Today’s post digs into the best 338 Lapua scopes. The .338 Lapua Magnum is specifically designed for extreme long-range shooting. Over the years, this cartridge has been widely used for military applications.
However, in the past few years, it has gained great popularity among many long-range hunters and tactical shooters. The ammo is ideal for bringing down large prey such as the brown bear, moose and elk.
This cartridge requires high-quality optics to handle the extreme distances it is used for. If you are on the hunt for the best 338 Lapua scopes, then you are in the right place. The following are some of the best long-range scopes that work well with the 338 Lapua Magnum.
Before looking at the in-depth analysis of the best 338 Lapua scopes, here are some important questions to ponder while searching for a quality optic for your rifle.
General Features of a .338 Lapua Scope?
The .338 Lapua Magnum is a wonderful rifle for those looking to hit long-rage shots comfortably and accurately. On its own the rifle isn’t very lethal, mounting a powerful scope completes the puzzle making it a force to be reckoned with when it comes to long-range shooting.
A scope for 338 Lapua should check a few boxes to be worth your consideration. First up, the scope should have a larger tube of at least 34mm. A large tube provides a larger elevation range which is essential for long-range shooting.
One can’t bring down a far target without the right magnification. As a result, a 338 Lapua scope should have proper magnification and exceptional optical quality. The duo work hand in hand to provide the shooter with enough detail before taking a shot.
The glass used on the lenses should be of the highest quality. This helps to enhance clarity and resolution granting the shooter the finer details for accurate shots. The higher price tag of the long-range scopes is an indicator of the quality of glass.
The other important feature of a .338 Lapua scope is a larger objective lens. Most long-range scopes have objective bells of 50mm. This is adequate in transmitting enough light for clearer images and also offers enough field of view when using the higher powers.
A .338 Lapua scope should have a tactical reticle on the first focal plane. The sub tensions on the reticle are invariable as the power is changed. As a result, the reticle can be used to estimate the distance and bullet drop at any magnification setting. This enhances the accuracy of the long-range shots.
The reticle should be matched with reliable turrets. Adjustments are inevitable when taking long-range shots and so the scope should have repeatable and reliable adjustment knobs. A good tracking system is a key aspect of a .338 Lapua scope.
Lastly, the scope should be durably constructed. The tube housing the scope should be made of high-quality materials. Moreso, purged with dry gases to confer shockproof abilities. Vibrations and shocks produced during the rifle recoil should not affect the scope’s integrity.
8 Best Scopes for 338 Lapua Magnum
Let’s dive into our top picks for the best 338 Lapua scopes:
#1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO SFP Riflescope
Vortex is one of the leading optics brands in the market today. It makes high-quality optics and the Crossfire II 6-24×50 Riflescope is no different. It features a broad 6-24x magnification that meets the needs of multiple long-range shooters making it one of the best 338 Lapua scopes.
The scope delivers unrivaled accuracy courtesy of its superior optical system. It’s amazingly affordable, reliable and ideal for both hunting and tactical shooting. This riflescope offers outstanding optical performance. It features fully multi-coated lenses that facilitate excellent light transmission for bright and sharp images.
It also has a Dead-Hold BDC reticle housed in the second focal plane and an adjustable objective for parallax elimination. With long eye relief and seamless configurations, this scope gives you the competitive edge to conquer in the field.
This optic is made to last as long as your rifle. It has a single-piece main tube that’s crafted from aircraft-quality aluminum. This solid construction makes it sturdy enough to withstand shock, impacts and anything that comes its way.
It’s also fully waterproof and fogproof for use in any weather condition. Above all, it has a long eye relief for comfortable viewing and a fast-focus eyepiece that’s essential for easy reticle focusing.
Features
- Finger adjustable capped reset turrets
- Long eye relief and forgiving eye box
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Durable construction
- 30mm single-piece tube
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Resettable MOA turrets
#2) Steiner T5Xi Tactical 5-25x56mm SCR 34mm Riflescope
The T5Xi Tactical 5-25x56mm SCR riflescope offers unmatched accuracy at any distance making it a top contender amongst the best 338 Lapua scopes. With a broad 5x to 25x magnification, this riflescope gives you superior image clarity at all magnification settings.
This long-range riflescope works well with the 338 Lapua Magnum. It has low-profile turrets that are unlikely to snap during movement and a parallax adjustment that helps increase your accuracy when shooting long-range. The Special Competition Reticle is housed on the first focal plane and it provides the precision that every hunter and competitive shooter needs.
In terms of construction, the scope is made to last long. It has a durable construction that withstands water, fog, shock and any impact. It also boasts a tapered, all-metal magnification ring as well as large, easy-to-grip windage and elevation knobs.
For added convenience, the riflescope comes with consistent eye relief that lets you change magnification without repositioning your eye and a throw lever for quick and simple magnification changes.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Durable and shockproof construction
- Throw lever
- Consistent eye relief
- Low profile turrets
- Parallax adjustment
- Locking diopter
- The tapered, all-metal magnification ring
- A first focal plane SRC reticle
- Single-piece 34mm tube
- Large and ergonomic windage and elevation knobs
#3) Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
The Monstrum G3 6-24×50 is your ideal 338 Lapua scope if you are on a tight budget. It offers an incredible range thanks to the 6-24x magnification. It offers great accuracy at any range and it’s perfect for hunting and target shooting. The versatility and dependability make the scope one of the best 338 Lapua scopes.
