Big game hunting requires a rifle scope built for long-range precision. Today’s post looks at the best scopes for 338 Win Mag perfect for western hunting. These rifle scopes are engineered to deliver the best performance without compromise in any light.
When it comes to hunting big game, the .338 Winchester Magnum is the go-to caliber for most hunters. Its perfect size and weight make it ideal for hunting different games such as bear, elk, and moose from a distance in an ethical manner.
With this caliber being preferred by hunters, finding a compatible scope will go a long way to making your hunting trips successful and memorable. The right scope will improve your views of the targets at different distances and give you a precise point of aim.
We are going to help you find the best scopes for 338 Win Mag for your hunting pursuits. First, let’s look at the attributes that define a .338 Win Mag scope.
What Makes a Great Scope for 338 Win Mag
There are so many features that make a great scope for 338 Win Mag and the first one is powerful magnification. A variable-powered scope will help you take advantage of this cartridge and give you the flexibility to take shots at different ranges.
Furthermore, the scope should have a large objective lens to draw in as much light as possible in low-light settings. Its optics should also feature quality anti-reflective lens coatings to boost light transmission and yield bright and clear image views.
Quality construction is another feature that a great scope for 338 Win Mag needs to have. The body should be made from high-quality materials to ensure reliable performance outdoors. Additionally, it should be waterproof, dustproof and fog-proof fie use in any environment.
The best scopes for 338 Win Mag also feature a long eye relief that guarantees glassing comfort and lightweight construction for ease of portability in the field.
8 Best Scopes for 338 Win Mag
There is a multitude of scopes from so many different brands that are available on the market today. But not all are compatible with the 338 Win Mag. We have curated a list of the best scopes for 338 Win Mag to help you choose right.
Without any further delays, let’s get started.
1) SightMark Citadel 5-30×56 LR2 Rifle Scope
The SightMark Citadel 5-30×56 LR2 Rifle Scope is designed to elevate your long-range shooting skills to greater heights. This high-powered rifle scope will always keep the odds in your favor when you are hunting game with the .338 Win Mag.
One of the positive attribute that makes Citadel 5-30×56 LR2 a top contender among the best scopes for 338 Win Mag is versatility. The large magnification power of this rifle scope is useful for different hunting applications and competition shooting.
When sighting through this scope, you will get bright and sharp images. This is made possible by the oversized 56mm objective lens that collects more light into the optics.
Furthermore, its optics are fully multi-coated to prevent glare and minimize loss of light internally. This produces crisp and bright target views in nearly all lighting environments.
Another facet that makes the scope one of the best scopes for 338 Win Mag is the solid construction. It is shockproof to withstand rough use and the recoil the round generates. On top of that, the optical tube is waterproof and fog proof to ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Complementing the durable construction is a hard anodized finish that keeps the scope scratch-proof and resistant to corrosion. The scope also boasts a first focal plane reticle that is illuminated to enhance your shooting accuracy in low-light settings.
Mount the Citadel 5-30×50 LR2 on your .338 Win Mag rifle and take down distant targets with unprecedented precision. When you want the very best out of your hunting rifle, the SightMark Citadel 5-30×56 LR2 Rifle Scope will deliver without fail.
Features
- Exposed low-profile turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Vast 5-30x magnification power
- First focal plane reticle
- 30mm main tube
- Water, fog and shockproof construction
- Hard anodized finish
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Easy to focus and use
- The glass is clear and of quality
- Good eye relief
- Effortless to dial
- Great value for money
Cons
- Slightly heavy
2) Hawke Sports Optics Vantage 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope
The Hawke Vantage 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope fits the niche of a hard-wearing hunting scope whose performance in all lighting conditions is incredible.
Combining performance and value, the Vantage 3-12x56mm rifle scope is a sure way of enhancing the performance of your .338.
It has a large 56mm aperture that enhances low-light performance and an illuminated reticle to enhance your precision when hunting in low-light conditions.
To maximize the brightness and clarity of the targets in different hunting environments, the scope is outfitted with precision-ground lenses that are treated with 11 layers of anti-reflection coatings.
Besides, the interior of the scope is covered with a special black finish to prevent light reflection and ensure that the images generated are crisp and clear.
Moreover, this optic is built to last for ages. It has an anodized aluminum alloy housing that is designed with strength, durability and ergonomics in mind.
On top of that, the scope is nitrogen-filled to drive out internal moisture and keep the optics fogproof. It is also waterproofed for added protection in bad weather conditions.
The other essential features the scope brings to the table include a decent eye relief of 3.5”, fast focus eyepiece and 60 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range.
These unique capabilities make the Vantage 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope one of the best scopes for 338 Win Mag for Western hunters. For the best results when shooting in mid to long-range distances, equip your hunting rifle with this great scope.
Features
- 3-12x zoom range
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Scratch-resistant anodizing coating
- Durable aluminum alloy housing
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Parallax free at 100 yards
- 30mm one-piece main tube
Pros
- Wide-angle optical system
- Decent eye relief
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Excellent quality and finish
Cons
- Hard to set zero
3) Swampfox Kentucky Long 3-18x50mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Swampfox Kentucky Long 3-18x50mm is a high-quality rifle scope built with versatility in mind. A combination of especial features cements this FFP scope among the best scopes for 338 Win Mag.
