The spotlight on today’s post is on the best 270 long-range scopes. The .270 Winchester ammo has earned accolades among shooters due to its effectiveness and versatility.
The .270 cartridge ranks high as the best centrefire rifle cartridge. This cartridge is widely used in the United States and the greater North America.
The .270 is a great cartridge for medium game and big game hunting. To excel in the task at hand, you need to pair your centerfire rifle with a great scope. To help you find an exceptional rifle scope we scouted the market for the best 270 long-range scopes. Read on and find the best scope for 270 long range.
Understanding the .270 Winchester Cartridge
The .270 caliber is one of the most popular all-around cartridges for long-range hunting. It has a flat bullet trajectory which makes it ideal for big and medium game hunting, especially on large open plains. Several aspects make .270 Winchester a favorite among hunters/shooters including:
- Excellent accuracy
- Great performance at extended ranges
- Readily available
- Versatile making it perfect for several shooting scenarios
- Effective in the right hands
- Low recoil
What Makes a Great 270 Long Range Scope?
Several specs define a long-range scope for .270 Winchester. First up, the riflescope should be powerful to perform exemplary when shooting at long ranges. Since the .270 excels in medium to long-range distances, it should be paired with a scope with enough horsepower to cover the distances.
The other feature that set apart a 270 long-range scope from other scopes is quality optics. The scope should be made of excellent glass and the optics coated with anti-reflective coatings. This is important in optimizing light transmission for bright and crisp images.
Thirdly, the best 270 long-range scopes should be constructed of high-quality materials to ensure relentless performance and durability. Ensure the scope is purged with dry gases and completely sealed to ensure weatherproof performance.
When shooting distant targets, precision is key to accurate shot placement. Two important adjustments are needed when zeroing in a rifle scope, the windage and elevation adjustments.
To make accurate estimates, a scope needs to have exposed turrets that are easily accessible by hand. The turrets should also make audible clicks. Capped turrets are common in long-range scopes as they prevent accidental dials after zeroing in the rifle scope.
A bigger objective lens is a bonus for long-range shooting. This is because a larger objective lens allows more light to pass through the tube and offers a bigger field of view at the highest power. However, there is a compromise between weight and light transmission. Scopes with 40mm to 56mm offer the best compromise.
8 Best 270 Long-Range Scopes
If you are looking to get the most out of your .270 cartridge, you should invest in a quality scope. However, with so many scopes out there, finding the best scope for 270 long-range is not an easy task. We have compiled a comprehensive review of the best 270 long-range scopes to mount on your centerfire rifle. Let’s take a look.
1) Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Vortex has a standing reputation for making high-quality optical devices and the Crossfire II AO 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is not an exception. This scope offers virtually everything you need to hunt big, medium and small games with your .270 round. Versatility and effectiveness cement Crossfire II AO 4-12x scope name among the best 270 long-range scopes.
It features variable magnification from 4x to 12x and a Dead-Hold BDC reticle. At close ranges, the scope provides a wide field of view for straightforward target spotting and fast and better target acquisition at long ranges. Besides, the scope is equipped with an adjustable objective lens which provides easy parallax removal and image focus.
Anytime you are buying a rifle scope you want a product that is durable and this is exactly what you get with this Crossfire II rifle scope. It has a single-piece tube crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. High-quality construction guarantees relentless performance for many years.
In addition to being shockproof, the scope is also sealed with O-rings and nitrogen-purged so it is fully waterproof and fogproof. Other notable features found in the scope include a long eye relief, fast focus eyepiece and fully multi-coated lenses which provide bright and crisp clear views from sunrise to sunset.
Features
- Adjustable objective lens
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Variable magnification power
- Anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses
- Long Eye Relief
- Capped Reset Turrets That Are Finger Adjustable
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Hard anodized finish
- 1-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube
Pros
- Great value for money
- Precise adjustments for pinpoint accuracy
- Clear optics in all lighting conditions
- Great weight balance when mounted on a rifle
- Excellent build quality guarantees long-term service
- Comes with a sunshade
- Hold zero perfectly so your aim is always on-point
- Excellent eye relief
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Poor performance beyond 800 yards
- A tight optic bell making parallax adjustments a hassle
- Dismal performance at distances below 100 yards
2) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to beat the Banner 3-9x40mm riflescope from Bushnell. With its 3-9×40 configuration, this scope is ideal for hunting any size of game at both close and long distances.