This scope offers superior optical performance. It brings to the table high-quality Quartz glass which provides excellent color fidelity. The fully multi-coated lens provides better light transmission for bright and clear images, while the custom-designed FFP reticle gives you quick range estimation and holdover corrections.
The reticle is also illuminated for better target visibility in low-light conditions. The scope is virtually indestructible hence delivering relentless performance for many years. It’s crafted from 6061 aircraft-quality aluminum which enhances durability without adding so much weight.
It’s fully sealed to prevent water and dirt entry and nitrogen purged for total fog-proof performance. To top it all, the scope features a hard anodized finish which makes it impervious to scratches and any other damage.
Features
- Locking turrets
- Illuminated reticle
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Custom type-H reticle
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Optical quartz glass
- MIL-STD type III hard-anodized finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- 30mm tube
- Lightweight design
#4) NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm ZeroSet .250 MOA Scope
When it comes to precision accuracy, it’s hard to beat the NIGHTFORCE SHV riflescope. The scope performs exceptionally well at both close and extended ranges. It’s also a highly versatile long-range scope that works well with the 338 Lapua.
The other attribute that cements this scope amongst the best 338 Lapua scopes is outstanding clarity and crispness at every magnification. Featuring high-quality glass and a large 56mm objective lens, the scope provides excellent image brightness and clarity in any magnification setting.
It also offers excellent light transmission for brilliant views even in low-light situations. Outstanding low-light performance, long-range precision, and the superb optical system make SHV 5-20×56 one of the best 338 Lapua scopes.
Another good thing about this riflescope is that it features a side parallax adjustment that eliminates parallax for greater long-range accuracy. It also features a ZeroSet technology that lets you get back to your original zero setting effortlessly and a full 80 MOA of elevation adjustment.
Features
- Broad 5-20x magnification
- High-quality optics
- Large 56mm objective lens
- Side parallax adjustment
- Forceplex reticle
- ZeroSet technology
- 80 MOA of elevation adjustment
#5) Vortex Optics Razor HD 5-20×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope
The Razor HD 5-20×50 riflescope is a front-runner amongst the best 338 Lapua scopes. This riflescope is made to meet the needs of every long-range shooter or hunter out there. It offers impressive accuracy at any range making it one of the best 338 Lapua scopes.
The scope features XR fully multi-coated lens for maximum light transmission. The premium extra-low dispersion glass provides brilliant and high-quality images, while the optically indexed lenses provide superior edge-to-edge image clarity.
Better yet, the scope comes with an illuminated reticle which gives you accurate aiming in low-light conditions. At all magnifications, you get outstanding color contrast for accurate bullet placement.
The durability of this scope is unmatched. The 35mm single-piece tube is crafted from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum strength and durability.
It’s O-ring sealed to prevent the entry of dust, dirt and moisture, and purged with Argon to provide fog-proof properties. Also, the scope has a hard-anodized finish that reduces glare and camouflages your shooting position.
Features
- Armortek external lens coating
- Exposed tactical-style turrets
- Hard anodized finish
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- 35mm single-piece tube
- Optically indexed lenses
- XR fully multi-coated lens
- Glass-etched illuminated reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
#6) Leupold VX-3i LRP 8.5-25×50 Side Focus Riflescope
Leupold has a longstanding reputation for making high-quality optics and the VX-3i LRP is no exception. The LRP stands for long-range precision and so this scope is a worthy contender among the best 338 Lapua scopes.
It works well with a wide range of long-range cartridges and the .338 Lapua is one of them. The scope is ruggedly designed to outperform weather elements that may come in your way and fitted with exceptional glasses to allow maximum light gathering for unrivaled clarity.
Featuring a Twilight Max Light Management System, the scope delivers superior low-light performance that most hunters need. The ultra-lightweight design makes it easy to carry around and it doesn’t add any extra weight to your rifle. Though lightweight, the scope disperses recoil for unmatched durability.
The scope is designed to provide rugged reliability in all environments. Its fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. It’s also impact-tested and verified to stand up to extreme climate exposure.
In any climatic condition, this scope will be by your side delivering outstanding performance. Above all, it has a first focal plane reticle that you can use to estimate the range at any magnification setting.
Features
- Matte finish
- First focal plane reticle
- Ultralight yet durable design
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Long-range precision (LRP) target adjustment
- Match grade accuracy and repeatability
- Twilight Max Light Management System
#7) Trijicon TR23 Accupoint 5-20×50 Riflescope
The TR23 Accupoint is a high-end riflescope designed to provide great accuracy at extended ranges making it one of the best 338 Lapua scopes. You can use the 5x magnification for mid-range targets and then extend it to 20x for long-range targets.
At all the magnification settings, visual performance isn’t compromised. You get incredible color contrast, image crispness and bright images. This makes shooting at long range a walk in the park.
