One of the most popular, best-selling cartridges around, the .22-250 Remington stands out as a preferred hunting and long-distance ammo.
The now-well-known .22-250 started its days in the 1930s as a wildcat combination of a .250 Savage case with a .224 bullet. Its humble origin belies the popularity it would continuously maintain between the 1960s and today.
Its long-lasting success is largely due to its usefulness as a varmint hunter, but that’s not all that has maintained this cartridge’s popularity.
What else makes .22-250 guns and ammo so well-liked, even today?
- Reliable and consistent performance
- Powerful with great accuracy
- Very fast – can travel more than 4000 feet per second
- Flat trajectory
- Well-known and popular
.22-250s are great for small to medium game hunting (and possibly precision deer hunting though some states may have restrictions for this).
.22-250s travel so fast that they can cut through windy conditions and still stay accurate, but because .22-250s use the friendly .22 caliber rifle – you don’t have to worry about a lot of kickback!
My Top Pick
After all my tests, I consider the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 to be the best scope for a .22-250 rifle overall. It impressed me with its long eye relief, a fast-focus eyepiece, clear picture quality with perfect contrast, and much more. For detailed information, go to my full review below.
Why You Should Trust Me?
As someone who’s spent countless hours in the field with a .22-250, I know exactly what you’re looking for in a scope. I’ve put these optics through their paces in real-world hunting scenarios, just like the ones you’ll encounter.
I created this guide specifically for you, to help you find that perfect scope that’ll make your .22-250 sing. I’ve considered everything from magnification to durability, always keeping in mind what matters most to us .22-250 shooters. My goal? To give you the inside scoop so you can make a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Now, you might be wondering, “Why should I trust your recommendations?” Well, I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve experienced the frustration of a subpar scope and the joy of finding that perfect match. Every recommendation here comes from my personal experience – the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m not just listing specs; I’m sharing what these scopes can really do in the field, how they handle in different situations, and how they’ll complement your .22-250’s impressive capabilities. So, let’s dive in and find you that ideal scope, shall we?
Get more information on how I test optics here.
My 4 Best .22-250 Scopes
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 BDC Reticle – the best scope for .22-250 in my opinion. It’s adjusted to high velocity, it has an excellent adjustable lens, and its tube is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed.
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope GEN2 6-24x50mm – certainly a good scope for .22 250 in its price range. The First Focal Plane Reticle makes a huge difference, facilitating my shooting also in the dark.
- Burris Extreme Tactical 5-25x50mm – even if it’s more expensive, it’s really worth the price. It provides precision at any distance and allows for easy yet accurate adjustments.
- UTG 4-16X50 1″ Hunter Scope – a great scope with awesome magnification settings, allowing for excellent light transmission. It’s very resistant, both to bad weather conditions and shock damage.
Choosing the Right Scope
It’s time to take a closer look at some of the best .22-250 scope suggestions out there.
Which of these four scopes will be the best .22-250 scope for you?
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 BDC Reticle
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The high velocity of the .22-250 caliber bullet ensures it can travel far and fast. My tests have shown that the Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 puts this to the test with its 24X zoom, allowing me to quickly pick off targets at more than 1000 yards off.
My Feelings After Using the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 BDC Reticle
The adjustable objective lens lets me put my image in focus and remove parallax, much like I can do with a DLSR camera.
I appreciate the fact that the dead–hold BDC reticles ensure I never have to guess the trajectories of my bullets because of holdover and windage corrections. Customized hashmark designs on the reticle guide me through every step of the shot. I think it’s perfect for shooting at various ranges when estimating holdovers is a concern.
After using that product, I can see it holds zero perfectly and is excellent with windage and elevation adjustments. Maximum elevation and windage adjustment are 40 MOA in both cases. The second focal plane maintains the same ideally-sized appearance of my targets.
The fast–focus eyepiece allows me to quickly and easily focus on the reticle. This scope also has anti-reflective, multicoated lenses that ensure crystal-clear picture quality with perfect contrast at all hours of the day. It’s also fog-proof and waterproof because the lenses are nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed. All that seems pretty impressive to me!
With this scope, spotting my prey is like taking a walk in the park—and I love that!
Product Highlights
I really like how well this scope adjusts to the high velocity of .22-250 bullets. The adjustable objective lens also helps achieve the right focus.
Apart from that, one of the best things about this product is that the windage and elevation adjustments are really easy and flexible.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
If you zoom very closely, the vision can get a little blurry, so it’s better to stay at the clear level this scope provides. Also, the mounts are a bit low if you ask me, but it may be a matter of personal preference.