It has a beautiful body that is built to last. All the materials used in the assembling process are tested extensively so you can use the scope for many years. Besides, it is 100% waterproof and fogproof to provide reliable performance in any weather condition.
Another thing that makes this scope shine is that it is made with ease of use in mind. It has a fast-focus eyepiece while letting you focus on your target with excellent clarity. It also features a multi-X second focal plane reticle that aids in fast and simple target acquisition even in low-light environments.
Above all, the scope has a lightweight design that enhances its portability and Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses for exceptional clarity and brightness. Without a doubt, the Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 riflescope is a top contender among the best 270 long-range scopes.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Long eye relief
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Multi-X second focal plane reticle
- Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses
- Lightweight design
- Durable construction
- Quality optics with exceptional HD clarity
- 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Affordable and practical shooting solution for big game & varmint hunting
- Illuminated reticle boosts performance in low light
- Several reticles available
- Enhanced light transmission
- Withstand recoil from .270, .308, and other cartridges
- Compact and lightweight for field hunting and scouting
- Easy to mount and effortless to sight in
Cons
- Quality control issues reported with defective units
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking to push the limits of your .270 cartridge, you need a high-quality scope like the Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm. It features a broad magnification of up to 18x and it is ideal for both intermediate and long-range hunting/shooting.
As one of the best 270 long-range scopes, the VX-Freedom 6-18X riflescope brings to the table unbeatable accuracy to help you conquer in the field and at the range.
This USA-made rifle scope is built with the legendary Leupold ruggedness. It is 100% waterproof and fogproof for all-weather use and shockproof to withstand anything you throw at it. It also has scratch-resistant lenses for added protection. Make your long-range dreams come true with a dedicated rifle scope.
Another impressive thing about the scope is that it offers the best-in-class optics which deliver exceptional optical performance even in low-light settings. To add to that, its optical system features a wide array of reticles that provide unbeatable accuracy in any hunting environment and lighting condition. Above all, the scope has a feather-light design for ease of portability.
Features
- Tri-MOA reticle
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Ultralightweight design
- Advanced optical system
- Durable and shockproof aluminum body
- 100% waterproof and fogproof
- CDS side focus
- Variable 6-18x magnification
Pros
- Excellent features for the price
- The scope tracks very well
- It holds at zero well after sighting in
- Durably constructed to ensure many years of exemplary service
- Boasts of clarity are only seen in high-end scopes
- Unbeatable versatility
- Backed by Leupold’s Legendary warranty
Cons
- TRI-MOA reticle cluttered rendering shots inaccurate
- Sometimes it doesn’t hold at zero but issued can be sorted by the manufacturer
4) BSA Optics Sweet .270 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope
If you are in the market for the best scope for 270 long range for the money, this is it. The BSA Optics Sweet .270 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope provides many handy features to help make your hunting/shooting expedition more competitive.
This rifle scope is specifically designed for the .270 cartridge. With the 3-9x zooming range, you will be able to use it to shoot objects at both close and long distances. It also features a large 40mm objective lens which offers crisp images at every magnification range as well as a large field of view.
This scope is made with hunters in mind. It has green anti-reflection coatings which optimize light transmission to generate bright and clear image views. Furthermore, it has a Climate Xtreme protection which guarantees a waterproof, fogproof, and impact-resistant performance.
Above all the scope has a long 4-inch eye relief for comfortable glassing in any shooting position with or without eyeglasses. As one of the best 270 long rage scopes, this riflescope is caliber-specific to deliver optimal results when mounted to any centerfire rifle.
Features
- Adjustable objective lens
- 3-9x variable magnification
- Long 4-inch eye relief
- Climate Xtreme protection
- Durable aluminum housing
- Second focal plane 30/30 reticle
- 1-inch main tube
- 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Green full anti-reflection coatings
Pros
- Superb light transmission for crisp images
- Practical shooting solution at an unbeatable price
- Tough construction for reliable performance
- Lightweight construction for field operations
- Easy to zero
- Delivers remarkable results in any hunting scenario
- Produces audible clicks when making adjustments
- .270 calibrated turret
Cons
- No drawbacks
5) Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
Next on our list is the Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope. It has a 3-9×40 configuration which is ideal for hunting in all types of terrain and conditions.
This rifle scope is built to give you many years of field use. It has a solid 1-piece outer tube that is sturdy enough to endure shock and vibration from the heaviest-recoiling rifles. Moreover, it is waterproof for use even during heavy downpours and nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging.
Another thing that makes the scope stand out is the exceptional optical performance. It features high-grade optical glass which provides excellent brightness and clarity with long-lasting durability. It also has index-matched Hi-Lume multicoating which aids in glare elimination and low light performance.
To top it all off, this riflescope has a Ballistic Plex E1 reticle which has 11 illumination settings for precise aiming in inadequate light settings. The state-of-the-art optical system and reticle make the Fullfield E1 riflescope one of the best 270 long-range scopes.
Features
- 1-inch body tube
- 3-9x variable magnification
- Ballistic Plex E1 illuminated reticle
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Durable, shockproof and vibration-resistant outer tube
- steel-on-steel adjustments
- High-grade optical glass
- Turret indicators
- Finger adjustable windage and elevation turrets
Pros
- Unrivaled accuracy
- A sleek profile for enhanced performance
- Superb glass for optimal brightness and clarity
- Fully coated optics enhance low-light performance
- Repeatability achieved by the positive steel-on-steel adjustments
- Stress-free and durable housing
- Easy to zero
- Simple and easy to use the reticle
- Illuminated reticle for speedy target acquisition
- Protected by Burris forever warranty
Cons
- The reticle may malfunction after firing many rounds
6) Trijicon Credo HX CRHX1556 2.5-15x56mm Rifle Scope
Another best scope for 270 long range for the money on our list is the Trijicon Credo HX 6 2.5-15x56mm Rifle Scope. It features a large 56mm objective lens that offers a large field of view and superior low-light performance as well.
The scope features a repositionable magnification lever that accommodates different shooting positions as well as multiple rifle configurations. When it comes to construction, it has a rugged design to stand extremely harsh conditions, especially when hunting in unfamiliar terrains. It also has fully multi-coated glass which provides true image detail full of color with zero distortion.
Furthermore, the scope has a unique reticle that aids in quick target acquisition and Trijicon’s Bindon Aiming Concept which allows for easy both-eyes-open shooting for rapid target engagement. Lastly, the scope has user-selectable LED brightness settings for confident aiming in any light condition.
Features
- Fully multi-coated broadband anti-reflective glass
- Durable construction
- User-selectable LED brightness settings
- Large 56mm objective lens
- Repositionable magnification lever
- Quick and simple adjustments
- Both eyes open shooting design
- Lightweight construction
Pros
- A large objective lens enhances performance in low light
- Generous exit pupil
- Superb glass identifies the target in true color and detail
- Lens coating optimizes light transmission for brighter images
- Illuminated center dot for pinpoint accuracy
- Wide field of view
- Allow shooting with both eyes open
- Rugged construction for reliability and durability
- Edge-to-edge clarity
Cons
- Higher price tag compared to other scopes on our list
7) Sightmark Citadel 3-18x50mm LR 2 Rifle Scope
Sightmark makes high-quality optical devices and this quality is maintained in the Citadel 3-18x50mm LR2 Rifle Scope. This scope is ideal for you if you are looking for a quality FFP rifle scope that is easy on the wallet.
It offers notable performance at varying ranges thanks to its high-quality features and variable magnification power. Besides, it is simple to use so it is ideal for both beginners and professional shooters.
