The 338 Lapua Magnum is a bottlenecked and rimless centerfire rifle cartridge that is extremely powerful and accurate. The high accuracy it provides is what makes it have a strong military background. While it is mainly used by the military, its popularity has seen a tremendous surge among big game hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts over the past few years.
If you use the 338 Lapua Magnum for hunting or long-range shooting and you are looking to enhance its capability, a scope is a must-have piece of gear. And not just any scope, but a scope that will fit this round and help you get the best performance from your hunting or shooting trip.
However, finding the best scope for 338 Lapua Magnum is not easy especially if you are brand-specific or you have never purchased one before. To get you started, we have compiled a list of the best Nightforce scopes that match the range of this round perfectly. Without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
What makes a Great Nightforce Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum?
A great Nightforce scope for 338 Lapua Magnum is made of several things. Since this round is mainly used for long-range shooting, it is wise to pair it with a scope that has high magnification. A high-powered scope will help you deliver accuracy at longer distances. Furthermore, the scope should have high-quality optics to ensure that it delivers quality and clear sight pictures even at the highest magnification. Lastly, the scope should be easy to use, durable, and weather-resistant.
Best Nightforce Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum
Nightforce is one of the leading brands in the optics industry. It is popularly known for its high quality rifle scopes that offer unbeatable quality and outstanding accuracy. Though Nightforce scopes are expensive, they are all worth the investment. Here are some of the best Nightforce scopes that are ideal for use with the 338 Lapua Magnum.
1) NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope
This NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20×56 is one of the most powerful scopes from the Nightforce family. It performs remarkably well at both intermediate and long ranges. This makes it the ideal option for hunting and competitive shooting with the 338 Lapua Magnum.
This scope features a whole 80 MOA of elevation adjustment. It also comes with a ZeroSet technology that aids in easy return to your initial zero no matter the number of elevation adjustments you have made. Better yet, it has a Forceplex reticle with center only illumination for precision aiming in poor light settings and a long eye relief that prevents eye strain and fatigue during lengthy hunting/shooting sessions.
Another thing that makes this scope stand out is the exceptional optical performance it provides. It delivers outstanding clarity and color contrast at every magnification setting even in low light settings. This is thanks to the large 56mm objective lens that amplifies light collection and the high-quality optics that optimize light transmission. It is also toughly built to withstand anything nature throws at it and offer long lasting durability.
To top it all, the scope has a lightweight design for easy carrying in the field.
Features
- Second focal plane Forceplex reticle
- 30mm main tube
- Analog illumination
- Versatile 5x zoom
- ZeroSet technology
- 80 MOA of elevation adjustment
- Side parallax adjustment
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Extremely sturdy and durable
- Excellent image quality
Cons
- High cost
2) NightForce 5.5-22×56 NXS Rifle Scope
Long range hunting and shooting requires a high-end optic like this NightForce 5.5-22×56 NXS Rifle Scope. This top-performing scope is built to meet the demands of hunters and shooters looking to take their long-range skills a notch higher.
Featuring a variable magnification that spans from 5.5-22x, the scope offers the perfect combination of a massive field of view at close quarters and rapid target acquisition at long distances. It also delivers exceptional image clarity even at the highest magnification to increase your odds of placing the shot accurately.
Furthermore, the scope is built ready for rugged outdoor use. It is crafted of 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and rigorously tested to stand up to rough handling and anything nature throws at it. In addition to that, the whole optic is fully weather resistant to provide a lifetime of reliable performance even under harsh weather conditions.
This rifle scope also brings to the table a ZeroStop function which allows for straightforward and quick return to your initial zero and a second focal plane MOAR reticle that is easy to view and aim for precision shooting.
Features
- Long eye relief
- Broad 5.5-22x magnification
- 30mm main tube
- Second focal plane MOAR reticle
- Fully weather resistant and waterproof
- 100 M.O.A of internal adjustment
- ZeroStop technology
Pros
- Large field of view
- Exceptional optical integrity
- Great speed and accuracy in all situations
Cons
- Heavy weight
3) NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Hunting Scope
Designed as a first focal plane scope, the NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm is your best scope for long range hunting with the 338 Lapua Magnum. It has a virtually every feature that you need to take make your next hunting expedition more rewarding.
