Looking for the best scope for 243 deer rifle? You are in the correct spot. Today’s article will help you find the proper scope for short-, mid-, or long-range use. The scopes have been picked because of their impressive features and extraordinary performance, making your rifle a potent and versatile aiming solution.
The 243 is a favorite option for many deer hunters owing to its ability to reach long distances and effortlessly bring down game. Since the rifle is majestic, it demands a quality scope to get to every bullet of the target.
This is where the best scope for 243 deer rifle comes into play. The right one enhances your shooting experience and helps unleash your full potential, graduating your skills from amateur to professional.
The market has numerous options, making selecting a suitable scope daunting. We will go over the best models to make it easier for you and your hunting needs.
What Makes The 243 Ideal for Hunting?
The 243 is a renowned sporting rifle cartridge. Made as a versatile short-action cartridge, it is suitable for hunting both small and medium game. The huge factor for the cartridge is its incredible speed. It will split out the lighter-weight bullets at over 4,000 feet per second.
Its recoil is lower than that of other rifle cartridges, and it has a higher power and flat bullet trajectory level. Thus, it is a great option for varmint hunting and suffices as a longer-range varmint hunting cartridge.
Choosing Best Scopes For .243 Deer Rifle
Buying the best scopes for 243 deer rifle requires you to understand some concepts so you don’t get confused during the selection process. Here are some factors you should check out:
Magnification
Magnification is one of the most important elements to look at before buying a scope. A good scope for 243 should be comfortable to use in the short range, typically under 150 yards, easy to adjust to medium ranges ranging from 150 to 500 yards, and still function flawlessly at long ranges above 500 yards.
For that, the scope you choose should have a maximum magnification of at least 9x. Some scopes even go as far as 24x and above. This is not necessarily useless in a 243 rifle, but you don’t require that much.
The best scope for 243 deer rifle should have a magnification ranging from 3x to 12x. That should be more than enough to help you transition from short-range to long-range hassle-free without losing sight of the target.
Turret Type
There is a windage and elevation turret style that is traditionally employed for hunting, but target-style turrets have increasingly become popular among hunters. Capped turrets are the most popular for hunting. Caps cover them to prevent unwanted adjustments from bumps and to shield the turrets.
You have to remove the caps to adjust our windage and elevation settings, but hunters rarely interfere with their settings in the field once the scope has been zeroed.
Target turrets are exposed, hence have no caps, and they tend to be quite tall. This combo makes target turrets much simpler to adjust on the go. Some target turrets need a tool for adjustment to prevent unintentional shifting, but many are adjustable with the finger. For the same reason, some fingertip-adjustable turrets have a locking mechanism that stops turret movement.
Target turrets are better for shooting at long range with a crosshair or duplex reticle, a scenario where it is harder to eyeball your adjustments for windage and elevation.
Build Quality
Since most 243 rifles have moderate recoil, you should get a scope that can tackle each shot easily. Therefore, the best scopes for 243 deer rifle should be shockproof with quality construction. The scope should also have seals and gas purging for waterproof and fogproof integrity.
Other things worth having are anodized or matte finishes that fight off scratch and premium lens coatings that keep off dust, fingerprints, and dirt from causing damage.
Objective Lens
This is the part of the scope which admits light and is measured in mm. The larger it is, the more light that is transmitted to the lens, leading to more clarity and brightness.
A good scope for 243 deer rifle should have at least 40mm lens diameter. You are likely to hunt at various time ranges, so something big enough to offer acceptable brightness will be valuable. It would be even better to go for a lens of 50mm or more, although that would mean increased weight.
Also, look at the lens coating. Fully multi-coated lenses provide the best results. Some models feature light management mechanisms for the not-so-ideal environments like dawn and dusk and similar features.
Reticle
The next thing to consider is the reticle. Duplex and crosshair reticles are common choices for hunters. Their simple designs promote quick, easy sighting with no distractions.
The duplex reticle, in particular, has lines that thicken away from the center to keep it more visible without target obstruction.
BDC and mil-dot reticles have also gained popularity among hunters recently. They have marks along the crosshairs that help with ranging and making adjustments for windage and elevation, particularly at long ranges. Some of these reticles are even tailored to match the ballistics of particular rounds.
The drawbacks of these complex reticle styles are that they can be distracting as well as hard to see against a busy background like the woods.
The best scopes for .243 deer rifle should have a reticle that makes it easy to place your aim on the target.
Still on the reticle, you need to decide between the first focal plane and second focal plane. The SFP reticle adjusts to the magnification, meaning it always stays the same. It is perfect for beginners. On the other hand, the FFP reticle is valuable if you want a bit more complexity that you can take advantage of with experience.
Finally, consider whether you want a standard or illuminated reticle. Illumination can be handy in challenging light.
