speed, woods | Leupold Gold Ring |
| Primary Arms SLx 3-18×50 | 3-18x | ACSS HUD DMR | Yes | 25 oz | Long range, value | PA Lifetime |
| Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 | 4-32x (Digital) | Digital NV | Yes | 36 oz | Night hunting | Sightmark 3yr |
How to Choose the Best .223 Scope for Coyotes
- Match your terrain: 3-9x for woods, 3-15x or more for open country, digital NV for night.
- Pick your reticle: BDC or hashmark for longer shots; simple duplex for fast, close work.
- Don’t skimp on glass: Good optics make calling and spotting far easier in bad light.
- Mounting matters: Use cantilever mounts for ARs, low/medium rings for bolt guns.
- Buy for the hunt, not the range: Field-friendly scopes beat “tacticool” at dawn, dusk, or in fast action.
FAQ
What magnification is best for coyote hunting with .223?
3-9x or 3-15x covers nearly every shot, from 30 yards to 300+. Bigger zooms help in open country, but aren’t needed for most predator stands.
Do I need an illuminated reticle?
It helps at dawn, dusk, or against dark targets—but a clear duplex or center dot is plenty for most daylight hunting.
Can these scopes handle .223 or .22-250?
Absolutely—all models here are fully rated for high-volume shooting and even larger calibers. No worries about losing zero.
Are these scopes good for AR-15 and bolt-action rifles?
Yes—every scope listed mounts easily to ARs or bolts with the right rings/mount. Check your rail type and mounting length for best fit.
Do I need night vision for coyote hunting?
It’s a huge advantage for pressured or nocturnal coyotes. The Sightmark Wraith HD is a great budget digital NV option for most hunters.
Conclusion & Call to Action
With the right scope, your .223 is a laser on coyotes—fast, flat, and deadly. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II gives you all-around dialing and glass. The Leupold VX-Freedom is a classic for fast shots. Primary Arms SLx brings high-tech holds for open country. And the Sightmark Wraith HD makes night hunting possible on a budget. Pick your favorite, sight it in, and get ready for the most action-packed predator season yet!
Want picks for your rifle, state, or night/day use? Just ask—I’ll build your custom .223 coyote scope guide for your next hunt!