Today, we will show you the best 338 Lapua scopes. These long-range rifle scopes will give you the tactical advantage to intensify long-range shooting. The best scope for 338 Lapua harbors the precision tools needed to act quickly and confidently.
The 338 Lapua is an excellent long-range scope with the ability to shoot accurately at targets to as far as 2000 yards. This cartridge also has the power to pierce through large games from as far as 1000 yards out and is admired by big game hunters. The 338 Lapua’s versatility as both a hunting and target shooting makes it a long-range powerhouse.
As with any long-range cartridge, pairing the 338 Lapua with the right scope is essential in ensuring you are on target with every shot. Said scope should be able to withstand massive amounts of recoil and have unmatched optical capabilities.
In this article, we will look at eight of the best 338 Lapua scopes on the market, but before that, we will first look at what makes a great 338 Lapua scope.
What Makes a Great 338 Lapua Scope?
The 338 Lapua is a cartridge that gives off massive amounts of recoil and thus the first thing that makes for a great 338 Lapua scope is durability and specifically being shockproof. A great 338 Lapua should therefore have rugged construction as well as be fitted with tension springs to handle vibrations.
The next feature that makes for a great 338 Lapua scope is versatile magnification. Being a long-range cartridge, you need a variable magnification that will allow you to shoot accurately to 1000 yards and beyond.
A great 338 Lapua should also have quality optics. Since you will be tuning up the magnification to very high levels having good-quality glass and general optics is very important to ensure images are not distorted or hazy.
Being lightweight is another feature that makes a great 338 Lapua scope. The 338 Lapua is a hunting cartridge and it will probably spend a long time on your shoulders and arms as you track game you, therefore, want a scope that doesn’t add too much weight to what you are already carrying.
Finally, a great 338 Lapua scope should have locking turrets. This is important because of the recoil that is given off by the 338 Lapua which may cause accidental changes in magnification, elevation, and windage adjustments made. With a locking feature, you don’t have to worry about unwanted adjustments.
8 Best 338 Lapua Scopes
Now let’s review the best 388 Lapua scopes;
1) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II rifle scope is engineered to elevate your long-range performance to greater heights making it a holy grail as one of the best 338 Lapua scopes. It’s packed with a multitude of features that will make any long-range precision shooter drool.
Being an extremely long-range scope, it comes as no surprise that it has a 6x zoom range. This zoom range allows a hunter to have a perfectly wide field of view at a 4.5x magnification level, while also allowing both hunters and competitive shooters to make accurate shots on the 27x magnification level by providing an excellent view of the target.
The optics of this scope can also be termed perfect. The scope features APO index-matched lenses that correct color across the visual spectrum, an ultra-hard scratch-resistant ArmorTec coating that protects the lenses from scratches oil, and dirt, and fully multi-coated HD lenses to ensure you have clear, bright, and sharp images.
The scope also features an EBR-7C (MOA) FFP reticle, a hash-marked reticle that provides sub-tension data for both long-range shooting and hunting. This reticle features a windage tree on the lower two quadrants for fast windage and elevation follow-ups. To ensure you have less obstruction on the vertical stadia, the numbers on the lower stadia are on the outside of the windage dots.
The Razor HD also features an external rotation indicator that gives you a quick visual and tactile reference of the rotational position of the elevation turret. To prevent deformation of the turret contact point with the erector tube, this scope features a friction reduction system in which the turret’s screw end has a heat-treated, hardened steel pad that links to the hardened steel ring on the erector tube.
The scope also features an L-Tec+ Zero system which prevents the elevation turret from dialing below sight in range. Additionally, the scope features a Micro Adjust Zero setting that allows zero to be set between clicks for enhanced precision.
Moreover, this scope has an erector tube system that is constructed from rugged aircraft grade aluminum with anti-galling properties, this allows for a lighter and more durable tube. The tube also features a stainless-steel offset coil spring that can withstand massive amounts of stress. Finally, the scope is waterproof and fog-proof to protect it from weather elements.
Features
- EBR-7C (MOA) FFP illuminated reticle
- Erector tube system
- Turret friction reduction system
- External elevation turret rotation indicator
- Optically indexed, HD multi-coated lenses
- L-Tec+ zero system
- Plasma tech coating application
- Shock, water, and fog-proof
Pros
- Very durable
- Top-notch accuracy
- Excellent optics
- Quality build
- Long eye relief
- Long battery life
- Exceptional reticle performance and quality
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Very heavy
2) NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
The NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm rifle scope is one of the best 338 Lapua scopes harboring plenty of innovative features and superior glass to deliver the most precise long-range shooting performance.
