Help Me Choose a Reticle for a .223

[BigWoods]

I'm putting together a Howa Mini in .223 on somewhat of a tight budget. The rifle will be used for my own enjoyment at the range, kids trigger time and deer hunting in northern New England. Most shots on game will be in the 30-70 yard range with occasional opportunities 100-150yards. It's possible that every once in a blue moon a 200-300 yard shot could present. I would like to find a place to stretch out to 4 or 500 yard for range time.

I have one of the Sightron s1 g2 1.75-5x scopes from Camera Land which I've been very happy with in form factor, light gathering, clarity and eye box. As such, I'm very likely to go with a 3-9x40 version for this rifle. Midway has one with a Mildot reticle for $125 so that's very tempting. That said, I've not used a mil dot reticle and don't know if that would get cluttered. I have seen that mismatched turrets can be problematic. The other options would be the standard duplex or, the HHR/Hunter Holdover Reticle. The latter seems like a nice middle ground; with a bit of information for distance but still not cluttered.

I'm certainly open to other suggestions as well in the $200 +/- range. There is a real lack of lower magnification and lightweight scopes on the market now. I had looked some at the LPVO's available, but many of those are rather heavy with less than ideal reticles for hunting.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Walker6]

If you’ve had good luck with Sightron, try the mil-dot reticle 3-9 that you mentioned for $125. Those dots will look smaller in real life and will be more useful than the HHR.

Also, since you mentioned LVPO’s, I believe there is a SWFA 1–4 in the classified right now (not mine) at a good price…

 

[bnewt3]

Havent seen a whole lot in the way of reviews about them yet but Vortex just came out with the Crossfire HD line. 3-9x40 with illuminated BDC, 4-12x44 with illuminated BDC and parallax adj, or for lighter weight, 2-7x32 illuminated BDC. all $170-$230.

I have a Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40 duplex on my TIkka that I like. Just a good, honest, basic scope. Unfortunately the price went up on them by $100 and I dont think they are worth it now.

 

[liv3mind]

Not light but the SIG 1-6 msr SFP might be the best for the price when you find them on sale, punches well above its price point, mine has taken an absolute beating, reticle is fine and hunts fine for myself and my 2 older boys have used it without confusion. It's helped harvest a dozen deer so far out to 300y and as close at 10y.

 

[ShootOkHuntWorse]

Trijicon accupoint 3-9 with mildot. No batteries, lighted center, mildots for holding wind, been through some serious dumbassery and hasn’t lost zero.

Downside is mildot reticle with moa adjustments.

 

[lhbackcountry]

OP -

With your average expected shot distance, I cant say enough good about a SWFA fixed 6x. The MIL reticle makes for easy holdover and reputable glass. Also wont break the bank during holiday season.

 

[BigWoods]

Thanks all for the replies!

I have a new Burris Fullfield 2-8x35 on order which should be here in the next day or two. They're back to being made in the Philippines and everything I've read about the optics and reliability seems decent. I can't say I love the stubby look, but here's to hoping it works out well. I got it with the e2 illuminated reticle, which should be good for close woods but also give some longer range holdovers.

@Walker6 - Thanks of the Milldot input! I'll keep that in mind for a future project. Also, thanks for the classified tip; that would certainly fit the bill if the Burris doesn't work out.

@bnewt3 - I looked through the new Crossfire HD locally; they did look really nice. Bit heavy for what they are but good form factor.

@liv3mind - My buddy has one of those SIGs which if messed around with. Good optics and versatile; but indeed they're a bit hefty on a sleek rifle.

@ShootOkHuntWorse - I really do like the looks of those Trijicons and was looking hard for a screaming deal on a Huron. Bit over budget as is. They're on the short list for possible replacements of my Leupold on my Kimber.

@lhbackcountry - I love that fixed power simplicity and if this was a dedicated coyote/ varmint rifle, it would be a great match. Doing deer tracking, the rifle gets carried in hand so target turrets would be very obtrusive. The 6x would be tough on moving game in dense cover (see picture!) . I wish someone still made a good, light 4x fixed.