This scope is built for versatility. First, it has a variable magnification from 4 to 14x suitable for close to long range hunting. With the low 4x power, the scope provides an excellent field of view which is what every hunter needs for quick target scanning. It also offers excellent resolving power at higher magnification for better target acquisition.
Furthermore, the scope offers excellent light transmission from sunrise to sunset thanks to the high-quality coatings on the large 50mm objective lens. It also features a 30mm tube which allows for maximum windage and elevation adjustment while providing versatile mounting options. For added convenience, the scope has a lightweight design that enhances its portability. It also boasts ZeroStop technology to help you return to your initial zero point easily regardless of how many elevations you have made in the field.
And that’s not all. This hunting scope has a long eye relief that aids in rapid target acquisition, an illuminated reticle for precision shooting in low light settings and a parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity. Last but not least, it has a black matte finish which reduces glare to help hide your shooting position when hunting in broad daylight.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- Lightweight design
- Adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity
- Black matte finish
- 30mm main tube
- ZeroStop technology
- Variable 4-14x magnification
- Large 50mm objective lens
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Ease of use
- Great durability
- Outstanding clarity
Cons
- Eye relief could be better
4) Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to go wrong with the NightForce NXS 5.5-22×50. This 30mm tactical rifle scope that has virtually everything you need to push your 338 Lapua Magnum to its limits. It is also a perfect option for all-round long range applications.
It boasts a broad magnification range for use at varying ranges and a large objective lens which offers bright image views at every magnification setting. Additionally, it boasts ample eye relief to keep your eyes safe from high recoiling rifles while ensuring comfortable observation even with your glasses on. The scope is also equipped with ZeroStop technology which helps you get back to zero with ease no matter the number of elevations you have made.
Furthermore, this rifle scope is toughly built to offer unbeatable durability. It is made from 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum which provides great durability. In addition to being fully weather resistant, this optic is rigorously tested to ensure great accuracy and high speed in all situations. It also brings to the table 100 M.O.A of internal adjustment and a parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity for improved accuracy at long distances
Features
- Weather resistant construction
- Black matte finish
- Long eye relief
- 30mm main tube
- 100 M.O.A of internal adjustment
- ZeroStop technology
- Variable 5.5-25x magnification
- Large 50mm objective lens
- 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum housing
Pros
- Outstanding optical integrity
- Parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity
- Durable and reliable
Cons
- Expensive for its features
5) NIGHTFORCE NX8 4-32x50mm F1 Scope
When it comes to durability, it is hard to beat the NIGHTFORCE NX8 4-32x50mm F1 Scope. It is designed to withstand rough handling and anything you will encounter either in the hunting field or shooting range. It also fully weather resistant to stand up to harsh weather conditions
When buying a scope for long distance hunting or shooting, you will want it to offer outstanding optical performance. This is exactly what you get with the NightForce NX8 Scope. All its air-to-glass surfaces have broadband multi-coating which maximizes light transmission and reduce reflection which causes light loss. This results to brighter, clear and sharp as razor images even in low light settings.
Another strength about the scope is that it is built to be virtually indestructible. It has a 30mm main tube that is machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminum alloy which maximizes its durability. It also has the unique NightForce spring which helps maintains pressure on the elevation and windage adjustment.
To add on everything else, this scope has a variable 4x to 32x magnification for greater versatility and a power throw lever that aids in quick and simple magnification adjustment.
Features
- Weather resistant and thermal stable
- Robust aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction
- Broadband multi-coated lenses
- Optical indexing system
- Power throw lever
- First focal plane MOAR F1 reticle
- Vast 4-32x magnification
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Great durability
- Highly reliable
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Shorter eye relief
6) NightForce 3.5-15×50 NXS Tactical Rifle Scope
Another best Nightforce scope for 338 Lapua Magnum on our list is the NightForce 3.5-15×50 NXS Tactical Rifle Scope. This scope is different from the other Nightforce scopes we have listed above in that it allows for lower mounting profile.
