What is the best scope for a 300 Win Mag rifle? Today’s post seeks to answer this question. After a rigorous search, we found the holy grail of the .300 Win Mag rifle. Continue reading and discover the very best budget scopes for 300 Win Mag.
The 300 Win Mag is one of the most popular cartridges for long-distance hunting and shooting. It has been on the market for decades and up to today, it still stands out thanks to its long-range prowess and performance.
Over the past few years, the popularity of the 300 Win Mag has seen a tremendous rise among large game hunters, target shooters and even law enforcement officers. Whatever you decide to use your 300 Win Mag for, pairing it with the right scope will help you achieve the most out of it.
8 Best Budget Scopes for 300 Win Mag
If you are looking for the best scope to mount on your 300 Win Mag, you have come to the right place. We understand that choosing the best scope can be somewhat overwhelming especially when you are on a budget. There are tons of options out there, so it can be a little challenging, particularly for first-time buyers.
In this article, we have shared some of the best budget scopes for 300 Win Mag available on the market currently. We have talked about the pros and cons of each scope and also provided a detailed buying guide to ensure that you choose the right. Without further ado, let’s get started.
1) Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Whiskey3 3-9x40mm is a great rifle scope with good quality optics. It is designed to offer unprecedented performance in virtually any hunting environment. Whiskey3 3-9×40 offers a practical shooting solution for short and medium-range engagements.
As one of the best budget scopes for 300 Win Mag, this scope features a rock-solid construction to withstand the shocks and vibrations when the rifle kicks.
The .300 Win Mag rifle produces a significant recoil and so it should be paired with a scope capable of tolerating the recoil. Moreso, a rugged design ensures relentless performance for many years.
The scope features a Triplex reticle with Hellfire illumination. The reticle stays visible in any lighting environment from dawn to dusk. Besides, it is ideal for hunting different games at varying ranges as well as shooting across various calibers.
Another feature that makes the scope stand out is the superior optical features. It comes with a highly efficient Spectracoat ultra-wide broadband, and anti-reflective lens coatings which enhance the transmission of light for bright and clear sight pictures. Furthermore, it utilizes low-dispersion glass which provides excellent clarity for any lighting condition.
On the external surface of the lens is an abrasion-resistant LensArmor coating that optimizes protection from weather elements, dust and scratches. The scope is also rated to be IPX-7 waterproof, dustproof and fog-resistant for use under any weather.
Features
- 3-9x adjustable magnification
- Second focal plane Triplex reticle
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Low dispersion glass
- LensArmor abrasion-resistant lens coating
- Spectracoat anti-reflective lens coatings
Pros
- Illuminated reticle system
- Lightweight design
- Clear and bright optics
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Great eye relief
Cons
- None
2) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
Carrying the highly respected Vortex name, the Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope comes with nearly everything you would want in a 300 Win Mag Scope. It is simple to use and operable by all users; beginners, professionals and any user in between.
With this scope, you get exposed turrets that offer excellent tracking performance. It also features a user-friendly reticle that is ideal for long-range shooting and a fast-focus eyepiece that makes the reticle focusing and target locking a snap. The outstanding long-range performance cements Diamondback 4-16×44 among the best budget scopes for 300 Win Mag.
This scope uses an advanced optical system that guarantees excellent image clarity and crispness at every zoom setting. The extra-low dispersion glass generates superb color accuracy and with the fully multi-coated lenses, you get bright, sharp and vivid image views from dawn to dusk.
The Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope comes with a lightweight yet tough aluminum body that protects the optics from damage. The matte black finish optimizes the scope’s durability and it also helps eliminate glare so you can stay inconspicuous. Above all, this unit is built to handle harsh weather conditions as it is fully waterproof and fogproof.
Features
- Glass etched reticle
- 4-16x magnification range
- 30mm body tube
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- First focal plane reticle
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- HD optical clarity
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Holds zero very well
- Clear views at every magnification setting
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- The eyepiece is a little too big
- Non-illuminated reticle
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
If you are a beginner looking for the best budget scope for 300 Win Mag, this is it. This scope is not just inexpensive, but also simple to use. It has a user-friendly design that makes it easy to operate no matter your skills or expertise.
Built with an adjustable 3-9x zoom power, the scope is ideal for shooting or hunting at varying distances. At close quarters, the scope offers a massive viewing angle for quick target finding and when you ramp the zoom power up to 9x, you get better acquisition for distant targets.
