Selecting the best scopes for .338 Win Mag rifle is a critical decision for any shooter or hunter.
The .338 Win Mag is a powerful and versatile cartridge known for its long-range capabilities, making it popular for big-game hunting and precision shooting. To make the most of this cartridge’s potential, it’s essential to pair it with the right scope.
Good scope for a .338 Win Mag should offer the appropriate magnification range, a durable construction to withstand recoil, a quality reticle for accurate aiming, and other features tailored to your specific shooting needs.
Which scope should you consider?
Choosing the right scope can be tricky because there are many good features to consider, but you can’t have them all in one scope. What matters is understanding why you want the scope.
Your purpose is the key to finding the best fit. So, before you start looking, think about why you need it. Once you know your reason, it’s easier to pick the right scope for you.
In this guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best scope for your .338 Win Mag, helping you make an informed decision for a successful and enjoyable shooting experience. We shall therefore give a review of the 5 best scopes for .338 Win Mag.
Key Features for an Outstanding .338 Win Mag Scope
Magnification
The ideal magnification range for a .338 Win Mag will depend on your intended use. A variable magnification scope is versatile, allowing you to adjust the zoom as needed.
A range of 3-9x or 4-12x magnification can be a good starting point for hunting, while a 5-25x or 6-24x range can be suitable for long-range shooting and target shooting.
Objective Lens
A larger objective lens (e.g., 50mm) can gather more light, making it better for low-light conditions. However, it can add weight and bulk to the rifle. Choose an objective lens diameter that balances your requirements for light transmission and portability.
Reticle
The reticle choice is crucial. For a .338 Win Mag, a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle can be beneficial for estimating bullet drop and windage at long distances. Make sure the reticle is easy to see and suits your shooting style.
Reticle Illumination
An illuminated reticle is advantageous for low-light conditions. Look for a scope with adjustable brightness settings for the reticle illumination. Ensure it has an off-setting to preserve battery life during daylight shooting.
Durability
.338 Win Mag produces significant recoil, so your scope must be robust and recoil-resistant. Choose a scope that is nitrogen-purged, fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof.
Optics
The quality of the glass in the scope is crucial for clarity and brightness brightness. Multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses are desirable as they reduce glare and increase light transmission.
Turret
Consider the turret style you prefer. Tactical turrets allow for easy adjustments in the field, while capped turrets protect against unintentional changes.
Eye Relief
Ensure the scope provides ample eye relief to prevent recoil-related injuries. A minimum of 3 inches is generally recommended for high-recoil rifles like the .338 Win Mag.
Brand and Warranty
Opt for reputable scope brands known for their quality and reliability. A good warranty can provide peace of mind, as it ensures your investment is protected.
Reviews for 5 best scopes for .338 Win Mag
Leupold VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope (Best copes for .338 Win Mag)
The VX-3i 2.5-8×36 is a scope that has earned a special place in the hearts and minds of hunters. It’s cherished for its perfect balance of magnification and lightweight durability, making it an invaluable companion in various hunting scenarios.
This scope delivers exceptional performance, particularly in low-light conditions, making those crucial moments at the beginning and end of the day count.
One standout feature is the Twilight Max Light Management System, which enhances your ability to spot intricate details when others might struggle.
Additionally, the VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm scope comes with a Duplex reticle and a sleek Matte finish, adding to its appeal.
It’s 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum, the VX-3i is engineered to endure the harshest recoil, and it’s “punisher tested” to guarantee a lifetime of exceptional performance
The lenses are equipped with DiamondCoat 2, an ion-assist lens coating that not only enhances light transmission but also provides top-tier abrasion resistance.
This scope is designed for precision, offering 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation. These adjustments are not only accurate but also highly repeatable, ensuring dependable performance over a lifetime of use, even in extreme conditions.
Pros
- Designed with Twilight Max Light Management System
- Equipped with dual reticle
- Built with aircraft-grade aluminum
Cons
- Quite costly
Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm BDC Riflescope
The Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm BDC Riflescope is a remarkable optical tool that embodies precision, accuracy, durability, and dependability.
With a magnification range of 4x to 12x, this riflescope delivers a crystal-clear view of your target, making it an ideal choice for serious shooters and hunters.
The scope’s fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, ensuring sharp and bright images from dawn to dusk, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Its patented BDC reticle adds to the precision, enabling you to make accurate shots at varying distances.
Furthermore, this scope offers versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of hunting scenarios, from dense forests to open plains.
It provides generous and consistent eye relief, ensuring comfort during prolonged use, and its precise hand-turn 1/4″ @ 100 yds positive-click adjustments enable quick zeroing and maintain settings even when faced with heavy recoil.
Lastly, the Nikon Buckmasters II is built to withstand different conditions with its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction, ensuring reliability in adverse weather conditions.
This scope is a dependable companion for any hunter or shooter, delivering a bright, clear-sighted picture and exceptional performance.
Pros
- Adequate eye relief
- Equipped with BDC reticle
- Can guarantee versatile magnification for more added flexibility
- Great clarity
Cons
- You may not achieve outstanding performance in low light conditions as compared to other scopes.
Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5×32 BDC (MOA) Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5×32 BDC (MOA) Riflescope is a top-tier choice for hunters seeking exceptional image quality and rugged durability.
This versatile riflescope is a standout in the Diamondback series, well-suited for big game, slug shotgun, and brush hunting.
It features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle, making it ideal for situations where estimating hold-over becomes crucial. This reticle aids in precise shooting at various ranges, ensuring accuracy in the field.
The scope’s fully multi-coated lenses provide exceptionally bright and clear images throughout the day, enhancing your hunting experience from dawn to dusk.
Additionally, the fast-focus eyepiece enables quick and effortless reticle focusing, ensuring that you can acquire your target swiftly.
The Diamondback’s metal-on-metal precision turrets offer the ability to reset to zero after sighting in, and a precision glide erector system guarantees reliable tracking and repeatability.
Its one-piece tube, finished with hard anodization, renders the scope shockproof and durable, helping to conceal the shooter’s position.
Moreover, with argon purging and O-ring sealing, this riflescope delivers a lifetime of fog-proof and waterproof performance, making it a dependable companion for hunters in various environmental conditions.
Overall, the Vortex Optics Diamondback is a high-quality riflescope that excels in image quality, build quality, and functionality, making it a top choice for discerning hunters and shooters.
Pros
- Built with a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is ideal for any type of shooting and hunting activities
- Very lucid and fully multicoated lenses for clear images
- Fast-focus eyepiece can guarantee reticle focusing in seconds
Cons
- Eye relief could be better.
Bushnell Trophy 3-9x Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
The Bushnell Trophy Multi-X Reticle Riflescope is a versatile and budget-friendly option for hunters and shooters seeking excellent optical performance.
With seven different configurations and six reticle options, this riflescope offers choices to suit various hunting applications.
Its fully multi-coated optics and rain guard HD provide edge-to-edge clarity and impressive light transmission, making it a reliable choice in all weather conditions.
The scope offers 3-9x magnification with a multi-x reticle, ensuring flexibility and accuracy in aiming at your target. With a generous 4-inch eye relief, it maintains your comfort during extended use.
The Fast-Focus eyepiece and side parallax adjustment make adjusting your aim effortless, ensuring you can lock in on your next trophy quickly.
The scope is built to withstand different weather conditions by being 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
The 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments allow for precise and convenient customization, making it easier for shooters to fine-tune their shots.
In summary, the Bushnell Trophy Multi-X Reticle Riflescope is a cost-effective solution that delivers clarity, durability, and ease of use for hunters and shooters of all levels.
Pros
- Designed with extraordinary light transmission specification
- Equipped with reliable finger-adjustable elevation and windage adjustments
- Can deliver an exceptional field of view at all magnifications
- Highly affordable
Cons
- No illumination to reticles
Vortex Optics Razor HD LH 2-10×40 SFP Riflescope
The Razor HD LH 2-10×40 is an exceptional hunting scope that effortlessly combines lightweight design with high-end features to provide hunters and shooters with a top-notch optical experience.
This scope is built with precision and functionality in mind, making it an ideal choice for those seeking razor-sharp resolution and reliability in the field.
At the heart of this scope’s performance are its high-density, extra-low dispersion lenses, along with premium XR coatings. These optics work together to deliver outstanding clarity and sharpness from edge to edge, ensuring you never miss a crucial detail in your target or surroundings.
The Razor HD LH also boasts a highly forgiving eye box, offering generous eye relief.
In addition to exceptional optics, the locking ocular focus of the Razor HD LH ensures that your reticle always remains sharp and crisp.
It features a single-piece, hard-anodized tube, which enhances its strength and overall ruggedness.
The exterior lenses of the Razor HD LH are protected by Armortek coatings, which act as a shield against scratches, oil, and dirt. This means you can confidently use your scope in various environments without worrying about lens damage or reduced clarity due to external factors.
Lastly, the Razor HD LH is designed to perform reliably in adverse weather conditions. It features strong o-ring seals and argon purging, guaranteeing water and fogproof performance.
Pros
- A certified ultra-smooth and lightweight hunting scope
- Excellent eye box offering plenty of eye relief
- Equipped with extra-low dispersion and high-density lenses
- Designed with locking ocular focus for a crisp and sharp reticle
Cons
- Slightly expensive as compared to other popular brand models
Conclusion
In summary, selecting the best scope for .338 Win Mag rifle is a critical decision for hunters and shooters looking to make the most of this powerful and versatile cartridge.
The ideal scope should offer the right magnification range, a sturdy build to withstand recoil, a quality reticle for precise aiming, and other features tailored to your specific shooting needs, whether it’s big-game hunting, precision shooting, or target practice.
The five scopes reviewed in this article encompass a wide range of options, each with its own set of advantages.
By considering your intended purpose and these detailed reviews, you can confidently choose the perfect scope for your .338 Win Mag rifle, ensuring an enjoyable and successful shooting experience in the field. Research and compare options within your budget, and read user reviews to help you make an informed decision.
With the comprehensive information and reviews provided in this article, you can confidently navigate the scope market and choose the one that best complements your .338 Win Mag rifle, enhancing your accuracy and overall performance while out in the field.