It has a broad 3-18x magnification range to give you incredible flexibility in the field where you can use it to pursue targets at different ranges and in different hunting environments.
Accompanying the broad zoom range is a large 50mm objective lens that enhances the scope’s performance in low-light settings.
The large objective lens design also provides a wide field of view through the entire zoom range to help you acquire targets more quickly and effortlessly.
Furthermore, the scope features fully multi-coated lenses to increase light transmission and yield sight pictures that are rich in clarity and brightness.
When it comes to construction, the scope has a high-quality 30mm body that is fog proof and IPX-7 waterproofed for use in all kinds of weather conditions.
What’s more, is that the Swampfox Kentucky Long 3-18x50mm rifle scope comes with a low and high-profile throw lever for smooth magnification adjustment. It is also fitted with an illuminated reticle that is put on the first focal plane.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Parallax-free views from 10 yards to infinity
- First focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 3-18x variable magnification power
- Built-in throw lever
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Built-in 3” sunshade
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Generous and constant eye relief
- Rugged and reliable construction
- Easy to use
- Decent sight picture in low light settings
Cons
- Comparatively heavy
4) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
As one of the best scopes for 338 Win Mag, the Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm harts off when it comes to performance and dependability. It offers the perfect balance between optical features, durability and versatility all at a price that is hard to beat.
This rifle scope is built and ready for use in any environment. It is O-ring sealed to lock out dirt, dust and moisture, and offers reliable performance in all hunting environments.
Additionally, the optical tube is purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging over a wide range of temperatures. Reliable performance further solidifies the scope’s reputation as an all-round hunting rifle scope.
Durability is another feature that makes the scope ideal for 338 Win Mag. It has a shockproof and rugged construction to withstand recoil and impact.
The entire body is then coated with a low-glare hard anodized finish to camouflage your shooting position and protect the scope from scratches.
The reticle on this rifle scope is housed on the first focal plane. It has constant sub-tension for accurate holdover and ranging through the entire 4-16x zoom range. It is also protected between two layers of glass to enhance both durability and reliability.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Glass-etched FFP reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- XD lens elements
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Raised magnification rib
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Quality construction
- Crisp clear glass
- Decent price
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
5) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm SFP Rifle Scope
Leupold, a renowned and high-respected optics brand continues to make high-quality optical devices and the VX-6HD 3-18x44mm SFP Rifle Scope is not any different.
Getting this high-end scope for your big game hunting expedition with .338 Win Mag will deliver better performance no matter what the hunting environment has in store for you.
Unparalleled versatility makes the VX-6HD one of the best scopes for 338 Win Mag. The scope has a variable 3x to 18x magnification power. At close ranges, it provides a huge field of view for quick target finding. Furthermore, it offers rapid target acquisition for distant targets with the 18x magnification.
If you often go hunting in the low light settings of dawn and dusk, this rifle scope has you covered. It utilizes a Twilight Max Light Management System that delivers crisp, bright and highly contrasting image views even in low-light settings.
In addition to that, the scope boasts an illuminated reticle and Guard-Ion rain-shedding coating that repels water droplets, dust and dirt to keep the lenses clean.
To complement the superb low-light performance is a waterproof and fog-proof body that makes the scope safe to use even in adverse weather conditions.
The weatherproof integrity coupled with the solid aircraft-grade aluminum body makes this Leupold rifle scope a valuable optic for every avid hunter out there.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Second focal plane reticle
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Powerful 6:1 zoom ratio
- Guard ion rain-shedding coating
- Reversible throw lever
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Zero lock windage adjustment
Pros
- Solid construction
- Superb low-light optical performance
- Great zero stop
- Illuminated reticle
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Expensive
6) Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking to take your hunting to the next big level, the Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope is your ideal glassing tool. It is engineered for hunting across vast distances and in low-light conditions.
While the 3-18x zoom power in this rifle scope lets you zoom on distant targets with ease, the 56mm objective lens makes each zoom setting useful by scooping up more light.
Moreover, the scope has a high-quality optical system that maximizes light transmission to yield bright and high-contrast image views.
To minimize the amount of maintenance needed in the field, the scope has its exterior lenses treated with a hydrophobic LotuTec coating that repels dust and water droplets.
Construction-wise, it has an aluminum housing that is made with durability, strength and precision in mind.
The entire 30mm main tube is waterproofed and nitrogen-filled to keep the optics free of fog. For added protection from bumps and rough use, the windage and elevation turrets are capped. The caps also prevent accidental adjustments in the field.
Features
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm body tube
- 25 MOA impact point correction
- Capped windage and elevation turrets
- LotuTec water-repellent lens coating
- 3-12x magnification range
- High-definition glass
- 70 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
Pros
- Generous and constant eye relief
- Clear and quality glass
- Great features for the money
- Durable construction
Cons
- Big budget
7) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-29/31 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
The Trijicon AccuPoint TR-29/31 4-16x50mm is one of the best scopes for 338 Win Mag for long-range use. It yields stunning accuracy at long ranges and reliable performance in nearly all hunting environments.