This rifle scope also brings to the table fully multi-coated optics which maximize light transmission and reduce glare for bright and crisp image views. It is IP67 waterproof for all-weather reliability and durably built to stand anything nature throws at it. Above all, it features a red reticle illumination for easy shooting in low-light settings.
Features
- Versatile 6:1 zoom
- FFP illuminated reticle
- IP67 waterproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 1-piece 30mm main tube
- Red reticle illumination
- Exposed, low-profile turrets
Pros
- Exposed turrets for improved functionality
- Coated lenses optimize light transmission
- Remarkable long-range capability
- Reticle illumination permits the speedy acquisition of targets
- Throw lever for smooth power changes
Cons
- No drawbacks
8) CVLIFE 6-24×50 Hunting Rifle Scope
The CVLIFE 6-24×50 Hunting Rifle Scope is another great optic for 270 rifle owners. For starters, it has a wide magnification from 6x to 24x which is ideal for mid and long-range hunting and target shooting.
It features an adjustable objective lens which allows for a sharper target image, range estimation and parallax elimination. It also has an adjustable eyepiece which comes in handy when you need to eliminate most of the image aberration for crisp image viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Furthermore, the scope is well-built to offer unbeatable durability. It is crafted from aluminum which enhances its strength and durability. It also boasts a fully multi-coated lens which provides brighter, clear and color-accurate sight pictures even under poor light settings. Above all, it is lightweight for easy carrying in the field and it fits all standard 20mm Picatinny and Weaver rails.
Features
- Reliable windage and elevation adjustments
- Lightweight design
- Durable aluminum construction
- Adjustable eyepiece
- Broad 6-24x magnification
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Adjustable objective lens
- Red and green reticle illumination
Pros
- Remarkable light transmission
- High-contrast and clear images
- Built to last
- Fantastic price
Cons
- Sighting in the scope is hard
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Best 270 Long-Range Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Criteria for Choosing Best 270 Long-Range Scopes
Magnification
The primary factor you should consider is magnification. For long-range hunting, the higher the magnification, the better especially if you will be hunting on large, open plains. A scope with 10x or more will be sufficient for long-range applications.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is the part responsible for gathering light into the scope. Typically, the larger the objective lens the better.
It will collect more light inside the scope for bright image generation. It will also offer a wide field of view. A scope with an objective lens of 40mm to 50mm will suffice.
Image Quality
The two primary functions of scope are to bring distant targets closer and provide clear image views. If the scope provides poor quality image views, it will be of no help. You will have a hard time identifying your targets or placing an accurate shot.
To get the most out of your .270 cartridge, make sure that you get a scope that has high-quality glass and fully-coated or fully multi-coated lenses.
Eye Relief
Another thing you should consider is eye relief. Look for a scope that offers a long eye relief of not less than 3 inches. It will help you glass comfortably and prevent the scope from hitting your eye due to rifle recoil.
Durability
Whether you plan to use your scope for hunting or tactical shooting, you will want it to be durable enough to give you many years of use. This calls for a scope that is built with high-quality materials preferably aluminum or magnesium alloy. Additionally, it is wise to get a waterproof scope and fog proof so it can stand harsh weather conditions.
Read: Best Vortex Long-Range Riflescopes
FAQs on Best 270 Long-Range Scopes
Q: How Far Can You Shoot With a 270?
The 270 Winchester has an effective shooting range of up to 300 yards. However, you can push it to the limits and extend its effective range up to 500 yards with a quality and reliable optic.
Q: What is the Best Scope Magnification for a 270?
The best magnification for a 270 will largely depend on how far you will be shooting and what you intend to use the scope for. We suggest you find a scope with a variable magnification from 3x on the low magnification power and about 15x for the high magnification power.
Read: Best Scope for 600-800 Yards
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best scope for 270 long-range will help you do wonders with this hunting cartridge. As you can see, you have multiple scopes to choose from. All the scopes we have listed above work well with the 270 cartridges and are well-built to offer excellent performance and durability as well.