Key Features
- 24x zoom
- Adjustable objective lens
- The dead hold BDC reticles
- Customized hashmark designs
- 40 MOA maximum elevation and windage adjustment
- The anti-reflective, multicoated lenses
- Fog proof and waterproof
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex |
| Weight | 23.6 Ounces |
| Eye Relief | 4 in |
| Magnification | 6 – 24 x |
| Field of View | 4.4 – 17.3 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
For the price, I think this is hands down, the best scope you can get for your .22-250 caliber rifle, as testified by multiple customer testimonials, and as it comes out from my tests. For medium to long–range shooting, I would highly recommend this scope to everyone.
My rating: 5/5
2. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN 2 Riflescope 6-24×50
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Another riflescope made especially for medium to long–range shooting pairs up perfectly with the .22-250 Remington and its small game hunting prowess.
My Feelings After Using the Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN 2 Riflescope 6-24×50
I think the best feature of this rifle is the First Focal Plane (FFP) Reticle, which makes a world of difference while shooting in my opinion. The illuminated reticle not only lets me see in the dark, but it also shrinks and grows as I zoom in and out in my scope. This particular feature makes my job so much easier!
After thoroughly testing this product, I think the second best feature adjustment is that I can adjust the parallax up to infinity. Rest assured, I didn’t face any parallax–related errors. The reticle holds zero perfectly, and the windage and elevation adjustment is absolutely dead on.
Add to that the sleek and sophisticated design with a matte finish, which makes it look like something straight out of a movie to me. It’s not just aesthetics, though – I’ve noticed this scope is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum, and it’s immensely sturdy. It seems to me it will hold great regardless of the amount of punishment I throw at it!
Another cool feature that caught my attention was the multicoated lenses – they make no compromises when it comes to picture quality, offering you a crisp and clear picture with optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum. Argon–purged lenses guarantee thermal stability and water resistance.
Product Highlights
I’m impressed with how the First Focal Plane Reticle helps me to see in the dark. Another great thing I like about this product is the basically infinite parallax adjustments. Thanks to the aircraft-grade aluminum coating and a matte finish, it feels really sturdy and looks awesome.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
As compared to some other 22-250 scope suggestions, this one seems to have pretty small eye relief, as it’s just 3.3 inches. It’s up to you if that’s enough for your needs or not.
Key Features
- The First Focal Plane Reticle
- Flexible parallax adjustments
- Multicoated lenses
- Relatively low price
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Thermal stability
- Water resistance
Pros |
Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Athlon |
| Weight | 51.2 Ounces |
| Eye Relief | 3.3 in |
| Magnification | 6 – 24 x |
| Field of View | 16.7 – 4.5 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
Just like the last scope on my list, this one gives you immense value for money while not compromising on quality. The first focal plane reticle really takes the cake and makes it far superior to all other riflescopes at this price range. I’d say one of the best long-range optics out there.
My rating: 4.5/5
3. Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 5-25x50mm 
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While pricey, this rifle scope from Burris is a high-quality piece of equipment and perfect for hunters that want the best of the best.
My Feelings After Using the 3. Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 5-25x50mm
After all the tests I’ve done, I can see there’s a lot to like here, starting with its five interchangeable magnification powers between 5x and 25x (including 10x, 15x, and 20x).
This makes it ideal for both hunting smaller targets in the brush at relatively close ranges and longer distance targets that really work with the 22-250 Remington cartridge. I love such versatility!
However, I think even more important is the illuminated SCR Mil reticle. Designed for precision use at any distance and offering a variety of different holdover points for compensating for windage, elevation, and even bullet drop, it’s a perfect precision reticle for experienced marksmen like me that will make use of the longer available magnification powers frequently.
What’s more, I am able to make the most of the reticle even further thanks to the zero-click stop adjustment turrets for windage, elevation, and parallax. These allow me to quickly but precisely adjust for these variables and don’t require tools for adjustment.
The control for the scope’s many illumination settings can also be found on the parallax turret, so all my controls are in the same spot and easy to recognize.
That’s not all. This is easily one of the more durable and long-lasting hunter scopes on the market in my opinion, featuring high-grade optical glass and waterproof/fogproof construction.
I know that the .22-250 Remington cartridges can produce significant recoil, but that can be handled since the scope comes with internal spring tension systems. In essence, this guarantees that the scope will continue to hold zero even with regular shocks and vibrations.
Product Highlights
I really enjoyed the possibilities the five magnification powers gave me and the precision that the SCR Mil reticle provides.