Best Scopes for .243 Deer Rifle
You come across various suggestions from different manufacturers when looking for a .243 deer rifle scope. Below are the best scopes to change your hunting experience from good to great.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm is a high-performance riflescope at an economical price. Its 3-9x magnification makes it ideal for hunting at close to medium ranges.
Aircraft-grade aluminum construction makes the scope durable enough to use in demanding conditions and minimizes fatigue. It is coated in a hard anodized finish that doesn’t reflect sunlight and conceals your position.
Its professional-grade optics make it one of the best scopes for 243 deer rifle and suits it for minimal or no light conditions. Designed with fully multi-coated lenses, the riflescope delivers clear and sharp images at any magnification and lighting situation.
The fast-focus eyepiece makes reticle focus a breeze, aiding rapid target acquisition. It uses capped windage and elevation turrets that quickly reset to zero for highly repeatable shots.
Elevate your hunting experience by pairing the Crossfire II with your weapon.
Features
- The construction material is aircraft-grade aluminum
- Eye relief is generous at 3.8 to 4.4 inches
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Single-piece tube
- Adjustable objective
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Capped resettable turrets
Pros
- Price
- Glass clarity
- Smooth turret rotations
- Outstanding durability
Cons
- No illumination
2) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Hunting at low lighting has never been easier. With the Bushnell’s Banner Dusk & Dawn Brightness coating added to multi-coated optics, illumination increases exponentially, providing the ideal brightness you need to fill your tag when the sun goes to rest.
The scope provides a 3x to 9x magnification, sufficient for short and mid-range shots. Its 40mm objective lens lets in adequate light, allowing accuracy with each shot regardless of the distance or light environment.
Argon-filled and O-ring-sealed optics will never fog up or be compromised by water, as they are fogproof and waterproof. The scope is also shockproof, so it delivers a pleasant experience even amidst bumps, knocks, recoils, and drops.
The riflescope which is a candidate for the best scope for 243 deer rifle picks still has more to offer like a fast-focus eyepiece that helps with reticle focus and decent eye relief to keep your brows and face safe from scope bite.
The Multi-X reticle and the MOA windage and elevation adjustments with covered turrets enhance the scope’s accuracy, making it a good choice for the best scope for 243 deer rifle. It can be used in demanding environments with fewer drawbacks.
Features
- Fully multi-coated Dusk & Dawn Brightness optics
- Multi-X reticle
- Fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle adjustments
- Resettable windage and elevation turrets have caps for protection
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- 3 inches of eye relief
- Variable magnification suitable for close to medium ranges
- 40mm objective lens
Pros
- Smooth and practical turrets for easy use
- Unique coatings that significantly increase brightness
- Fast-focusing and aiming even in challenging settings
Cons
- Distortion at high magnification levels
3) Vortex Crossfire II 3-12x56mm Hog Hunter Riflescope
Next, we have the Vortex Crossfire II 3-12x56mm Hog Hunter Riflescope. This mission-specific riflescope outdoes competitors when hunting in the weakest light, from early morning to late evening.
A flexible 3-12x magnification makes the unit one of the best scopes for .243 deer rifle, and a robust build to tolerate hard use makes it an unmatched hunting tool. The 30mm tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, is o-ring sealed, and nitrogen-purged for waterproof and fogproof performance.
The monster 56mm objective lens is fully multi-coated with anti-reflective coatings, allowing deer hunters to place shots in heavy cover with the utmost confidence when lighting is not at its best.
Another marvel is the V-Brite illuminated reticle, which ensures you don’t lose sight of where you are aiming in extra-dark backgrounds.
The long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box ensure comfort, saving you lots of effort during target acquisition and protecting you from harsh recoil.
It gets better with the capped zero-reset turrets, which ensure convenient and accurate windage and elevation adjustments. The parallax turret is the icing on the cake, making things even better.
Features
- 30mm tube
- inches of eye relief
- V-Brite reticle
- Oversized 56mm objective lens
- Weighs 27.9 oz
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Capped turrets
- Magnification starts at 3x and ends at 12x
- Adjustment graduation of 1/4 MOA
Pros
- Optics are super clear
- Easily accessible and simple-to-use controls
- Includes a sunshade and lens cover
- A quality built that takes a ton of abuse
Cons
- Heavy on a .243 rifle
4) UTG 4-16x44mm Riflescope
The UTG 4-16x44mm riflescope displays an array of high-quality features at a price that is not bank breaking, no wonder it makes it to our list of the best scope for .243 deer rifle recommendations.
We begin with the magnification that begins at 4x and goes all the way to 16x. The simple power selection ring and eyepiece make the zooming process a walk in the park. The 1-click technology makes things even better by allowing you to change the brightness and color automatically.
