Are you in the hunt for the best scope for 338 Lapua Magnum? If yes, you are in luck. This article sheds more light on the highly-rated rifle scopes ideal for use with the 338 Lapua Magnum.
The 338 Lapua Magnum is a hard-hitting, long-range cartridge that covers distances of up to 1000 yards or more. Initially, it was developed for military snipers, but today its popularity has seen a tremendous growth in hunters and tactical shooters who want to cover extremely long distances.
To get the most out of this long-distance cartridge, you need to pair it with a high-quality scope. The scope will bring the distant targets closer and aid in accurate shot placement. We have put together a list of best scopes for 338 Lapua Magnum to help you choose right. These scopes will help you get the best shots in an shooting environment regardless of how far the target is. Let’s take a look.
Best Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum
#1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO SFP Riflescope
Vortex makes high-quality and high-powered optics and the Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO SFP Riflescope is no different. It’s cost-effective and comes with multiple high-end features that make an excellent choice for the 338 Lapua Magnum.
For starters, this riflescope has a variable 6x to 24x magnification suitable for shooting at varying ranges. The 50mm objective lens provides a wide field of view so you will be able to spot your targets easily regardless of how far they are. Even better, the scope has an adjustable objective that provides image focus and parallax elimination when shooting long range.
The high-quality optics are fully multi-coated for bright and clear image production even in dismal environments. The SFP Dead-Hold BDC reticle is essential for long-range shooters and with the fast focus eyepiece, you will be able to bring it into focus easily. To add on that, this optics provides a long eye relief for easy quick target acquisition and comfortable shooting.
Another notable feature about the scope is the durable construction. It has a single tube crafted from aircraft grade aluminum. It’s sealed with O-rings at both ends for total waterproof performance and nitrogen purged so it’s fog free. Above all, it’s lightweight for easy portability.
Features
- Long eye relief
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Lightweight
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Aircraft grade aluminum construction
- Resettable MOA turrets
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Variable 6-24x magnification
- Wide field of view
- Parallax elimination from 25 yards to infinity
- SFP Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Adjustable Objective
#2) Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a scope that offers superior low light performance, look no further than the Monstrum G3 6-24×50 rifle scope. It has an illuminated reticle for precise shooting in low light situations and fully multi-coated lens that increase light transmission for brighter and clear images from dawn till dusk.
This scope is well-built with high-quality materials for the ultimate durability. First, it brings to table high purity Quartz glass and a hard anodized finish that’s scratch-resistant. It then boasts a 30mm tube crafted from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum. This tube is also nitrogen purged to provide a lifetime of waterproof and fog proof performance.
Weighing about 2lbs, this is one of the lightest scopes that works well with the 338 Lapua Magnum. For greater versatility, it is compatible with any rifle that has a Picatinny rail. To top it all, it features 0.25 MOA windage and elevation adjustments with zero setting and superior long-range detection of up to 1000 yards.
Features
- Adjustable 6-24x magnification
- Ultralight design
- Hard anodized finish
- Etched type-H FFP illuminated reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- High purity Quartz glass
- Durable aircraft grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Picatinny rail compatibility
- 50mm objective lens
- 1000 yards range
#3) Steiner T5Xi Tactical 5-25x56mm SCR 34mm Rifle Scope
The Steiner T5Xi 5-25x56mm rifle scope delivers excellent performance and unmatched accuracy. It features a 34mm tube that enhances it’s strength and reliability when shooting with this high-recoiling cartridge.
Made with competition shooters in mind, this scope delivers unparalleled accuracy even for targets that are far away. It provides great image clarity even at the highest magnification setting and comes with a throw lever for quick and simple magnification changes. Even better, it boasts an illuminated SRC reticle for accurate shooting in low light conditions.
The T5Xi brings you unbeatable durability. It is crafted with high-quality materials for greater strength and durability. More importantly, it’s waterproof so you can use it in bad weather conditions. This lightweight scope also boasts low-profile never-lost turrets for accurate windage and elevation adjustments.
Overall, it’s a high-end scope that will transform the way you shoot with the 338 Lapua Magnum.