The body of this rifle scope is ergonomically designed to maintain a slim profile and also has a lightweight design for easier mobility. Construction-wise, it is built from aluminum which offers superb durability and ruggedness. It also features an advanced optical system that delivers true light transmission in poor light settings and excellent glare reduction in bright light.
With its unmatched accuracy, rugged design and dependability, the VX Freedom is a force to be reckoned with and ultimately one of the best budget scopes for 300 Win Mag. It’s Leupold, why buy anything else?
Features
- 3-9x magnification range
- Robust aluminum housing
- Traditional eyepiece lock ring
- Leupold’s custom dial system
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Leupold’s advanced optical system
Pros
- American Quality
- Slim, lightweight and ergonomic design
- Easy to use
- Great light collection
Cons
- No reticle illumination
4) Hawke Sports Optics Vantage 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope
The Vantage 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope harbors incredible features geared towards great performance. This scope is a perfect match for the 300 Win Mag as it is designed for long-range shooting.
If you intend to be shooting mainly in low-light settings, this scope got you covered. The large 50mm aperture collects a large amount of light for use in poor light settings like dawn or dusk.
To further enhance the optical finesse, the scope also comes with fully multi-coated optics that enhance transmission, a wide exit pupil and a partially illuminated crosshair reticle.
To complement the optical features, the scope also brings to the table a durable aluminum housing that is sturdy enough to stand anything you throw at it. It is sealed with O-rings and nitrogen filled to be waterproof and fog proof.
Furthermore, it has an anodized finish that shields it from scratches as well as rust. Other convenient features included are a fast focus ocular, knurled rheostat and capped turrets. Vantage 4-12×50 is one of the best budget scopes for 300 Win Mag for dawn and dusk hunting.
Features
- 1-inch single-piece main tube
- Waterproof and fog-proof construction
- 4-12x variable zoom range
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Low-profile capped turrets
- Fast focus ocular
- Durable aluminum alloy housing
- Second focal plane mil-dot reticle
Pros
- Partial reticle illumination
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Rated for use with a wide range of calibers
Cons
- Fixed parallax
5) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
This is one of the best budget scopes for 300 Win Mag for hunting. The Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope packs a multitude of exceptional features that help deliver extraordinary performance. As one of the many configurations in the Crossfire II lineup, it offers high levels of performance as well as reliability even at a budget-friendly cost.
The scope is built to offer unmatched durability. It has a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube that is coated with a hard anodized finish to keep it scratch-proof and rust resistant. It is also sealed for waterproof performance and nitrogen purged to ensure that no internal fogging occurs.
More importantly, the scope is built with simplicity in mind. It comes with a fast focus eyepiece that makes reticle focusing a breeze. It also brings to the table a long eye relief for rapid target identification and a wide viewing angle for swift target finding.
To top it all, this Crossfire II scope possesses anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses which provide bright, crisp and more natural views from when the sun rises to when it goes down.
Features
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses
- Single-piece 1-inch tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum make
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Resettable MOA turrets
- Hard anodized finish
- 100% waterproof and fogproof
Pros
- Simple to zero
- Great eye relief
- Clear and sharp sight picture
- Light and easy to use
Cons
- Not ideal for very rough field conditions
6) Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
The Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope is a great optic for stalking game in both thick timber and large open plains. Though it is amazingly cheap, it doesn’t cut any corners on durability and quality. The 3-9x magnification power is classic for hunting applications across the country.
This scope is made with high-grade optical glass which provides excellent brightness and clarity will long-lasting durability. The Hi-Lume multi-coating optimizes light transfer for low-light performance and with the 40mm aperture, you are assured of a wide viewing angle for quick target location.
Burris built the scope to offer unbeatable durability solidifying its name among the best budget scopes for 300 Win Mag. It has a ruggedized 1-piece outer tube that stands up to shock and vibrations. You are assured of relentless performance for many years.
It also features a non-slip eyepiece for added durability and positive steel-on-steel adjustments that offer repeated accuracy. This unit is also waterproof and nitrogen-filled filled so you can use it under fog, rain, or in the cold seasons.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- High-grade optical glass
- Index-matched, Hi-Lume multi-coatings
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Shockproof and recoil-resistant
- Premium, precision-ground lenses
Pros
- Simple design that makes it easy to use
- Excellent long-range accuracy
- Good eye relief
- Holds zero well
Cons
- Reticle not illuminated
7) CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
Lastly, we have the CVLIFE 3-9×40 R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope. This scope is designed to perform under any lighting condition and environment. You can use it for hunting, recreational tactical shooting and competitive shooting as well.