The scope’s lenses are made of high-quality glass that allows for nicely defined images even on the highest magnification level. These lenses are fully multi-coated and when coupled with the 56mm objective lens, provide exceptionally bright images even in low-light situations.
The one downside to this scope for some people might be its SFP reticle which may cause obstruction when trying to make closer-range shots. We however don’t think that this is a problem since this scope is being paired with a 338 Lapua, a typically long-range cartridge. This SFP force-plex is also great for hunting in thickly covered terrain.
The NightForce scope also features 80 MOA elevation and side parallax adjustment 25 yards to infinity. Moreover, it features a ZeroSet system that allows you to quickly return to zero no matter the number of adjustments you had made.
Finally, this scope offers great durability as it’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum, and it is shockproof and weather-proof.
Features
- FFP Forceplex reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Non-illuminated reticle
- Side parallax adjustment
- Zero reset turrets
- Shock, water, and fog-proof
Pros
- Very Long eye relief and field of view
- Very durable
- Great reticle clarity
- Great performance in low light
- Great image visibility and brightness
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
- Quite costly for an SFP
- No locking-turrets
3) Burris Eliminator V 4-20x50mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Eliminator 5 4-20×50 scope by Burris Optics provides exceptional precision at extended ranges and the in-built rangefinder delivers accurate distance measurements to allow you to act decisively.
This scope is termed the most technologically advanced and reliable hunting scope. It is one of the best 338 Lapua scopes as it is easy to use and has unheard-of accuracy.
The Eliminator 5 features a 5x zoom range that works well at up to 2000 yards, giving you a wide field of view at 4x magnification and precision at 20x magnification.
This scope also features superbly clear glass that ensures your images are as clear as possible even at the highest magnification level. The lenses of this scope are index-matched and have Hi-Lume multi-coatings to ensure you have true color and bright images always.
The most striking feature of this scope has to be its built-in laser range finder that allows you to have absolute situational awareness by calculating and displaying the exact point of aim and wind data.
This high-tech ballistic calculator allows for faster aiming and increases the distance at which you can make ethical shots significantly.
The built-in laser range finders negate the need for extra equipment such as smartphones for apps and a separate rangefinder, which makes your life so much easier as you aim.
The scope also features an automatic trajectory compensation system that calculates holdover and exact distance as well as an integrated inclinometer for uphill or downhill shot adjustments.
Finally, the scope is shockproof and weatherproof which means it can withstand recoil given off by the 338 Lapua and work well in wet and cold conditions.
Features
- Aluminum build
- Parallax 30 yards to infinity
- SFP X96 non-illuminated reticle
- Range-finding capabilities
- Enhanced ballistic calculator
- Wireless Bluetooth laser activation
- Weaver-style/ Picatinny base no rings required
- Water, shock, and fog-proof
Pros
- Quite light considering all the features
- Excellent clarity
- Excellent light transmission
- Very precise
- Very durable
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Might be complicated to use for a beginner
4) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-32 4-24x50mm Rifle Scope
The Trijicon AccuPoint TR-32 4-24x50mm SFP Rifle Scope is built for long-range precision you can trust for accurate shot placement. The rifle scope is a prime choice for long-range hunting and shooting making it one of the best 338 Lapua scopes
The AccuPoint TR-32 features fully multi-coated broadband anti-reflective glass lenses that offer great light transmission and optimal low-light performance when coupled with the wide 50mm objective lens. This high-quality eyepiece and objective lens offer clear, bright, and crisp images even at the highest magnification.
To make magnification adjustment easier for both right and left-handed shooters, the scope features a repositionable magnification lever. This also allows you to adapt to different shooting positions and rifle configurations.
The scope comes with a second focal plane MOA ranging reticle that is designed for accurate shot placement and holds. This reticle is perfect for making shots out to 1000 yards with crosshairs being visible even on the highest magnification.
This reticle is also very advantageous as it is battery-free and uses tritium/fiber optic technology to adjust to different lighting conditions.
Additionally, the scope is easily customized with turrets tailored to your environment and ballistics. These custom turrets remove the need to change clicks to distance and thus allow you to range and correct yardage confidently.
With the AccuPoint TR-32, you can make quick windage and elevation adjustments that are also crisp, precise, and easy. These adjusters are also capped and have a zero-stop feature to ensure there are no accidental adjustments.
