Would you buy a 5.5-22x56 or a 8-32x56 Nightforce scope to mount on a .223 Varmint rifle ?
Which magnification would serve me better for varmint hunting and target practice ?

I have both and I prefer the 5.5-22x56.

For varmint hunting (coyote) I set the scope to 5.5 since most of the shots are from 20 to 100 yards ( calling them in). The 8 power is more diffcult to set up on a running coyote that close (20yards).

For prarie dog, usually at 15 power depending on mirage, although I can still use the scope (Night force NXS) at 22 in those conditions.

For target practice, usually go up to 10, sometimes 22 for the heck of it. I like the NP-1RR reticle.

I have shot allot of rodents with 8x32 on a .223.

I get them in the scope on 8X and then turn it up to 32X.

I have also noticed that I can see the .224" holes in the target at 200 yards with 32X.

I can see the .224" holes in the target at 100y just fine with 20X.

I am building more varmint rifles, and I am moving toward 14X.
I like to see the rodent fly in the air during recoil.

The 32X sure is nice for 200 yard paper targets, but 22X is plenty for live targets.