If you can properly handle the 338 Lapua and are ready to see how far it can stretch out, you have landed in the right spot. This exploration examines the best scope for 338 Lapua recommendations, where precision, clarity, and superior durability converge to meet the demands of one of the most formidable cartridges. The scopes will get you up close and personal with your target and extend its effective range to new heights.
From advanced reticles to specialized lens coatings, each element plays a pivotal role in honing the shooter’s experience and milking out the full potential of the 338 Lapua.
The 338 Lapua is a potent cartridge with great long-range accuracy. A marriage of the best optics with the cartridge helps complement its power and precision. Whether you are a long-range shooter, a precision marksman looking for unfathomable accuracy, or a hunter pursuing game in open landscapes, a well-chosen optic makes a substantial difference.
What Can You Shoot With the 338 Lapua?
The 338 Lapua is a beastly-long cartridge initially developed for snipers who need to engage hostile targets at distances beyond 1000 yards. In civilian terms, the cartridge is an impeccable competition rifle for long-range shooters. It is also a powerful cartridge for hunters pursuing large game such as moose, elk, and bear.
What Is So Special About the 338 Lapua?
The 338 Lapua is a remarkable cartridge that can push a 300-grain match bullet over 2700 feet per second and even faster with some of the longer rifle barrel rifles. It empowers you to reach out and touch targets at well over 2000 yards. Check out this cartridge if you want to extend your range.
Best Scopes for 338 Lapua
Finding the best scope for 338 Lapua is not hard because we have compiled the top picks that stand out from dozens of options available on the market. They include:
1) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm riflescope has extra-low dispersion glass that increases resolution and color fidelity, while the XR fully multi-coated lenses further boost light collection, leading to bright and clear images even in weak light.
A combination of these two features makes your 338 Lapua shooting experience wonderful and successful.
The 5x to 25x magnification makes it perfect for a broad spectrum of shooting scenarios, from close-quarters to long-range engagements. The reticle is on the second focal plane, ensuring it remains accurate and proportional throughout all magnifications.
The reticle is a masterpiece of functionality, offering detailed hold points while maintaining an uncluttered design for maximum viewing. Featuring ten intensity levels and off positions between each setting, the reticle adapts easily to different lighting backgrounds, leading to clear sight pictures regardless of the environment.
The scope has o-ring seals and argon purging for waterproof and fogproof performance. The single-piece tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, providing a solid platform that seamlessly withstands the recoil forces of the 338 Lapua.
Armortek coatings shield the outer lenses from oil, dirt, and scratches, maximizing durability and performance in all conditions.
Made for users who seek precision, the Viper PST Gen II features tier-one laser-etched turrets that are valuable for those who dial for drop and wind compensation. The turrets are reliable and have a RZR Zero Stop and a convenient fiber optic rotation indicator. This feature allows you to easily track your turret position during critical moments.
Features
- Durable platform provided by the single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- Ten illumination levels on the reticle
- Maintains waterproof and fogproof integrity
- Laser-etched turrets
- Adjustable parallax
- First focal plane
- Fiber optic rotation indicator
- RZR Zero Stop
- EBR-7C MOA reticle
- Weighs 1.9 pounds
Pros
- Forgiving eye relief
- Sharp reticle
- The glass is crystal-clear
- Supreme robustness
Cons
- Heavy
2) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
The Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm riflescope is hands down one of the best scopes for 338 Lapua picks, merging Leupold’s legendary quality and durability. The scope is a result of tireless endeavors by Leupold to create a virtually indestructible scope.
It is completely multi-proof, ensuring functionality even in demanding environmental conditions. Rain, humidity, snow, falls, and knocks are inevitable when shooting or hunting, and the Mark 5HD is ready for anything.
Leupold’s lifetime warranty cements the scope as one of the most durable on the market, ensuring you invest in a scope that will last decades.
The first focal plane design is a vital feature for long-range engagements. The reticle magnifies along with the image, letting shooters estimate range with uncompromised accuracy at all zoom settings. This gives you confidence with each shot, ensuring that holdovers and windage corrections remain consistent.
The M1C3 turrets are made with precision and ease of use in mind. They have 1/4 MOA dial adjustments with three revolutions of travel, allowing precise adjustability. The push-button ZeroLock keeps your settings secure, and a revolution indicator provides a clear visual cue of your turret position.
The scope houses the Twilight Max HD Light Management System, which sets a new standard for optical performance. It provides extra minutes of shooting light, minimizes glare, and produces edge-to-edge HD lens clarity. This leads to gorgeous images of the target regardless of the time of day.
Features
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Weighs 20 ounces
- Magnification goes all the way to 25x
- Side focus parallax adjustments
- Twilight Max HD light management system
- 6061-T6 aluminum model
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- 35mm main tube
- High-speed power selector with an integrated throw lever
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Very rigid
- Clear and crisp optics
- Wide field of view
Cons
- No illumination
3) Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50mm riflescope prioritizes user-friendliness, as revealed by the long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eyebox. The parameters contribute to rapid target acquisition and target engagement, which is paramount for dynamic shooting scenarios.