Features
- 34mm tube
- Low profile never lost turrets
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Illuminated SRC reticle
- 5-25x magnification
- Rugged durability
- Locking diopter
- Razor-sharp image clarity
#4) NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset 250 MOA Scope
As one of the best scopes for the 338 Lapua Magnum, the NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm performs exceptionally well at both short and extended ranges. It has an variable magnification that spans from 5x up to 20x magnification and a large viewing angle for easy and rapid target spotting.
The scope has a manageable weight for easy portability. It’s built tough to provide unbeatable durability and reliable shock and recoil-resistance. Additionally, it has a weatherproof construction that makes it ideal for use in any weather condition.
Furthermore, the reticle in this scope has a center illumination for accurate shooting in dismal environments. For added convenience, the scope is built with ZeroSet technology that helps you get back to your initial zero setting easily and a side parallax adjustment for more accuracy when shooting distant targets. It’s tough, dependable and an excellent scope for the 338 Lapua Magnum and other big calibers.
Features
- Full 80MOA elevation adjustment
- ZeroSet technology
- Forceplex reticle with center dot illumination
- Side parallax adjustment
- Adjustable 5-20x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- Lightweight yet durable
#5) Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope
Next on our list is the Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 riflescope. This scope will revolutionize the way you shoot with the 338 Lapua Magnum. It offers excellent long-range performance thanks to the high 6-24x magnification. It comes with a parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity for more accurate shooting at long-range and high-quality optics that provide clear images at all power settings.
The reticle in this scope is on the first focal plane. This means that it shrinks or enlarges along with your target as you zoom in or out for easy shot placement at long distances. Besides that, the lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission and reduce light loss due to reflection. This way, you will be able tp get bright and clear images even in dismal environments.
We all know that water is the number one enemy of optics. The scope is fully waterproof to protect it from moisture damage in bad weather conditions or if submerged in water accidentally. It is also fog resistant to prevent internal fogging brought about by thermal instability. In terms of construction, it is crafted with 6061 T6 aluminum for greater strength and durability.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Precision zero stop technology
- First focal plane reticle
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- Glass-etched illuminated reticle
- 30mm heat treated one-piece tube
- Aircraft grade aluminum tube material
- Matte finish
- Lightweight design
- 3-inches eye relief
#6) Vortex Optics Razor HD 5-20×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope
When shooting targets at long distances, you need a scope that provides you with clear images so you can place the shot accurately. This what you get from the Razor HD 5-20×50 Riflescope from Vortex. It works well with the 338 Lapua Magnum and will help you hit your target on the first shot.
Featuring HD, extra-low dispersion glass, the scope provides clear and color-accurate images across the whole visual spectrum. The XR lens coatings facilitate optimum light transmission for unparalleled image brightness even in inadequate light settings. Moreover, it features a side focus for optimal image focusing and parallax removal.
The reticle on this Vortex scope is housed on the first focal plane and it is glass-etched for greater durability. Also, it is illuminated for precise aiming in low light conditions and has 11 brightness levels for greater versatility. Even better, the scope comes with a fast focus eyepiece that makes reticle focusing a breeze.
When it comes to construction, this product is durably built to be passed from one generation to the other. It has a 35mm tube that’s crafted from a solid block of aircraft-quality aluminum. This rugged construction stands up to heavy recoil, shock and impact. It also features a hard anodized finish for added durability.
Features
- Illuminated reticle
- Exposed tactical-style turrets
- Durable and shockproof construction
- Glass-etched FFP reticle
- Hard anodized stealth shadow finish
- Lightweight design
- 35mm tube
- 5-20x variable magnification
- Long 3.9” eye relief
- Rapid zero return feature
- Premium XR coatings and ED glass
- Fast focus eyepiece
#7) Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20×50 Riflescope
Shooting at extended ranges requires a quality optic like the Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20×50 Riflescope. It has an adjustable 5-20x magnification suitable for shooting at varying ranges and a side parallax for greater accuracy at extended ranges
The wide 50mm objective provides a spacious field of view for effortless target spotting even at long range. It also gathers optimum light needed to provide clear sight pictures at every magnification setting. In terms of construction, the AccuPoint body is made from aircraft-quality aluminum and it is hard anodized to give you a lifetime of field use. It’s weatherproofed as well for all-weather reliability.