This unit is built on an ultra-strong 1-inch machined aluminum tube. It is rigid enough to offer unbeatable durability and you can use it under any weather as it is fully waterproof and dustproof. On top of that, it comes with a scratch-resistant coating that shields the optics from scratches, oil stains and dirt.
Built with fully multi-coated lenses, the scope delivers outstanding light transmission to ensure that the images generated are bright, clear and color accurate. It also comes with user-friendly power for easy magnification adjustment and precise windage and elevation adjustment turrets.
Features
- 3-9x magnification range
- 1-inch main tube
- Fully multi-coated glass
- 100% waterproof and fogproof
- precise windage and elevation adjustment turrets
- 40mm objective lens
Pros
- A user-friendly 3-9x power ring
- Free 20mm mounts included
- Holds zero well
- Great for short and mid-range shooting
- Clear optics
Cons
- Fixed focus
Related Posts
- Best 350 Legend Scopes
- Vortex Scopes for 300 Win Mag
- Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06 Rifles
- Scopes for Winchester XPR
- Best 25-06 Leupold Scopes
What Makes a Great Scope for 300 Win Mag?
A great scope for 300 Win Mag is made up of several attributes. The first thing that the scope should have is high-quality optics. Its lenses should be made from high-quality glass to ensure brilliant and clear image views even when the scope has a high zoom power.
Secondly, the scope should have the right magnification power. This depends on the distance you will be shooting at and the type of activity you will be engaged in. Further, you will want the scope to have a sturdy housing that is fully waterproof, dustproof and shockproof for all-weather applications.
Above all, the scope should have a manageable weight for convenient carry in the field, be simple to use and also offer an accommodating eye relief to ensure comfortable observation with or without eyeglasses.
Read: Best Night Vision Scope for Hunting
Choosing the Best Budget Scopes for 300 Win Mag
Here are the key factors you should consider when selecting the best budget scopes for 300 Win Mag.
Magnification Power
The 300 Win Mag is an ultra-versatile cartridge ideal for both short- and long-range hunting and shooting. To achieve the most out of your 300 Win Mag, invest in a variable power scope that has a wide zoom power.
A magnification power of 3-9x is ideal for most shooting applications with the 300 Win Mag. However, you need a higher zoom power of about 12x or 15x if you plan to shoot at extremely long distances.
Objective Lens
A large objective lens paired with a versatile zoom power leads to rapid target acquisition. Pick a scope with a large objective lens especially if you plan to use it in low light settings. It will maximize light collection and also give you a wider field of view.
Glass and Lens Coating
Good glass in a scope translates to better image quality and clarity. If you can afford it, get a scope that uses extra-low dispersion glass, HD glass, or any other better quality.
With lens coatings, ensure that you pick a scope that possesses fully multi-coated lenses. With multiple layers of lens, and coatings comes optimal light transmission which results in the generation of brilliant, clear and color-accurate image views.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the other important feature to take into account. This is the maximum distance from your aiming eye to the scope. Bigger eye relief will keep your eye safe from recoil. A scope of about 3.5”- 4.2” is appropriate for both eye safety and comfortable glassing.
Durability
Durability is key to ensuring that the scope holds zero well, maintains accuracy and offers many years of field use. get a scope that is built to endure mishandling, rough terrain and harsh recoil.
Furthermore, make sure that you pick a scope that is built to be operable under the rain, fog and extreme temperatures.
See Also
Best Budget Scopes for 300 Win Mag FAQs
Q: How Far Can You Accurately Shoot with a 300 Win Mag?
About 1,210 yards. The maximum effective range of the 300 Win Mag is 1,210 yards/1,110m with the cartridge incorporating a low-drag projectile. This range however can change depending on factors like the steadiness of your rifle and environmental factors.
Q: What magnification do I need for a 300 Win Mag?
This will depend on how far you will be shooting. Generally, a scope with a minimum of 3x to 5x and a maximum of not less than 10x will do.
Conclusion
Being on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t get a quality scope for your 300 Win Mag. Hopefully, this article has offered you insight into the best budget scopes for 300 Win Mag.
Consider the activity you intend to use the scope for then focus on getting a unit that meets all your needs. Whatever you have in plan, there is a scope out there waiting for you.