A fast-focusing system facilitates swift focusing of the reticle. This is vital for quick target acquisition.
The scope ushers in capped reset turrets that are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks to ensure precise adjustments. The turrets easily reset to zero after sighting, paving the way for a smooth process of going back to your initial settings.
It features an adjustable objective whose role is to ensure optimal image focus and elimination of parallax. This provides a clear sight picture free of distortion.
The 338 Lapua riflescope embodies resilience and shockproof performance as revealed by the aircraft-grade aluminum engineering. This sturdy design ensures durability even in the most demanding conditions.
O-ring seals and nitrogen purging put waterproof and fogproof on the agenda, giving you the confidence to tackle harsh elements. This is a golden asset for those who move in any weather, as the scope will be free from damage or slow performance.
The anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses heighten light filtration, resulting in brighter and clearer images of the object. You can shoot or hunt in any lighting condition courtesy of this feature.
Features
- Adjustable objective
- Fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing
- Reliability in all sorts of weather
- Anti-reflective coatings on the fully multi-coated optics
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle estimates range and holdover for you
- Shockproof construction
- Capped reset turrets
- Hard anodized finish
- 4 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Decent turrets
- Robust body quality
- Easy on your wallet
- Clear glass
Cons
- Poor parallax function
4) NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm Riflescope
NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm riflescope is an incredible optic that will make your 338 Lapua shooting experience a resounding success. The Horus Tremor3 illuminated reticle takes center stage, integrating the Accuracy 1stSpeed Shooting Formula right into the elevation hold of the reticle.
This attribute promotes faster shooting and makes wind calls easier, supporting quick and precise mil readings.
The reticle is a first focal plane design, maintaining consistent subtensions across the 5x to 25x power range. This design is particularly handy for quick target acquisition and precise shot placement.
The ATACR houses high-quality extra-low dispersion glass, which delivers unmatched optical clarity and rightness. This cutting-edge glass technology yields sharp, vivid views in different lighting scenarios, empowering shooters to accurately identify and engage targets with confidence.
The riflescope goes through rigorous testing to endure the grueling demands of hunting and tactical applications. Its sturdy structure ensures reliability in diverse environmental conditions, making it a reliable companion ready to face any challenge.
Clearly, the ATACR is an indispensable optic for those seeking the best in accuracy and versatility.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Black matte finish
- Top-tier ED glass
- First focal plane design
- 34mm body tube
- Made from durable materials for unwavering determination and solidity
- Horus Tremor3 reticle
- Broadband anti-reflective coating
Pros
- Ridiculous durability
- Premium glass for bright and clear image delivery
- Easy to use
Cons
- Heavy
5) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope
Another Leupold scope is the VX-5HD 3-15x44mm. This versatile and high-performing scope pays attention to detail, incorporating a 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction. This defines its durability and dependability in different environmental conditions.
A side focus parallax adjustment allows the shooter to focus on the target quickly and precisely, increasing the speed and accuracy levels in the field.
The CDS-ZL2 elevation adjustment system allows for two adjustment revolutions, giving shooters extended range capabilities. The push button ZeroLock system deters unintentional dial movement, keeping your settings secure for stay-put accuracy.
The Custom Dial System enables shooters to order a laser-matched bullet-drop dial personalized to match their specific ballistics and conditions.
A Guard-ion hydrophobic coating fights off dirt and water, ensuring a maintenance-free, clear image. The coating and high-definition lenses provide unequaled clarity at all power levels, helping you maintain a crisp sight picture.
The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle provides a clear and precise aiming point in different lighting settings. The illuminated reticle allows you to obtain the target swiftly, improving your shooting capabilities in dismal light.
The Twilight Max Light Management System boosts visibility for peak clarity when the light begins to fade. The exclusive Professional-Grade optical system ensures incomparable light transmission for performance in the weakest lighting conditions.
Features
- Multi-proof technology for moisture-free and crystal-clear images
- Side focus adjustment system for parallax
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- The reticle stays the same across all magnifications
- 44mm objective lens
- Made from 6061-T6 aluminum
- Guard-ion rain-shedding coating
- Leupold’s custom dial system
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Stellar optical excellence
Cons
- The parallax adjustment takes some time to get used to
6) Trijicon TR23 Accupoint 5-20x50mm Riflescope
Trijicon TR23 Accupoint 5-20x50mm riflescope is a precision instrument that has advanced fiber optics and tritium aiming point illumination. This technology increases target acquisition speed and prolongs shooting hours, providing a clear and visible aiming point even in unsteady light.
The dual illumination technology mechanically adjusts the brightness of the aiming point to suit the prevailing lighting conditions for optimal visibility regardless of the time of day.