What of the reticle? The UTG features a Mil-dot reticle with a straightforward design, which makes it excellent for hunters who want accurate shots with minimal work.
The construction quality is impressive. The scope is formed on a true-strength platform, fully sealed, and nitrogen purged for rainproof and fogproof performance. The build is shockproof to withstand recoil and impact.
Other than that, the riflescope brings to the table the EZ-TAP system, an illumination enhancing system that allows you to select between 36 colors to amplify brightness. This feature is a game-changer when hunting in dismal lighting conditions.
More importantly, the scope comes with zero-resettable turrets exposed for a smooth experience on the hunting ground.
For the price, the UTG comes second to none with all its top-tier features that will blow your mind.
Features
- Nitrogen-filled and sealed for weather-tight performance
- 30mm shockproof tube
- Multi-Emeral coating maximizes light transmission
- 16x maximum magnification
- High-quality zero-locking and zero-resettable target turrets
- 44mm objective lens size
- The scope has a length of 283mm
- Innovative EZ-TAP illumination system
- Side wheel turret for parallax adjustment
Pros
- It has clear optics
- Build quality is solid
- Zeroes easily
- Illumination system for low-light performance
Cons
- The eye relief could be more comfortable
5) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope
Leupold is a household name in the optics industry. It is famous for manufacturing quality scopes, such as the VX-6HD 3-18x50mm. If you are looking for a scope that does it all, this is it.
The versatile magnification literally does it all, helping you navigate brush and timber situations in any backcountry landscape.
The generous magnification range and the latest technology, including an in-scope electronic reticle level, detachable throw lever, and CDS-ZL2 zero-lock elevation dial, make the VX-6HD the most versatile platform for your .243 rifle.
The magnification is complemented by the large 50mm objective lens that casts brightness and clarity for outstanding results.
Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System yields unbelievable image quality in the harshest lighting environments.
What about the construction? This deer hunting instrument doesn’t shy away from quality matters. It is sturdy enough to tolerate abuse, recoil, and shock. Furthermore, the optical tube is waterproof and fogproof for dependable performance in inclement weather.
It weighs 20.4 oz and is 13.5 inches long. Eye relief ranges from 3.7 to 3.8 inches.
Pairing the VX-6HD, which is a contender for the best scopes for .243 deer rifle, with your weapon will transform your hunting venture and make it unforgettable.
Features
- The main tube has a diameter of 30mm
- 3-18x magnification
- 50mm objective lens diameter
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Removable throw lever
- Multi-proof
- Lightweight and rugged construction
- Performance at low light is unmatched
- Zero lock windage adjustment
- Guard-ion rain-shedding coating
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- A fine instrument with crystal-clear optics
- Precise and accurate adjustments
- Sufficient eye relief
- Top shelf
Cons
- Pricey
6) Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Last but not least is the Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm riflescope, an almost perfect addition to your .243 deer rifle.
It all starts with a 3-9x magnification that helps you dominate close to mid-range shots. This gets better with the 40mm objective lens that allows ample light collection for stunning images.
Finger-adjustable turrets swiftly enable compensation for evolving conditions in the hunting ground, empowering this unit to contend as a best scope for 243 deer rifle. The scope is constructed from rugged aluminum that weathers anything thrown at it.
The tube is fully protected from weather elements, dust, dirt, and debris for reliable performance in all kinds of weather. While it is heavy-duty, the scope barely adds weight to your rifle. It is lightweight for easy handling, balancing, and portability, suiting it for hunting.
What about brightness? The Hi-Lume multi-coating works like a charm, ensuring clear, bright images regardless of the lighting available.
Features
- Ballistic Plex reticle that remains the same at all magnifications
- High-grade optical glass
- 9x maximum magnification
- Nitrogen-filled for fog proof performance
- One-piece tube
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Hi-Lume multi-coated optics
- Turrets are finger-adjustable
- Durable, integrated eyepiece design
Pros
- Crystal-clear image quality
- High-quality construction
- Price
Cons
- The clicks are mushy
Related: 5 Best Slug Gun Scopes
Why Do You Need a Good Scope for .243 Rifle?
It goes without saying that a good scope helps you not waste time and bullets in the field while looking for prey. With a .243 rifle that generates plenty of noise, a scope that makes you miss is a waste of time, money, and power. Therefore, you want a scope like the ones above.
What Distance Is A .243 Good For?
The cartridge is extremely accurate to 300 yards and beyond. However, it may not retain sufficient terminal energy to reliably drop medium game at that range.
Final Remarks
Any hunting spree is a thrilling activity with the right equipment. With the right scope, quick and accurate target acquisition is guaranteed. Regardless of the best scope for 243 deer rifle you pick, your experience will be a blast. Don’t hesitate to pick from us.
Related: