What is the best scope for the .257 Weatherby Mag? The perfect scope for this cartridge should have unrivaled long-range shooting prowess. Today you will find the best scopes for 257 Weatherby Mag.
If you are looking for flat shooting and a hard-hitting magnum, then the 257 Weatherby Mag would be a perfect choice as it hits extremely flat and hard. This cartridge is ideal for long-range shooting and is suitable for hunting elks, deer, antelopes, or any other animal on the plains.
This article will help in choosing the ideal scope for your 257 Weatherby Mag that will take your hunting experience to the next level.
What Makes a Great .257 Weatherby Mag Scope
The right reticle – If you are looking to be hunting in low light conditions, then a large reticle would be a perfect choice. A thinner reticle will assist in aiming precisely though it is not ideal for low-light conditions.
Ample magnification – When choosing a scope, ensure that its magnification is enough to allow you to aim at varying distances depending on your environment and shooting requirements.
Large Objective Lens – Larger objective lenses let in more light. If a scope lets in more light, it will yield brighter images during hunting. However, many times, there is a trade-off between the diameter of the objective lens and the weight of the scope. The larger the diameter the heavier the scope.
Coated Lenses – Lens coatings on the lenses of the scope allow light transmission which makes it easier to hunt in low-light conditions. Additionally, the coatings reduce the amount of light lost due to reflection.
Durability – Ensure that the scope you purchase has sturdy construction with durable material to guarantee longevity.
Safe Eye relief – When picking a scope for your 257 Weatherby Mag, ensure that the eye relief is enough across the visual spectrum to prevent strain and provide a wide field of view.
8 Best Scopes for 257 Weatherby Mag
To make the search for a long-range scope less daunting, we have reviewed some scopes that are ideal for your 257 Weatherby Mag. Let’s take a look, shall we?
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
This Rifle scope has the most popular magnification of 3-9x40mm which gives you 3X more magnification at high power allowing you to adjust the magnification for both close encounters and long-range shooting.
The simplicity and accuracy of the scope give this scope high dependability and performance. The Leupold Custom Dial System (CDS) allows you to customize the ballistics. The system is easy to install and use making it ideal for even a first-time user.
Leupold offers an advanced optical system that allows maximum light transmission and has the best glare reduction making this scope usable in varying lighting conditions.
It has an ergonomic design, making it lightweight. Moreover, it fits perfectly on a range of rifles making it a perfect scope for the 257 Weatherby Mag.
Features
- The variable magnification is ideal for several shooting scenarios
- It has an ergonomic design making it lightweight and portable.
- Features a second focal plane reticle.
- Perfect fit for the 257 Weatherby Mag.
- Custom Dial System (CDS) allows you to customize the ballistics.
- Easy to install and use the system.
- The scope has a Quick target acquisition with thin lines at the center.
- Superior optics for maximum light transmission making it ideal for hunting in varying lighting conditions.
- Aluminum sturdy construction for durability.
2) Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint 3-9×40 Riflescopes
This scope also features a 3X magnification and 40 mm diameter objective lens that makes the scope suitable for long-range shooting. It has a crosshair Mil-Dot aiming reticle with an illuminated center dot.
The illumination is through fiber optics with automatic light adjustments that provide a vivid aiming point without the trouble of failure-prone batteries. The multi-coated lenses allow maximum light transmission and almost zero distortion resulting in clear and bright images.
Additionally, the multi-focus eyepiece yields additional clarity while the second focal plane feature allows the reticle size to remain constant with magnification adjustment providing a more exact aiming point at even higher magnifications.
It has an aircraft-quality construction with a hard-anodized aluminum tube that is filled with nitrogen to make the scope durable, weatherproof and fog-proof.
Features
- Suitable for long-range shooting due to the 3X magnification and 40mm objective lens diameter.
- It has a battery-free illumination that uses fiber optics with automatic light adjustments that provide a vivid aiming point.
- Multicoated lenses for maximum light transmission resulting in clear images.
- A multi-focus eyepiece for enhanced clarity.
- A second focal plane feature that allows the reticle size to remain constant despite the magnification resulting in an exact aiming point even at higher magnification.