Built with generous windage and elevation adjustment, the scope offers optimal flexibility in any terrain. It has an ultra-durable design to withstand extreme conditions that are often associated with big game hunting. Additionally, the scope is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to ensure unimpeded field use.
The picture quality the scope yields is outstanding. It boasts fully multi-coated optics that provide excellent light transmission, true detail and color without any distortion.
Furthermore, the battery-free illuminated reticle allows for confidence in aiming in any lighting environment. To add ease of use, the scope comes with an easy-focus eyepiece with a diopter adjustment that accommodates every shooter’s prescription.
It also features quick, tool-free elevation and windage adjustments, as well as a repositionable magnification level designed to accommodate different shooting positions.
Features
- Easy-focus eyepiece
- Repositionable magnification lever
- 4-16x magnification range
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof construction
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
Pros
- Battery-free reticle illumination
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment
- Crisp clear optics
- Outstanding durability
Cons
- Short eye relief at max power
8) EOTech Vudu 1-10x28mm FFP Rifle Scope
Lastly, we have the EOTech Vudu 1-10x28mm FFP Rifle Scope. This moderate-power rifle scope provides quick target acquisition at close to medium ranges and superb performance in all hunting fields.
It is built on a 34mm body tube that provides more than adequate room for adjustments and reticle movement. The single-piece aircraft aluminum construction maximizes the scope’s strength and durability, without being heavy.
Besides, the windage turret is capped for an added shield from bumps, and the elevation turret has a locking system to prevent accidental adjustment.
The scope’s reticle is housed on the first focal plane so it stays true at each magnification setting. It is glass-etched to add durability, and illuminated to stay visible in poor light settings. This rifle scope is also waterproof and fog-resistant for all-weather operability.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- First focal plane glass-etched reticle
- Water and fog-resistant
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- 1-10x magnification power
- 34mm main tube
- Single-piece eyepiece with a removable throw lever
- Capped turrets
Pros
- Clear glass
- Lightweight and durable
- Illuminated reticle
- Wide field of view
Cons
- Pricey
Related Posts
- Best Riflescopes for 300 Win Mag
- Vortex Scopes for 300 Win Mag
- Best Scopes for 270 Winchester
- Leupold Scopes for 7mm Rem Mag
Criteria for Choosing the Best Scopes for 338 Win Mag
When selecting a scope for .338 Win Mag, there are a few attributes to consider to get an optic that matches the performance of the rifle. Here are the major factors to consider:
Magnification
The best scopes for 338 Win Mag have a broad zoom power that gives you the ability to take shots across different ranges.
Generally, a scope with a variable zoom power of 10x and above will be sufficient for this cartridge.
Build Quality
Look for a scope that is made with high-quality materials if you want to use it for many years to come.
If the scope has a single-piece main tube made from aircraft-quality aluminum or magnesium alloy, it is a good buy.
Furthermore, a good scope will have the inside of the tube purged with an inert gas and sealed fully to be fully waterproof and fogproof.
Read: Best Scope for 264 Win Mag
Weight
Weight is another important factor to take into account. A scope that is built light will be much more convenient to carry in the field together with the other hunting gear.
In addition to that, lightweight scopes have the added advantage of being easier to shoot with and much better at dispersing heavy recoil.
Lens Coatings
To ensure that the scope can be used in different lighting conditions, you should look for one that has quality antireflective coatings applied on all air-to-glass surfaces.
The best scopes for 338 Win Mag have fully multi-coated/multi-coated lenses that ensure efficient light transfer from dawn to dusk.
Read: Best Scopes for 7mm Rem Mag
Turret Performance
To successfully hit distant targets, predictable consistency, and turret repeatability are of utmost importance.
In the hunting grounds, hunters run their turrets up and down constantly and therefore the turrets fitted on the scope should track fluently and truthfully.
The best scopes for 338 Win Mag should have turrets with a zero-stop function. This feature helps you to return to your zero distance after dialing in the scope.
Besides, the scopes should have exposed turrets that are easily accessible by hand and make audible clicks when turned to alert you whenever you adjust.
Best Scopes for 338 Win Mag FAQs
Q: How Far Can the 338 Win Mag Shoot
The 338 Win Mag cartridge has an effective range of about 500 yards. However, the range and results will vary depending on several factors which include the specific rifle in use and the ammunition.
Q: What is the 338 Win Mag Good For?
The 338 Win Mag is an excellent round for hunting. Generally, it is the go-to round for hunters who like to hunt large class 3 games like moose and elk. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for hunting deer and any other deer-size game.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has given you all the information you need about the best scopes for 338 Win Mag and you are in a position to make an informed decision.
Keep in mind that your hunting habits, skills and the kind of game you will be hunting play an important role in determining which scope you get. So, take into account all these important features then use our guide to find the scope that suits your needs best.