Finally, this scope is as durable as it is made of top-grade material and is recoil-proof, waterproof, and fog-proof. You can therefore be confident using it in varying weather conditions.
Features
- SFP reticle
- Battery-free illuminated reticle
- Easy focus eye-piece
- Repositionable magnification lever
- Zero stop turrets
- Water, shock, and fog-proof
- Fully multi-coated, broadband anti-reflective glass lens
Pros
- Allows for quick target acquisition
- Excellent performance in low light
- Produces clear bright and crisp images
- Ergonomic design
- Non-battery dependent illumination
- Versatile magnification
- Very durable
Cons
- Quite heavy
5) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Mount the Mark 5-25×56 scope on your .338 Lapua and transform your firearm into a long-range action optic for hunting. This scope is packed with several great features that make it one of the best 338 Lapua scopes.
The scope comes with a 5x zoom power, which is more than ideal for making those long-range shots with the 338 Lapua.
At the lowest magnification, you can expect excellent views of your environment as a hunter, and at 25x magnification, you can expect a splendid view of your target to get you a precise shot.
Next, the scope features a very wide 56 mm objective lens that ensures you not only have a wide field of view but also bright images when looking through the scope. With 56mm objective lens light transmission is over the 90% mark which is a rear occurrence.
The Mark 5 HD also features an HD glass lens that is fully multicoated and comes with glare-reduction tech. this ensures that images viewed through this scope are not only bright in low light conditions but also clear and crisp even at 25x magnification.
The scope also features a first focal plane reticle, excellent for shooting in open plains with no tree cover. This reticle changes in size with varying magnification and thus range estimations are true at all magnification levels.
When it comes to turrets the scope features M5C3 zero-lock adjustments that provide 30 MILs of adjustment in 3 revolutions and 0.1 MIL clicks.
The tactile and visual indicators ensure you are never lost in travel and the lock prevents accidental adjustments. Additionally, the scope has a zero-stop feature that makes a backstop when returning to zero.
To adjust for parallax, the scope also features a side focus. This makes sure the reticle is clearer and has less perceived movement when shooting at varying distances.
Features
- FFP TMR (Mk) reticle
- Non-illuminated
- Professional grade optical system
- M5C3 zero-lock capped adjustments
- Side focus
- Water, shock, and fog-proof
- Custom dial compatible
Pros
- Excellent clarity in the day
- Very durable
- Excellent light transmission
- Great reticle visibility during the day
- Long eye relief
- Wide field of view
- Versatile magnification
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
- Quite heavy
6) Sightron SVSS 10-50X60 SFP Rifle Scope
The Sightron SVSS 10-50X60 SFP Rifle Scope is one of the best quality optics on the market now. The optics of this scope can barely be matched to any other scope and is thus one of the best 338 Lapua scopes.
With a 10-50X magnification, the scope offers the highest magnification of any scope on this list. You can expect to make perfectly accurate shots to as far as 1500 yards with this scope. With the lowest magnification level being 10x however, the field of view of this scope is limited and this might be a bit of a downside for any hunter.
The Sightron SVSS comes with extra-low dispersion glass as well as Zact-7 multi-coating that prevents chromatic aberration and maximizes light transmission respectively. This ensures the scope produces bright, color-contrasted, and crisp images.
This scope features a second focal plane Target Dot MOA reticle. This reticle is perfect for hunting in heavily forested terrain and low-light conditions.
The scope also features a hard-to-beat SV series Fast focus system, that gives you two dial adjustments for parallax and focus correction. The parallax in the scope is adjustable from 13 yards to infinity. To add to this, the ExacTrack windage and elevation system provides optimal precision by ensuring all components are properly aligned.
In less-than-ideal weather, this Sightron creation is what you want with you. The scope is fully waterproof and fog-proof and thus you can rely on it in wet and cold conditions. Additionally, the scope is shockproof and can thus withstand recoil and vibrations.
Features
- Fast focus eye bell
- ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system
- Extra-low dispersion Glass
- Zact-7 Revcoat multi-coating
- Shock, water, and fog-proof
Pros
- Excellent light transmission
- Great in low-lit conditions
- Allows for quick focusing
- Very long eye relief
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Durable
- Provides clear, bright, and crisp images
- Very versatile magnification
Cons
- Not the best field of view
- Very heavy
7) ATN Thor 4 2.5-25x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
Next, is the ATN Thor 4 2.5-25x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope, one of the most technologically advanced scopes you will ever find. This scope is one of the best 338 Lapua scopes since it comes at one of the lowest prices for a thermal vision smart scope. This, however, doesn’t mean it comes cheap.
Let’s begin with its more comparable features like its 2.5-25x magnification that allows for comfortable and accurate long-range shooting while also providing an excellently wide field of view. Along with this great versatile magnification is top of the line HD lenses that offer clear and crisp images even on the highest magnification.
Additionally, the scope also offers great light transmission owing to its 50mm objective lens diameter, and thus the scope offers bright images always.
The one feature that sets this scope apart is its ultra-sensitive HD thermal sensor. This feature makes this scope one to rely on not only in low light conditions but also in the nighttime. The ultra-sensitive HD thermal sensor also allows you to record and Wi-Fi stream video at the same time.
With this scope, you can also make hunting a fun group activity as you can easily tag your target using the ATN laser device and the location of the target will be displayed on a map overlay on a phone and an ATN-connected device and everyone connected will have access to the target’s location.
This scope also has a long-lasting internal lithium-ion battery that can last up to 16 hours. This is a considerably long battery life considering all the tech the scope possesses.
The Thor 4 also features a Smart Mil-Dot reticle that offers unmatched precision and speed to aid in target measurement and holdover compensation. Moreover, the scope has a ballistics calculator that allows you to determine the trajectory of your rifle very quickly.
This scope also features a spin-to-zoom wheel and tactile buttons that allow you to feel every click so that you are fully in control. Finally, this scope is as durable as you would expect any ATN rifle scope to be as it is shock and weather-proof.
So if you are into very technologically advanced scopes the ATN Thor 4 2.5-25x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope is a great scope to start with.
Features
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible
- Recoil activated video
- GPS for tracking elevation
- ultra-sensitive HD thermal sensor
- E-compass
- Smart Mil Dot reticle
- Ultra-low power consumption
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Great in low light
- Night vision compatible
- Quick and easy target acquisition
- Ergonomic
- Very durable
- Long battery life
Cons
- Limited warranty
8) SIG SAUER Tango6 5-30x56mm Rifle Scope
Finally, we have the SIG SAUER Tango6 5-30x56mm FFP Rifle Scope, this is made for tactical and precision shooting as well as long-range hunting which makes it an excellent choice as one of the best 338 Lapua scopes.
This scope features a 6x magnification range and is excellent for hunting as it provides a wide field of view as well as an excellent target view for accuracy.
The scope also offers very bright images due to its wide 56mm objective lens made of high transmittance glass that allows for optimal to-the-eye light transmission. Its light transmission capabilities also ensure that it performs well in low-light conditions.
The Tango6 features HDX extra-low dispersion glass that offers excellent clarity of images viewed through the scope. The lens clarity is further enhanced by the LenShield technology that prevents dirt and oil from sticking to the lens. The lenses are also protected from scratches using LensArmor Technology to ensure optimal lens durability.
This scope also features an FFP reticle that allows for excellent targeting in open terrain. To ensure you can easily reset to zero, the scope features Zero- resettable tactile turrets with 120 clicks per rotation in 12 MRAD or 30 MOA. Additionally, the scope has a zero-stop feature to ensure no accidental adjustments are made due to vibrations from recoil.
This scope also features a motion-activated sensor that powers up when it senses motion and powers down when not in use. This ensures the scope has a long battery life. Finally, this scope is weatherproof as it features IPX-7-rated waterproofness and is also fog-proof.
Features
- Motion activated illumination
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- High transmittance glass
- Resettable zero
- Zero-Lock feature
- LenShield
- LensArmor technology
Pros
- Excellent low-light performance
- Wide field of view
- Long eye relief
- Long battery life
- Versatile magnification
Cons
- Limited warranty
Further Reading
- Best Nightforce Hunting Scopes
- Vortex Scope for 300 Win Mag
- Best 270 Winchester Scopes
- Leupold Long-Range Scopes
- Best Scopes for Long-Range Elk Hunting
How to Choose the Best 338 Lapua Scopes
Choosing a scope for the 338 Lapua can be difficult especially when new scopes are being developed every day. So, let’s look at some features you should consider before purchasing a scope for the 338 Lapua.
Eye relief
Eye relief is the distance you need to be able to see through the scope accurately. The longer the eye relief the better especially if you are looking through the scope for a long period.
Eye relief of at least 3.5 inches is great but 4 inches is ideal. As you zoom in to higher magnification levels the eye relief significantly shortens and since you will be using the higher magnification levels with the 338 Lapua then consider choosing a scope with long eye relief.
