Mike, good question, great topic, really hits home for me. Here is another vote for the Bushnell 3200 Elite 2X7 for a coyote scope in general.


That being said, your .223 Encore (or Contender) is easily a 200 yard plus rig for coyotes and other varmints. For many years I had a Burris straight 10X on my .223 and killed coyotes.



I like the 10X because it was very good for the smaller varmints, also.




I also used a straight 7X Burris on coyotes, and it worked ok.



The straight 7X is ok for the smaller varmints too.



My point is: This may be the best option for the varmint rig: the Leupold 2.5 to 8 Variable; it has the low end and power range for coyotes plus a good high end for the smaller varmints.