What optics for Coyote Hunting w/TC Pro Hunter 223

Thinking of going for a TC Encore Pro-Hunter 223 w/15" barrel for Coyotes... but do not know if I should go for a scope or an ultra dot. I think I will be shooting at 50 yds or more.

Would greatly appreciate suggestions from you guys!

Mike

For that setup I would go scope. I like the Bushnell 2-6x variables. Keep is set on 2 or 3x so you have a wide field of view, crank it up if one hangs up 200yds out.

i had wanted to try my 14" .223 with the RIFLEscope mounted. just never got around to it, n havn't hunted any for a good while.
but, there is an option for you to consider. field of view would be great and help a lot imo, if you can adapt to the short fov. possibly a modified hold from a sitting field position(back against tree etc).

Just checked the Bushnell website... and could not find anything for a Bushnell 2x6 variable..... please help!

Here it is at Midway for $170..
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=616105

Had one on my 15" 35 Whelen IMP, & one on my 15" 450 Marlin with no problems.

Mike,

I prefer the Bushnell Elite 2x6. However, I have not had any problems with a couple of older Bushnell Banners. On a 223 I would not expect any issue with the less expensive Banner. Evenso, if it were me, I would likely pop for the Elite.

Vance,
Many thanks!
Mike

IMHO, I like the variable!

Out of curiosity, what do you have on your big“er” game barrel?

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.

Here's another vote for the Bushnell. Got several of them on my 'tenders and Encores.

I would also suggest checking out the Burris 3x12...

For the money you can't beat the bushnell 2-6. Natchez and cabelas have them on sale now,I have the bushnell 2-6 on my 223 contender.

A 223 doesn't have a lot of buck to it so I would also use a rifle scope, in 3-9 or 4-12 if not shooting loooong range. I put a 6.5-20 on my Hornet, aim small miss small.

I agree with the 2-7 scope since I have one on my 15" Encore 223. I was having fun with it but things got better when I got a pachmyer Decelerator grip set for it and them added a NCStar Bipod (about $34.00). This combo allowed me to easialy shoot 2 inch groups at 200 yards. I sighted a 50 gr V max plus one and a half inches tall at 100 yds and found it to be dead on at 200yds. The bipod made it simple to hold steady and the added weight of the fore end and bipod made for a steady set up. No more lugging sandbags around. Love this set up, think you will too.

Ken,
Welcome to HH

When it comes to optics you need to decide what type or types of environment you will do the majority of your hunting in.
Will it also be used for pd's, etc?
Is it tight or open country?
Make the decision based on the ways you will use this barrel and the typical landscape you hunt in.

My last yote, which was with an XP (7mm SAUM) had a 6.5-20 Leupold on it. But I hunt wide open country.

Im not familiar with the Bushnell but the Burris 2-7 is what I use on my Encore .

The Bushnell 2-6 or 7, can't remember, is one I've had a few of and love. I've got one now on a 7tcu and also have the 3-12 Burris on my 30/30 ackley. Both are fantastic, but the Bushnell was about half the cost. Its well made and works great.

I'll throw another into the mix:

Weaver 2.5-8. I have one on my .223 Pro Hunter barrel and I LOVE it, my dad was impressed enough by it when he got back into his Tenders and started buying barrels last couple months, he put Weaver 2.5-8;s on ALL of his new barrels, he has 3-4 now I think.

On my 375 JDJ I have a 1.5-4x28 Weaver and its held up for about 500 rds so far, the 2.5-8 on my .223 has had about 1500 rounds fired and has been banged around alot in transportation, neither has EVER gotten out of zero.

Bright, crisp, clear sight pictures all around, less than half the cost of the Leupold and about 1/3 less than the Burris (which I have) and almost as good optics as the Leupold and better imo than the Burris.

My only issue so far is that at short, very short <25 yds, the scope will fisheye a little, but Ive shot groups at 10 yards just to test this and it didnt affect POI adversely, other than it obviously being a shorter range, and groups were tiny (it was only 10yrds ha ha)