- Aluminum grade construction for durability.
- Nitrogen-filled tube to prevent fogging.
- Black matte finish to eliminate glare and reflection.
- Longer Eye Relief provides unparalleled eye relief for safety during recoil.
3) Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope features a 1-inch tube objective lens diameter and a 4X–12X magnification power making it a desirable scope for long-range shooting.
The fully multicoated lenses of this scope allow for maximum light transmission yielding bright and clear images. The scope features a dead-hold BDC reticle that maintains the same ideally sized appearance helping to eliminate guesswork on holdover and windage corrections giving accuracy at all magnification points.
The scope has aircraft-grade aluminum construction for durability and a Hard Anodized matte Finish that camouflages the hunter’s position.
The capped turrets allow for zero resets after sighting the target while the fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy focusing. The scope is waterproof, fogproof and shock proof allowing you to hunt in all weather conditions.
Features
- 1-inch diameter tube.
- 4X – 12X magnification allows for long-range shooting.
- The scope has fully multicoated lenses for maximum light transmission yielding bright and clear images.
- It features a dead-hold BDC reticle to eliminate guesswork on holdover and windage corrections giving accuracy at all magnification points.
- It has aircraft-grade aluminum construction for durability.
- Hard Anodized matte Finish to camouflage the hunter.
- It has capped turrets that allow for zero resets after sighting the target.
- The scope is waterproof, fogproof and shock proof allowing you to hunt in all weather conditions.
- It features a fast-focus eyepiece.
4) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x Smart HD Day/Night Rifle Scope
This scope for the 257 Weatherby Mag is powered by a dual-core processor with a low light 4K sensor making it ideal for even night-time hunting escapades. It has an ultra-low power consumption, and it can run for up to 18 hours of continuous use.
It has a dual-stream video that not only Streams Video at HD resolution but can simultaneously Record to the SD card inside. This scope features a smart mil-dot reticle that adjusts magnification throughout the zoom range.
The ballistics calculator makes all POI adjustments for your reticle. It has standard mounting rings that are easy to use and features a long eye relief for safety during recoil. It gives an unprecedented resolution and fast viewing that will make your hunting experience seamless.
Features
- It is powered by a dual-core processor with a low-light 4K sensor making it ideal for even night-time hunting escapades.
- It has an ultra-low power consumption.
- It features a dual-stream video.
- Has a smart mil-dot reticle that adjusts magnification throughout the zoom range.
- Features ballistics calculator that makes all POI adjustments for your reticle.
- It has standard mounting rings.
- Long eye relief for safety during recoil
- The scope offers an unprecedented resolution and fast viewing.
5) Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm Rifle Scope features Leupold’s Elite Optical System that allows for maximum light transmission with minimum glare and reflection resulting in high clarity bright images despite the lighting conditions.
The Zero lock custom dial system (CDS) uses a dial that is customized to your gear thus reducing ballistic calculations and holdovers, especially during long-range shooting.
The CDS reticle is illuminated to allow you to make accurate aiming even during long-range shooting. The magnification of 4.5X-14X makes this a good rifle for 257 Weatherby Mag.
The quick target acquisition feature of the scope makes your hunting experience easier. It is 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof.
Features
- Features Leupold’s Elite Optical System that allows for maximum light transmission with minimum glare and reflection.
- The zero lock custom dial system (CDS) has a customized dial making it easy for long-range shooting.
- It has an illuminated reticle for accurate aiming.
- It has a magnification of 4.5X-14X.
- It has a quick target acquisition with thin lines at the center.
- It is 100% waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
6) Primary Arms SLX 4-14X44mm FFP Rifle Scope
This is the first focal plane rifle scope as the reticle size changes with the magnification and stays true to all magnification levels. The mildot reticle is partially illuminated with 6 different intensity levels that can be changed using an on and off switch.
It is designed for long-range shooting, and it perfectly fits onto the 257 Weatherby Mag. It has a parallax adjustment knob and multi-turn turrets that have a turn indicator.
The Primary Arms SLx3.5 4-14X44mm FFP Scope does not have the zero-lock mechanism. It features tactile and audible 1/10 MIL windage and elevation adjustments and a fast focus eyepiece for a clear view of the target and reticle. This scope is fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof.