This riflescope has an aircraft-grade aluminum housing that handles anything that comes its way. It’s also fully waterproof and fog-resistant to provide reliable all-weather performance. In addition to that, it has a durable matte finish that’s scratch-resistant.
The optical quality of this scope is amazing. The lenses are multi-coated to increase light transmission and provide bright and vivid images with zero distortion. The fiber optic technology adjusts the brightness level of the reticle depending on the lighting conditions. It also comes with a manual brightness override that you can use to adjust the reticle brightness setting to suit your preference.
Features
- Multi-coated lenses
- Battery-free illumination
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Second focal plane reticle
- Weatherproof construction
- Manual brightness override
- Dual illumination system
- 30mm tube size
#8) Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope
The Argos BTR is a Gen 2 Athlon optic that works pretty well when it comes to long-distance hunting and target shooting. The superlative precision when taking distant shots augments this scope’s name amongst the best 338 Lapua scopes.
This riflescope boasts high-quality features at a price that’s hard to pass. It maintains accuracy at all ranges and provides clear images in every magnification setting.
The scope is constructed to be durable and reliable. The main tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. Its argon is purged to provide reliable waterproofing and thermal stability. It also boasts an XPL coating that protects the exterior lenses from dirt and scratches.
Thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses, the riflescope provides bright, clear and sharp images from dawn till dusk. With long-range targets, you can eliminate parallax from 10 yards to infinity and increase your odds of accurate shooting.
Moreover, the scope has a precision zero-stop system that helps you get back to your initial zero easily. Overall, it’s an excellent scope for the .338 Lapua Magnum.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- First focal plane reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- Shockproof and recoil-resistant
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- 60 MOA total adjustment
- XPL coating
- Lightweight design
- Precision zero-stop system
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Best 338 Lapua Scopes Buying Guide
Considerations for Choosing the Best 338 Lapua Scopes
Magnification
The .338 Lapua Magnum is one of the best long-range cartridges on the market. It’s capable of reaching a target that’s as far as 1000 yards away. To hit a target that’s this far accurately, you need to use a scope that has a high magnification. This way, you’ll be able to see the target clearly and know where to place the shot. Look for a scope with anywhere from 5x to 25x magnification.
Glass Quality
When shooting long-range targets, you need high magnification and high-quality image views. A scope will be of no help if it provides dull and unclear images when you zoom in. Go for a scope that has ED glass and fully multi-coated or fully-coated lenses.
Read: Best Vortex Long-Range Riflescopes
Reticle
Scopes have different reticle designs. To acquire your targets accurately, you need a scope that has a reticle that remains clear and visible in any magnification setting.
For long-range shooting, you should opt for a scope with reticles that have detailed BDC, MOA or Mil-Dot markings. With such marks, you’ll be able to make different adjustments for windage and holdover.
Eye Relief
Another factor you should consider is eye relief. Eye relief refers to the distance from your eyes to the scope’s eyepiece where you can get a full-sight picture without moving the scope around.
The .338 Lapua magnum generates high recoil. So, you must get a scope with generous eye relief. First, it will boost your shooting confidence knowing that your eyes won’t get hit by the recoiling rifle. It will also help you shoot comfortably regardless of your shooting position.
Read: Best Scopes for 500 Yards
Durability
Using a scope in the range or hunting field predisposes it to harsh and rugged environments. It’s therefore essential that you get a scope that’s durably made with high-quality materials.
Make sure that you choose a scope that’s rugged, shockproof and recoil resistant. In addition, ensure that the scope is fully waterproof and fogproof so you can use it in any weather condition.
First Focal Plane Vs Second Focal Plane
When it comes to shooting the 338 Lapua, choosing between a first focal plane or a second focal plane reticle can be overwhelming. But it all trickles down to personal preference and hunting/shooting habits.
A first focal plane reticle changes its size with a change in magnification. All the dots and dashes adjust so it’s easier for you to gauge the distance and bullet drop when shooting long-range.
On the other hand, a second focal plane doesn’t change with a change in the magnification. This means that at lower magnification, the reticle will be smaller and you will only see the dots and dashes clearly at full magnification. It’s simpler to use and focus on than the FFP counterpart.
Read: Best Rangefinder Scopes
What Makes a Great 338 Lapua Scope?
A great 338 Lapua scope delivers high accuracy and great image clarity in any environment. It should offer generous eye relief for comfortable shooting and be able to provide reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. Also, a good scope must be durably made to give you many years of field use.
What Magnification Do You Need?
For accurate long-range shooting with the 338 Lapua, you must get a scope with at least 10x magnification. High magnification will let you see the target clearly whether it’s stationary or mobile. This will help you place an accurate, ethical shot.
How Much Eye Relief Do You Need?
It depends on whether you wear glasses or not. Since the 338 Lapua generates high recoil, you must get a scope with sufficient eye relief. Get a scope with 3 to 4 inches if you don’t wear eyeglasses and 4+ inches if you wear eyeglasses.
Conclusion
You need a good value scope to achieve great accuracy and high image clarity when shooting the .338 Lapua Magnum. The scope should be durable, easy to use and reliable in any shooting environment. Use our guide above and get yourself the best 338 Lapua scopes.