Reticle
The next consideration you need to make is whether to go for an SFP or an FFP reticle. No one reticle is better than the other but the type of terrain you are shooting in is what will determine the type of reticle to go for.
If you are shooting in the long-range open country an FFP scope is better as the reticle will be easy to see at higher magnifications and BDC marks work up to the highest magnification.
However, if you are shooting in low-lit forested areas then an SFP reticle will be better. Additionally, FFP reticles just so happen to be a bit costlier compared to SFP reticles, so that’s something else to think about.
Glass clarity
Next is glass clarity, since you will be using this scope on high magnification settings most of the time, consider choosing a scope with multi-coated lenses that are made of high-quality glass and that also have glare reduction tech. This way you can be sure of clear images no matter what magnification you tune up to.
Read: Best 300 Blackout Scopes for Deer Hunting
Cost
Finally, consider a scope that doesn’t strain your budget, most of these 338 Lapua scopes are quite expensive compared to other cartridge scopes but still, you need to know when you are spending too much.
So, compare several brands and will find that different brands produce similar scopes but the price difference is comical. So refrain from choosing a scope just because of a name and instead choose based on the specs and features.
Essential Features of a Long-Range Rifle Scope
Objective lens
Long-range rifle scopes are used for shooting from 300 yards and beyond and at such far distances you want to have bright images. Having a wide objective lens will ensure that you have just that.
The wider the objective lens the more light is transmitted to the eye and thus the brighter the images you will observe through the scope.
Zero stop controls
For long-range shooters, this is a very important feature, as it prevents accidental adjustments from being made when taking a shot. Most long-range cartridges produce a lot of recoil and thus if turrets are not locking then the elevation adjustments might readjust and ruin your shots.
Illumination
Illumination is also very important for any long-range rifle scope, especially if you are a hunter. Hunting can be unpredictable at times and it is good to be prepared for any type of lighting conditions, especially low light.
An appropriate illumination will ensure the crosshairs on the reticle are always visible at all times of the day. Having a night vision-enabled scope might even be better.
Read: Best Leupold Scopes for 308
Magnification
A long-range scope must have a wide magnification range. This allows a shooter to dial up to the appropriate level and make accurate shots comfortably.
A magnification of at least 4-16x is appropriate for a long-range rifle scope however anything higher is even better.
Quality lenses
With long-range scopes, you need to have excellent optical clarity. This is important because as you adjust your magnification to higher levels the possibility of image distortion becomes greater. Having a scope made of top-grade glass as well as one with all the appropriate coatings will ensure you don’t have to worry about blurry images.
What Is Eye Relief and How Much Do You Need?
When you look at any scope specs you will notice a figure under eye relief. So what is eye relief? Well, eye relief is the distance needed between your eye and the ocular lens of the scope for you to have comfortable and accurate shots.
When it comes to how much you need it depends on how high you go on the magnification range. The higher the magnification level you use the more critical the eye relief becomes as it significantly reduces compared to when you are on the lower magnification levels. Ideally, the minimum amount of eye relief you need is 3.5 inches but the more the better.
Read: Best Scopes for Bergara B14 HMR
50 BMG vs 338 Lapua Magnum: Is the 338 Lapua better than 50 BMG?
The 338 Lapua and the 50 BMG are both excellent long-range cartridges, however, saying which is better will entirely be dependent on how much power you need as well as how much you are willing to spend. Both are excellent for long-range hunting and target shooting.
The 50 BMG is much more powerful than the 338 Lapua. This however doesn’t make it necessarily better as it is also quite costly. The 338 Lapua, while not as powerful as the 50 BMG, is still a very powerful cartridge capable of making unforgettable shots at up to 1000 yards.
Additionally, the 338 Lapua has less recoil, is lighter, cheaper, and has a wide range of hunting ammo selection compared to the 50 BMG. It is therefore safe to say that the 338 Lapua is a slightly better choice when compared to the 50 BMG.
Conclusion
Whether you are preparing for the upcoming hunting season or want to practice long-range shooting, you will need a powerful option to execute long-range shots accurately.
The 338 Lapua is a powerful long-range cartridge that requires an equally powerful scope to enhance your accuracy.
The reviewed scopes are some of the best 338 Lapua scopes on the market and you can’t go wrong if you choose any of them. They are all very durable, come with great optics, and feature a few perks here and there to ensure you are on top.