Another great thing I like is that the adjustment turrets for windage, elevation, and parallax work well without any additional tools. Moreover, this scope was also a great help in dealing with recoil.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
When I compare this scope to similar ones available on the market, it seems a bit expensive to me. But if you can afford it, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Key Features
- Five magnification powers
- The SCR Mil reticle
- The zero-click stop adjustment turrets for windage, elevation, and parallax
- Many illumination settings
- High durability
Pros |
Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Burris |
| Weight | 32.1 Ounces |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 – 4.25 in |
| Magnification | 5 – 25x |
| Field of View | 4.3 – 21 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
All in all, my tests have shown that this precise but highly durable rifle scope is well worth the asking price if you want something sure to last for years to come and that can facilitate high-accuracy shots well over 10x magnification power.
If you are interested, have a look at my article about M&P 15-22 scopes.
My rating: 4.5/5
4. UTG 4-16X50 1″ Hunter Scope
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Varmint hunting, even at long distances, can be made much easier with the UTG Hunting Scope. Designed with magnification settings between 4-16x, it’s suitable both for relatively close–range and long-distance shooting, even when trying to hit small targets like squirrels and similar vermin.
Let me take a closer look at everything that makes this optic a great choice for hunters and property owners with pest problems. It helped me to solve mine!
My Feelings After Using the UTG 4-16X50 1″ Hunter Scope
The first thing I’ve noticed is that the Hunter Scope comes with a 50 mm objective lens. This is more important than you might think since the size of the objective lens determines how much light it can collect and transmit to your eye. Fortunately, this objective lens provides plenty of light for hunting small targets that may blend in with the background environment.
To make things even better, my tests have shown that the lenses are multicoated to provide even better light transmission and enhanced durability. Speaking of durability, the scope overall is made of a 1-inch tube of aircraft-grade aluminum.
It’s relatively lightweight (though a little heavier than other models at 1.6 pounds), but the real benefit that has caught my attention here is the long-term robustness you’ll enjoy should you purchase this optic.
I also appreciated the fact it’s weatherproof, as it’s nitrogen-filled to ensure top-tier performance in wet or foggy environments. The durability extends to regular physical shock damage as well, such as if I ever drop the optic when trying to mount it on my rifle. I had the opportunity to experience that myself!
The reticle, which is very important if you want to hit your targets accurately and consistently, can be illuminated through an intuitive system that allows you to swap between a dual-color mode or 36 different color intensities with ease. I feel I can rely on this reticle in any light or weather conditions, including high noon for darkness.
But that’s not all! I also like the fact the Hunter Scope comes with high-quality windage and elevation adjustment turrets. These can be either locked to zero or reset to zero instantly, preventing me from accidentally changing the dials with a slight bump and allowing me to take multiple repeated shots in rapid succession.
To round things out, the Hunter Scope comes with a few excellent accessories. These include both Weaver and Picatinny mounting rings, so I don’t need to purchase anything else to mount this scope to your rifle, which I consider a huge advantage.
It also comes with a 3-inch sunshade and flip-open lens caps, both of which can help to protect my lenses from progressive degradation or scratches when in the field.
Product Highlights
I like this scope’s versatility, as it works well both for relatively close-range and long-distance shooting. Thanks to multicoated lenses, this product provides excellent light transmission. As it’s nitrogen-filled, I can use it even in harsh weather conditions.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
This optic feels heavier than its counterparts from other manufacturers, so you need to consider if that’s a huge disadvantage to you or not. What’s more, I’ve noticed problems with focusing on higher magnification settings in some units.
Key Features
- 50 mm multicoated objective lens
- High-quality windage and elevation turrets
- Nitrogen-filled and weatherproof
- Weaver and Picatinny mounting rings
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Magnification settings between 4-16x
Pros |
Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | UTG |
| Weight | 25.7 Ounces |
| Eye Relief | 3.2 – 3.0 in |
| Magnification | 4 – 16x |
| Field of View | 23 – 5.8 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
When I consider the sheer number of excellent features and accessories that come with this scope, I can easily see why it’s such a recommended choice.
I consider this product a phenomenal optic for varmint hunters and general hunters due to its magnification versatility, its durability, and excellent controls. Consider picking up one for yourself!
My rating: 4/5
How to Choose the Best .22-250 Scope
A powerful rifle that can shoot longer distances is only useful with a quality scope. You may be wondering:
- What are the best scopes to use with .22-250s?
- What is the best varmint scope for .22-250?
- How do I know which scope to pick?
With these questions in mind, let me get started tackling how to choose a .22-250 scope for your specific needs. The first step is to learn more about riflescopes in general.