Remarkably, the illuminated reticle is made with zero forward emission, making sure it doesn’t project any illumination from the objective lens. This attribute maintains the shooter’s stealth and minimizes the risk of detection in low-light backgrounds.
Superior-quality lenses with multi-coated optics enhance image quality. A first-class feature of this masterpiece is the Bindon Aiming Concept, which ensures quick and intuitive target acquisition.
The manual brightness override feature enables adjustment of the reticle based on the shooter’s preferences, allowing total control of the reticle’s visibility. It is built from rugged aluminum, shielding the unit from harsh elements for longevity and reliability.
A waterproof rating of 10 feet allows the scope to suffice in harsh weather elements. The second focal plane design means the reticle remains the same as magnification increases or decreases, providing a more precise aiming point at greater magnifications.
Features
- The optical system is multi-coated
- Battery-free, tritium/fiber optics reticle illumination
- Waterproof up to 3 meters
- Mil-Dot crosshair reticle
- 5x to 20x magnification for versatility
- The housing is formed from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Generous adjustment for windage and elevation
- 30mm tube
- Bindon aiming concept
- Repositionable magnification lever
- 8 inches of eye relief
- The objective lens diameter is 50mm
- Hard anodized body
Pros
- Wonderful clarity
- High quality
- Precise, seamless adjustments
Cons
- The quality of the lens covers is substandard
How To Choose the Best Scope for 338 Lapua
Consider the following:
Lens Quality
The best scope for 338 Lapua should have excellent glass quality as lens quality affects the contrast and detailed you get from your sight picture. It determines the amount of light filtered through the scope to your eye. Multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses heighten light filtration. Along with that, they shield the lenses from dirt, scratches, and wear.
Eye Relief
The 338 Lapua is a magnum cartridge, generating quite a bit of recoil, even for seasoned shooters or heavier recoils. A scope with a long eye relief is better as it does a good job protecting your eye from scope bite and makes your shooting experience comfortable. Look for a scope with a minimum of 3.5 inches of eye relief.
Related:
Durability
A scope is an investment, so it should be rugged enough to last long. Scopes tend to take a beating just from absorbing energy each time a round is fired. This is particularly in the case of 338 Lapua scopes since the rifle generates high recoil.
Therefore, the best scope for 338 Lapua should be shockproof to cope with such kind of energy. It should also be waterproof and fogproof to suffice in nasty weather.
Go for a scope with single-piece bodies constructed from robust materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. Also, check out for hard anodized finishes and scratch-resistant coatings.
Adjustability
Parallax, windage, and elevation adjustments are essential for precise long-range shooting. The adjustment turrets should be easy to use. They should not shift when you unintentionally bump into them. Turrets that provide audible and tactile feedback are best, as you don’t have to watch as you turn them. Instead, your focus remains on the target for tangible results. Turrets with a zero-reset functionality and a locking mechanism are user-friendly.
Magnification
The 338 Lapua is used for long-range engagements, so a decent scope should have variable magnification. It should have a magnification range that aligns with your intended shooting distance. Consider scopes with a range of 4-6x on the low end and up to 20x or more on the high end for surgical precision.
Budget
Determine a budget and try to find a unit that is suitable for that range. There are astounding scopes at various price points. It is wise to invest in a top-quality scope for long-range shooting as scopes are a huge investment; hence, you should settle for the best of the best.
Best Scope for 338 Lapua FAQs
Q: Is 338 More Powerful Than 30-06?
The 338 Lapua is superior in almost every category, but recoil is not one of them. On average, the 30-06 produces 25 foot-pounds of recoil energy while the 338 slaps your shoulder with 40 ft-lbs force, typically a 60% increase.
Q: Is Any Riflescope Ideal for Long-Range Shooting?
No, not all scopes are suitable for long-range shooting. This type of shooting needs clear optics and precise adjustments for bullet drop and wind drift compensation. Opt for a scope with a high-quality glass, a good magnification range typically between 4x and 24x for the 338 Lapua, a suitable reticle, a rugged build, and turrets with precise adjustments.
Q: Is Parallax Adjustment Important For 338 Lapua Scopes?
Parallax adjustable is a vital feature for 338 Lapua scopes. Parallax occurs when the reticle seems to move in relation to the target, shifting the point of impact translating into inaccurate shots.
Adjustment of parallax helps remove this optical error and ensures the reticle remains on target, regardless of the target distance or eye position of the shooter. A scope with parallax adjustment is indispensable in long-range precision shooting as it helps maintain accuracy and consistency in your shots.
Conclusion
This is hands down the best review for the best scope for 338 Lapua. Settling for a high-quality scope designed to suit the unique capabilities of the 338 Lapua ensures accuracy and reliability, elevating your shooting experience to new heights. In the quest for excellence, selecting the right optic becomes a pivotal companion for unleashing the full power of the rifle.