The Savage 338 Lapua Magnum is a type of rifle manufactured by Savage Arms, a well-known firearms company. The term “338 Lapua Magnum” refers to the specific caliber of the rifle, which is .338 Lapua Magnum.
The Savage 338 Lapua Magnum rifles are designed for precision shooting, hunting, and long-range applications, catering to those who seek a highly capable firearm for extended-distance shooting or hunting scenarios requiring significant power and accuracy.
Choosing the right scope
The .338 Lapua Magnum is recognized as an expensive and highly potent cartridge demanding top-tier optics for precise shooting, whether engaging targets at 2,500 yards or hunting game within the 500-yard range.
Considering the substantial costs involved in both the rifles and ammunition for this caliber, if one can afford the cartridge, it’s recommended to invest in a high-quality scope that complements its capabilities.
Each scope on our list stands out as a premier model, boasting exceptional performance. These scopes have established themselves in various competitive shooting disciplines and have earned esteemed reputations, some even proving their mettle in combat scenarios.
Their track records highlight their reliability and precision, making them ideal companions for shooters seeking top-notch optics to match the prowess of the .338 Lapua Magnum.
Here are our top picks for the 338 Lapua scope:
Top 5 Best Scopes for Savage .338 Lapua
- Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Razor HD 3-18×50mm Riflescope
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm
- Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm SFP Riflescope VMR-1 MOA
- Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Riflescope MIL-DOT
Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope (Best Scopes for Savage .338 Lapua)
The Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50mm Riflescope stands out as a top-tier option tailored for hunters targeting coyotes using a .223 caliber rifle. It boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart as an excellent choice among hunting scopes.
One of its most striking attributes is the exceptional optical clarity it offers, delivering unparalleled image quality.
Leupold integrates their exclusive DiamondCoat2 lens coating, effectively minimizing glare, protecting against scratches, and ensuring superior light transmission.
Featuring a Fine Duplex CDS reticle, this scope guarantees swift and precise target acquisition. The CDS (Custom Dial System) allows personalized adjustments, enabling accurate ballistics calculations for long-distance shots, customized to your firearm and ammunition.
With an eye relief of 3.7 at high magnification and 4.5 at low magnification, it generally accommodates most shooting scenarios well. However, it might feel slightly limiting for exceedingly long-range shots.
The VX-3i is built for durability, having undergone rigorous testing, including Leupold’s recoil simulation machine, the Punisher. This ensures resilience against heavy recoil and challenging weather conditions.
Its elevation and windage turrets are precise, featuring ¼ MOA finger clicks, facilitating easy adjustments with audible and reliable clicks.
Zeroing in the scope is a straightforward process, requiring only a few shots, and it maintains zero effectively even after firing over 5000 rounds.
Covering a magnification range from 6.5x to 20x, the Leupold VX-3i caters exceptionally well to intermediate to long-range shooting, making it an outstanding choice for .223 varmint hunting.
An additional advantage is the side focus parallax adjustment, addressing concerns about distortion while offering user-friendly functionality for seamless targeting.
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity
- Fine Duplex CDS reticle
- Accurate and user-friendly turrets
- Versatile magnification range
- Robust durability
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Ample eye relief
Cons
- Slightly restrictive eye relief at extremely long ranges
Vortex Optics Razor HD 3-18×50mm Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Razor HD 3-18×50mm Riflescope stands out as a top-tier optic renowned for its effectiveness in long-range shooting, earning trust among law enforcement and military professionals.
What distinguishes this scope is its versatility, offering a choice of 12 different configurations or models, ensuring shooters can find the precise match for their specific shooting needs.
This scope integrates Vortex’s innovative L-TEC turret mechanism, incorporating a locking device that prevents accidental adjustments during use, ensuring precision and stability.
Setting a benchmark in optical performance, the Vortex Razor HD employs high-density optical glass within its APO (Apochromatic) optical system.
Utilizing index-matched lenses to correct color across the entire visual spectrum, it delivers exceptional image quality, providing a clear and sharp view of the target.
Durability is a standout feature of this high-end scope. Armortek coatings shield the lens against scratches, dirt, and oil.
Fully multi-coated optics, coupled with an O-ring seal and argon purging, grant the scope both waterproof and fog-proof capabilities. This robust construction ensures the scope’s resilience in various challenging weather conditions, ensuring consistent and reliable performance throughout.
Pros
- APO System
- XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated
- Illuminated Reticle
- L-Tec Turrets
- Durable
- Easily adjustable
- Very clear
Cons
- A little heavy
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope in its 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane configuration stands out for its impressive range of features, often found in higher-tier scopes available on the market.
Recently revamped for 2019, this cost-effective scope offers a versatile 4x magnification suitable for a broad spectrum of shooting applications, whether it involves precise target practice at the range or hunting in the wild.
Featuring fully multicoated optics, the Athlon BTR Argos Gen II scope ensures exceptional contrast, and superior light transmission, and delivers sharp, clear images at extended distances, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
One of its notable attributes is the Precision Zero Stop system, enabling secure locking of your zero position and precise return even under adverse conditions. This ensures a distinct and accurate stop precisely at your zero mark, even in low-light situations or when visibility is limited.
The scope’s construction is robust, comprising a heat-treated, one-piece tube crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. This design not only enhances durability but also provides superior strength compared to conventional aluminum scopes.
Engineered to withstand various elements, this scope boasts a waterproof and fog-proof design, ensuring worry-free use even in damp conditions or unexpected encounters with water during outdoor expeditions.
Available with glass-etched, first focal plane illuminated APLR2 IR-MOA or APMR IR-MIL Reticles, the Argos BTR Gen 2 scope guarantees swift target acquisition, especially in low-light conditions, elevating visibility and shooting accuracy.
Pros
- Clear optics
- Easy parallax adjustment
- Nice turrets
- Zero stop easy to use
- Fully coated lenses
- Tactile and audible adjustments
- Affordable
- Quality build
Cons
- Reduced clarity at high magnification
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm SFP Riflescope VMR-1 MOA
The Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm SFP Scope with the VMR-1 MOA reticle emerges as the top choice for .338 Lapua rifles, renowned for its prowess in long-range shooting, especially when paired with the powerful Savage .338 Lapua Magnum.
What makes this scope exceptional and a sought-after option for the .338 Lapua? Let’s explore its standout features:
The Vortex Viper HS-T offers a versatile magnification range, spanning from 6X to 24X, perfectly suited for extended-range shooting. This flexibility allows for precise targeting at considerable distances, aligning well with the capabilities of the .338 Lapua.
Equipped with a 50mm objective lens, this scope provides impressive zoom capabilities while maintaining a clear and expansive sight picture. The larger objective lens effectively gathers light, ensuring a vivid and bright image, crucial for optimal shooting conditions.
Featuring a hashmark-based Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle, this scope excels in long-range holds, aiding in windage estimation and accommodating moving targets effectively.
The exposed turrets of this scope offer precise and repeatable adjustments with tactile and audible clicks, facilitating easy dialing for necessary adjustments.
The zero-stop feature ensures a swift return to zero after temporary elevation changes.
Incorporating a side focus parallax adjustment, the scope eliminates parallax, ensuring optimal focus for precise shots, regardless of distance adjustments required.
The rapid focus eyepiece and a generous field of view enable swift adaptation of the reticle to your eye position while maintaining a sharp focus on the target.
Additionally, a comfortable 4-inch eye relief protects your eyes from recoil.
With extra-low dispersion and multicoated lenses, this scope delivers exceptional image clarity, resolution, and contrast. The XR coatings enhance light transmission, while the Armortek coating provides lens protection against scratches and damage.
Pros
- High-quality optics
- Good light transmission
- Fairly lightweight
- Durability
- Versatile magnification
- Accurate reticle
Cons
- Some users find the turrets mildly sharp
Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Riflescope MIL-DOT
The Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm Riflescope is purpose-built for hunting and versatile use, specifically tailored for full-size receivers chambering the Savage .338 Lapua.
Crafted to withstand outdoor conditions, this scope is engineered to be waterproof, shockproof, and fog-resistant. Its robust construction ensures reliability across various environments and situations.
The thoughtfully designed reticle incorporates both BDC and MIL options, delivering a clear and uncluttered solution for ranging and holdover. This feature makes it an ideal choice for precision ranging, whether in the field or at the shooting range.
With five brightness settings, the scope ensures adaptability to diverse lighting conditions. The added illumination feature caters to the low-light needs of hunters, enhancing its versatility in different scenarios.
What distinguishes Primary Arms Rifle Scopes is their inclusion of side parallax adjustment knobs. This feature ensures a parallax-free reticle and allows focusing from 10 yards to infinity, ensuring precise targeting regardless of the distance.
Pros
- Side-adjustable parallax
- Finger-adjustable turrets
- Crystal clear
- Tactile and audible 1/10 MIL windage and elevation adjustments
- Price
- Exposed tactical-style turrets with Zero Reset
- Highly durable
- FFP allows accurate usage of the reticle at any magnification
Cons
- Doesn’t come with lens covers
Conclusion
This guide offers valuable insights into selecting the best scope for Savage .338 Lapua Magnum. It covers crucial factors like magnification, reticle type, weight, field of view, illumination, elevation adjustment, and zero stops.
Highlighting the importance of investing in a high-quality scope, it’s essential to recognize that while these scopes may come with a significant price tag, they are indispensable tools for unlocking the full potential of a .338 Lapua rifle.
The .338 Lapua Magnum excels at substantial distances, underscoring the necessity of pairing it with the right scope for optimal performance. Owners and shooters should acknowledge the significant cost, recoil, and expertise required to fully harness the effectiveness of this caliber.