Weighing just 26.9 ounces, this scope is incredibly light and easy to carry from one place to the other. It has a sunshade to help reduce glare when hunting in direct sunlight and simple-to-use turrets for windage and elevation adjustment. This scope also brings to the table a Mil-Dot crosshair reticle with an illuminated dot for accurate aiming in low-light conditions and long-eye relief that aids in quick target acquisition.
Features
- Long eye relief
- 30mm tube
- Lightweight and portable
- 5x to 20x magnification
- Mil-Dot reticle pattern
- Side parallax adjuster
- Easy-to-use external turrets
- All-weather construction
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
See Also
What Makes a Great 338 Lapua Magnum Scope?
A great scope for the 338 Lapua Magnum must have a high magnification power for shooting at extended ranges. The 338 Lapua Magnum is made for long-range shooting so you’ll want a scope whose magnification allows you to cover extended ranges.
The scope should be durably made to withstand heavy recoil and have a long eye relief for safe and comfortable shooting. The lenses should be fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission which is essential for bright and clear image production. In addition, the scope should be both waterproof and fog proof so you can use it even in bad weather conditions.
How to Choose the Best Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum
A good scope can make a whole difference in how you shoot with the 338 Lapua Magnum. Here are some of the important factors you need to keep in mind when shopping for the Best Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum.
Magnification
The 338 Lapua Magnum is made for extreme long-range shooting. Therefore, you need a scope that will help you hit the target at extended ranges effortlessly. The higher the magnification power, the better. Look for a scope with at least 8x magnification.
Besides magnification, make sure that you get a scope with a parallax adjustment knob. Parallax removal when shooting long-range is very important. It allows for optimal focus so you can hit your target on the first shot.
Image Quality
You need a scope that provides bright, clear and sharp images with perfect contrast from dawn till dusk. Since you don’t know how many hours it will take you to hunt down your targets, you need a scope that provides quality images even in low light situations. Go for a unit that has either HD or ED glass with multi-coated, anti-reflective lenses. These scopes provide excellent image quality even in poor light settings.
Durability
A riflescope is a great investment and you’ll want your scope to last as long as your rifle. Plus, the 338 Lapua Magnum deserves a scope that is equally strong. Scopes that are made from aircraft-grade aluminum or magnesium alloy are the best when it comes to durability. Make sure that the scope has an anodized exterior to prevent scratches and reduce normal wear and tear. Also make sure that you get a scope that’s waterproof, fog proof and dustproof for greater durability.
Reticle
Since the 338 Lapua Magnum is made for long-range shooting, you need to have a scope that compensates for bullet drop and windage over long distances. Having different holdover positions and bullet trajectory prediction systems will help a lot when shooting long range.
The reticle should be easy to aim and the cross hairs should stay uncluttered. Also, it should ideally be illuminated for accurate aiming in low light conditions.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is another factor you should consider. The 338 Lapua Magnum produces high recoil so eye relief is very important. You’ll need an eye relief of 3.5 inches or more. With sufficient eye relief, you will not only be protecting your eyes from heavy recoiling rifles, but you will also get to shoot more comfortably.
Weight
If you intend to move with the scope from one place to the other, look for the lightest model possible . A lightweight scope is easy to shoot with and easy to mount on the rifle. Plus, it doesn’t interfere with the rifle’s accuracy. However, if you’ll be shooting from a stationary point, you don’t have to worry so much about the weight.
FAQs about the Best Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum
- What magnification do I need?
Since the 338 Lapua Magnum is made for shooting long-range, you need a high magnification power that helps you cover extended ranges with ease. A scope that has a wide range of magnification will help you see your target clearly regardless of how far they are. It’s recommended that you get a scope with at least 10x magnification.
- What do numbers in a scope mean?
The numbers in a scope represent the scope’s magnification power and the diameter of the objective lens. For example, in a 5-20x50mm scope, 5-20x is the scope’s optical power and the 50mm is the diameter of the objective lens.
Conclusion
The Best Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum should be able to match the abilities of this long-distance cartridge. Remember, what you plan to use the scope for will play a big role in determining which scope you buy. With the right scope, you will be able to revolutionize the way you shoot or hunt. Use our guide above and choose the scope that works best for your hunting/shooting needs.