This rifle scope is ideal for both hunting and tactical shooting. With the variable 3.5-15x magnification, it is ideal for both close and long range shooting. It also features a large 50mm objective lens to complement the variable magnification by offering a wider field of view and bright images at every magnification.
This tactical rifle scope features superior craftsmanship which enhances its durability. It is crafted from aircraft-quality aluminum which optimizes its durability and sturdiness. It is also tested rigorously to stand up to shock, recoil and impacts for greater durability. Above all, it offers reliable performance in any weather condition as it is fully waterproof and weather resistant.
Features
- Unparalleled 110 M.O.A of internal adjustment
- ZeroStop technology
- Weather resistant construction
- 30mm main tube
- Outstanding optical integrity
- Second focal plane reticle
- Rugged aircraft-quality aluminum housing
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Generous eye relief
- Easy to use
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- High Cost
See Also
Criteria for Choosing the Best Nightforce Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum
Here are a couple of factors you should always consider when looking for the best Nightforce scope for 338 Lapua Magnum.
Lens Coatings
Whether you intend to use the scope for hunting or tactical and competitive shooting, it is important they you get a model quality glass and proper lens coatings. This way, you are guaranteed of bright image views with exceptional clarity even in low light settings.
The quality and number of coatings used on the lenses is important as it makes a big difference when it comes to light transmission. A tip is to go for a model that boasts multi-layer lens coatings. It will offer exceptional image clarity and brightness even in poor light settings such as dawn and dusk,
Reticle
Different Nightforce scopes have different types of reticles placed in either the first focal plane or second focal plane. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned hunter/shooter, make sure that you choose a scope that has a reticle which is simple to use. Simple reticle designs have the advantage of being more accurate.
When it comes to choosing between a first and second focal plane reticle, your selection will largely depend in your preference. But it is recommended that you choose a first focal plane scope if you plan to use the scope primarily for long range hunting.
Magnification
The other important thing you should consider is magnification. The 338 Lapua Magnum is designed for long range shooting. Therefore, having a scope with a good magnification is must-have to help increase your shooting accuracy at long distances.
The higher the magnification the scope has, the better for both long range hunting and shooting. It will bring the distant targets closer, help you spot the smaller targets with ease and aid in quick target acquisition.
Eye Relief
When you fire any rifle, it produces a certain amount of recoil which pushes the scope backward. Therefore, it is always important to get a scope that offers ample eye relief. Eye relief is the maximum distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece.
If the eye relief of your scope is insufficient, the scope can hit and injure your eyebrow. To avoid such injuries, get a scope that has a long eye relief. It is advisable that you get a scope that has a long eye relief of at least 3.5 inches for comfortable and safe observation, and more than 4 inches for the same if you wear eyeglasses.
Weight
Another factor you should put into consideration is the weight of the scope. The lighter the better especially if you intend to use the scope as your primary hunting scope. When hunting, you will be moving from one place to the other as you look for game. All this time you will be carrying your hunting rifle, the scope and any other hunting gear you have carried everywhere you go.
If the scope is lightweight, it won’t weigh you down so you will have a pleasant hunting expedition. On the other hand, if the scope is bulky, it will be cumbersome to carry around.
Benefits of Nightforce Scopes for 338 Lapua Magnum
Nightforce scopes tend to be a little expensive compared with scopes from other brands. Nevertheless, they offer exceptional features and performance which makes them worth the high cost. Here are some of the advantages of investing in the best Nightforce Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum.
- All weather reliability. All Nightforce scopes are fully waterproof and fog proof to stand elements of weather.
- Durable housing. Nightforce scopes are made with aircraft-grade aluminum for perfect durability, functionality and reliability.
- Exceptional optical integrity thanks to the high-quality optics.
- High speed, versatility and great accuracy in all situations
- Zero Stop technology. All Nightforce scopes have a Zero Stop function which offers an easy way to return to zero, no matter the number of elevation adjustments you have made in the field.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we do hope that this article has given you the information you need about the best Nightforce scope for 338 Lapua Magnum and you are now able to make the correct buying decision. As you can see, there are multiple scopes to choose from. Consider what you intend to use the scope for then look for the model that aligns with both your needs and preference.