Scope recommendations for 223?

Go to a store with several choices and look through the lenses. Only you can decide what you like. Start with Nikon prostaff and Vortex Diamondback. Both have a BDC option. Burris has a BDC reticle as well. My preference is Vortex. Followed by Burris. I don't like the circles in the Nikon.
 
I have seen some Nikon P-223 BDC scopes for $159 - $179 (40mm), I think if you get the quick action turrets it breaks your $200 price limit, but the base model is still a good scope.

I bought a BSA Sweet 223 rifle-scope that fits your criteria, but I did not like the BSA optics one bit. I have since upgraded to the Nikon, my older eyes are much happier with the Nikon optics over the BSA.
 
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When I first got my 223, I put a $150 Bushnell on it. It worked fine. I have since replaced it, but just for more upper end magnification.
 
Good recommendations above, but one thing you might keep in mind:

Even though I like Nikon scopes quite a bit (have more of them than any, of various lines), I hate with a passion the stupid Nikon BDC, since it's circle rather than a hash. The circle makes for a HUGE margin of error - really antithetical to precision.

When I do buy Nikons, I try to avoid the BDC nonsense if I can - the bonus is that they are less $$ than the BDC models.

So if you're really going to use the hash marks - hate to say it, anything BUT Nikon.

I'd like to someday send all my BDC scopes to Nikon and have them swapped out for regular duplex-style reticles.
 
I just ordered a Nikon Buckmaster II 3-9x40 BDC for just $130 from Optics Planet. I think Nikon is phasing out the Buckmaster line and these seem like closeout prices. Thanks for all the recommendations.
 
I have a 3x9 VariX 2 on my 80's vintage 110E.
I think today's version of this would be the VX1, nice eye relief, classic scope.
 
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I have a Nikon Prostaff 5 3.5-14 on my CZ527. Opticsplanet has them for $249.00 since Nikon is currently running a instant rebate.
 
My CZ527 Varmint in .223 has a Bushnell Elite 2400 6-24x40AO. But, I have a Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40SF, mounted on a CZ452 Varmint in .17HMR, that I'm liking a lot.
 
Natchez usually has awesome deals on weaver scopes. They have amazing optical clarity and tracking qualities. All my budget scopes that ill buy from here on out wil be weaver.
 
LOL, buy the Leatherwood 4-16 that Sportsmans Guide has an exclusive on, priced under a $100.

Own a couple of their 6-24 Leatherwoods and for a low priced scope, a pretty decent scope. And yea, I do own scopes with better glass, but cost me a heck of a lot more. I just shoot paper and have found my Leatherwoods optics to be quite decent, edge to edge clarity at all powers, side parallax adjustment is correct on its markings and my turret adjustments for windage and elevation have a good feel. Have done a box test on both of mine and they passed with flying colors.

A previous poster mentioned Weaver scopes at Natchez Shooters Supply. I'm a Weaver fan, own several of the Super Slams. Darn nice scopes and all were bought from Natchez the last few years. Worth a look.
 
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