How much magnification power do I need?
The answer to how much magnification you need in a scope is the same as the answer to what type of gun or ammunition you need. It depends on how you plan to use it, your experience, and the frequency of usage.
Consider the following questions:
- Are my targets going to be relatively close (5-50 yards) or far off in the distance (upwards of 500 yards)?
- What kind of budget do I have for my .22-250 scope purchase?
- Will I be using my .22-250 for varmint hunting, larger game, or target practice?
To help answer these questions, check out the following helpful guide on shooting distances.
Quick Guide to .22-250 Ranges
To help determine the best .22-250 scope, here are some general distance guidelines to consider:
- Close Range: <25 yards up to 100 yards
- Medium Range: 75 yards up to 150 yards
- Long Range: 100 yards to 500 yards
- Very Long Range: >500 yards
Scope Magnification by Distance
We know more about shooting distances; now let’s look at which magnification levels work best for each range:
- Close Range (up to 100 yards): 3x to 5x magnification
- Medium Range (up to 150 yards): 3x to 9x magnification
- Long Range (100-500 yards): 10x to 20x magnification
- Very Long Range (>500 yards): 10x to 24x magnification
Remember that these are generalized recommendations and that these suggestions are subjective. There can be a lot of overlap between the magnifications you can use at different distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the .22-250?
The .22-250 Remington is a very high-velocity, short–action cartridge that was used by the British and Australian militaries in the 1980s.
Likewise, the .22-250 bullet is a very high-velocity (capable of reaching over 4000 feet per second), short-action, .22 caliber rifle cartridge primarily used for varmint hunting and small game hunting.
What Distance Should I Sight in My .22-250?
You should keep it around 1.5 inches high at 100 yards, and you’ll be happy every time you use it. About dead-on at 200 and around 5 or so inches low at 300.
What Is a .22-250 Caliber Good For?
.22-250 Remington is a very high-velocity (capable of reaching over 4000 feet per second), short–action, .22 caliber rifle cartridge primarily used for varmint hunting and small game hunting. It does find occasional use by women and young children for deer hunting because of its low recoil.
Is the .22-250 the Fastest Caliber in the World?
No, while it is still a very fast caliber, the .220 Swift actually remains the fastest commercial cartridge in the world, with a published velocity of 1,422 m/s using a 1.9 grams bullet and 2.7 grams of 3031 powder.
Which Is Bigger: the 223 caliber or the .22-250?
The 223 cartridge is the larger bullet. Upon inspection, you’ll notice 223 is bigger, but the .22-250 is wider and longer. Although the bullet diameter is the same for both cartridges, the .22-250 has a larger case.
Is the Remington .22-250 Good For Deer Hunting?
.22-250s are appropriate for hunting most deer species. Given the right bullet and proper shot placement, the gun can take a whitetail without much issue. But they don’t come with as much room for error as their larger cousins.
What Is The Recoil Of .22-250?
Thanks to the extra powder in this case, recoil in a 7.5-pound rifle will be around 6.4 ft-lbs at 7.4 fps. Still too mild to induce a flinch, although recoil can throw you off target a bit more.
What Is The History of the .22-250?
The .22-250 was created as a wildcat cartridge by necking down a .250 Savage case to fit a .224 caliber bullet. There were various early versions of the cartridge that differed just slightly from one another, including one produced in 1937 by Grosvenor Wotkyns, J.E. Gebby, and J.E. Smith and dubbed the 22 Varminter.
When Did the .22-250 Gain Commercial Acceptance?
Browning Arms Company began chambering its Browning High Power Rifle in the .22-250 cartridge in 1963, which was a wildcat round at the time. Due to the lack of commercial manufacture of the .22-250 at the time, this was a hazardous but historically significant action on Browning’s side. In a 1964 Gun Digest article about the development of the Browning rifle, John T. Amber described the occurrence as “unprecedented.”
It was around this time that the .22-250 became accepted by the general public and started to become a very popular caliber and the Remington rifle was soon to follow.
Why Wait When the Perfect Scope Is Out There?
Finally, you’re fully armed with knowledge about .22-250s and the scopes to help them shine.
You can also check which are the best scopes for Ruger 10/22 and Marlin 60. Or if you are looking for something more powerful, check which are the best .308 scopes.
Those varmints and targets aren’t going to shoot themselves. And they’re certainly not going to be at distances of several football fields away.
You know which scopes are good (and affordable) out there. Don’t keep yourself from enjoying your .22-250 and showing off all its best qualities!
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.