Features
- It has a first focal plane reticle that changes on different magnification levels.
- Has a partially illuminated mildot reticle with 6 different intensity levels.
- Designed for long-range shooting.
- It has a parallax adjustment knob.
- Features multi-turn turrets that have a turn indicator.
- No Zero lock mechanism.
- Features tactile and audible 1/10 MIL windage and elevation adjustments.
- Has a fast-focus eyepiece for a clear view.
- This scope is fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof.
7) Burris Signature HD Scope 3-15×44 mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a versatile 257 Weatherby Mag scope that yields bright and clear images at all ranges then the Burris Signature HD Scope 3-15×44 mm Rifle Scope would be a good choice.
With this scope, you get to choose either the Ballistic E3 Illuminated or Plex reticles depending on the shooting range. It features a zero stop feature at all target knobs including the elevation turret making zero stop much easier.
It has multicoated glasses for maximum light transmission and to reduce reflection yielding crisp clear images. The tube of this scope has a 1-inch diameter and is nitrogen filled. The scope is waterproof, shockproof and fog resistant.
Features
- It is a versatile scope.
- You can use either Ballistic E3 Illuminated or Plex reticles on this scope depending on the shooting range.
- It features a zero-stop feature at all target knobs.
- Has multicoated glasses for maximum light transmission.
- The tube has a 1inch diameter.
- It is nitrogen filled.
- The scope is waterproof, shockproof and fog resistant.
8) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex scope is a first focal plane scope as the scale of the reticle remains in proportion to the zoomed image allowing accurate holdover and ranging at all magnification levels.
The illuminated reticle allows you to have precise aims even in low light conditions. It boasts of a glass etched reticle design where the reticle is protected between two layers of glass to always guarantee durability and reliability.
The lenses of the scope are high quality. First, they are made of extra-low dispersion glass to increase resolution. Additionally, they are multicoated to allow for maximum light transmission resulting in sharp, clear, and bright images.
The scope has aircraft-grade aluminum construction for rigidity and durability. It has a 30mm diameter tube that has an O ring sealing and argon gas purging making it fog resistant and waterproof.
Features
- It is a first focal plane scope thus the reticle remains proportional to the zoomed image.
- Illuminated reticle for precise aims even in low light conditions.
- Glass etched reticle for durability and reliability.
- Extra-low dispersion glass to increase resolution.
- Multicoated lenses for maximum light transmission.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction for durability.
- 30mm diameter tube.
- O-ring sealed tube to make it waterproof
- Argon purged tube making it fog resistant.
Further Reading
Choosing the Best Scopes for 257 Weatherby Mag
In a market flooded with rifle scopes, finding the best scopes for 257 Weatherby Mag scope is easier said than done. The are several features that set apart the best scopes for 257 Weatherby Mag from ordinary scopes.
Magnification Range
Rifle scopes either have fixed power or variable power. To make the most out of your .257 Weatherby mag we recommend that you choose a scope with variable power.
Long-range shooting requires scopes with at least 10x although some extend to 15x or 20x. The best scopes for 257 Weatherby Mag should have power ranging from 4x to 20x.
There are powerful scopes that have powers exceeding 20x. If you aren’t skilled to shoot at very long distances, don’t over scope your rifle. It will cost you money and you will end up with features that you won’t use. The key is finding the most functional optic for your rifle.
Read: Best 350 Legend Scopes
Reliability & Durability
The duo goes hand in hand. A reliable optic is paramount for any kind of long-range shooting. Scope’s reliability can be examined by looking at zero retention, repeatability and tracking.
Before you invest in a rifle scope look at what people are saying about the scope in the review section. The information there will help you gauge the reliability of the scope.
When the turrets are dialed, the scope should provide prompt and on-the-spot reticle adjustments. A good scope shouldn’t settle in after the adjustments are made.
Scopes for 257 Weatherby Mag should be engineered to track excellently. The adjustment accuracy makes the difference between hitting the target and the bullets missing the target.
Durability is dependent on the scope’s construction. A high-quality construction makes the scope stand to weather elements and remain unbowed even when used in harsh weather conditions.
The best scopes for 257 Weatherby Mag should have their tubes made of durable materials, purged with dry gases and completely sealed to ensure weather-resistant performance.
Read: Best 243 Leupold Scopes
Optical Performance
.257 Weatherby Mag needs an optic with high-quality glass and multicoated lenses to complement the glass. Scopes with top-quality glass boast unrivaled visual performance both in terms of clarity and resolution.
Lens coating significantly improves light transmission in a scope. They reduce reflection and optimize light transmittance through the tube resulting in bright and vivid images.
When you need to take your ammo further, you must be able to see clearly and so visual clarity is a big deal for .257 Weatherby Mag scopes.
Besides quality lenses, the visual performance includes a parallax correction mechanism to maintain a sharp focus.
The best scopes for 257 Weatherby Mag should have a parallax knob to eliminate parallax. In long-range shooting, parallax is an issue and should be corrected for accurate shots.
Reticle
When selecting a .257 Weatherby Mag scope, the type of reticle matters a big deal. Scopes are manufactured with different reticle patterns and the key to getting the best results in the field is choosing a reticle you are conversant with.
Scopes intended for use with long-range calibers like .308 Winchester, .257 Weatherby Mag and 6.5 Creedmoor have reticles with metric markings. MOA, MIL or MRAD styles dominate the long-range shooting arena.
You will also need to choose between a first focal plane reticle and a second focal plane reticle. In FFP, a power change is accompanied by a change in the size of the reticle. So, when you zoom in or out, the reticle grows or shrinks accordingly.
With an FFP reticle, the shooter can range the target precisely and make clear-cut windage and elevation adjustments. Scopes with their reticle on the first focal plane are more advantageous in long-range shooting.
In the SFP reticle, the reticle remains constant across all magnification powers and this provides fewer long-range shooting advantages. To unlock the full potential of the 257 Weatherby cartridge, we recommend you choose a scope with a first focal plane reticle.
External Anatomy of the Scope
Rifle scopes are made differently to fulfill the diverse needs of shooters. They will have different shapes, sizes, and varying features. The scope you choose should have the features you need for the intended application.
The size of the objective lens is an important consideration when choosing a .257 Weatherby Mag scope. Larger objective lenses will let more ambient through the scope and eventually to the shooter’s eye.
When sighting in low light environments, the bearing of the objective lens is felt more as it will determine how bright the images of the target are. 40mm to 50mm is a good compromise for .257 Weatherby Mag scopes.
Adjustment Turrets
There are three vital external adjustments a scope for 257 Weatherby Mag should have on the main tube namely: windage, elevation and parallax.
The windage adjustment knob is placed on the side of the scope’s housing and it adjusts the reticle horizontally while the elevation turret is on top of the tube and makes vertical reticle adjustments.
Windage adjusts the point of impact for wind whereas elevation adjusts for the bullet drop to the target. These two adjustment dials play a pivotal role in improving the precision of your shots, especially when taking long-range shots.
The zero-stop feature is another important addition to a long-range scope. The function helps prevent accidental dialing after zeroing in the scope.
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FAQs on the Best Scopes for 257 Weatherby Mag
Q: What is the best magnification for 257 Weatherby Mag?
The scopes suitable for the 257 Weatherby Mag should be between 3X magnification and 14X magnification. This is to allow for both short-range and long-range shooting and to ensure that you get a clear image despite the shooting range.
All the scopes reviewed above are within this range thus they are suitable for your 257 Weatherby Mag rifle.
Q: 257 Weatherby Mag vs 6.5 Creedmoor
The 257 Weatherby would be a better choice if you are aiming for long-range shooting. The 6.5 Creedmoor has better windage adjustments and thus would be preferred if you are hunting in a windy area. Additionally, the 6.5 Creedmoor is shorter and lighter than the 257 Weatherby Mag and it uses much less powder.
Conclusion
The .257 Weatherby Mag is a powerful rifle, and it deserves an equally powerful riflescope. The rifle scopes reviewed above will give you the best experience when you are using your Weatherby Mag for flat shooting. Ensure to choose the rifle scope that best suits your preference.