Best Scope for .338 Lapua Magnum [TOP 5 REVIEWS FOR 2021]
What is the best riflescope for .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges? This is a question that comes up a lot with Lapua uses. When you are using a high-powered, quality cartridge, you need a reliable riflescope to match.
In this article, we will attempt to clarify this. We have selected 5 top-rated riflescopes to give you the ultimate low down on what you should use alongside your .338 Lapua’s
For our findings at a glance, head to the table below. For a detailed review of each of our picks, plus a comprehensive buyer’s guide, keep on reading.
Best Scope for .338 Lapua Magnum
Riflescope Reviews
There are many models and brands of riflescopes that are marketed as compatible with high-powered, sniper-grade cartridges such as the .338 Lapua magnum.
Even so, these products vary in terms of reliability, aiming accuracy, durability, construction quality, design aesthetics, and quality of images produced.
By basing our selections on these qualities, we have put together the definitive shortlist of the best scopes for .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges.
1. BEST BUDGET PICK: Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 VPR-M-06BDC Review
The Vortex Optics Viper is an affordable high-performance variable-magnification riflescope that offers superior optics optimized for hunting and medium-range shootings.
This is a second focal plane (SFP) model which means that the reticle positioning inside the tube does not allow for its (reticle) magnification.
Therefore, for the viewer, the reticle remains the size regardless of the magnification used. This SFP reticle limits the use of this riflescope for long-range targeting. (This because the non-magnified reticle calibrations offer a poor resolution of the target site as compared to magnified reticles).
For this reason, this riflescope is best suited for medium-range shooting. Relatedly, its reticle uses a proprietary dead-hold bullet-drop compensating (BDC) mil-dot design.
The reticle is attached at the rear end of the precision-glide erector tube (which holds this reticle in place).
The reticle and erector tube are housed in a 30mm wide tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is polished off using a hard-anodized finish.
Its magnification power can be adjusted from x6.5 to x20. This model is designed and manufactured by the reputable American company, Vortex Optics, which is headquartered in Barneveld, Wisconsin.
The riflescope is relatively lightweight, coming in at about 1.35lbs. It is also 16.2inches long, 4.4inches wide, and 4.3inches tall.
The scope is shipped alongside the following items:
- all-important warranty documentation,
- soft pouch,
- lens cloth,
- removable lens covers,
- an instruction and maintenance guide.
The riflescope has 3 capped dials – the windage turret dial, the side-focus dial, and the elevation turret dial. The turret design used is the tall capped version.
The scope also features an eye-relief of 3.1″ which further limits its use to mid-range shooting as such an eye-relief is inadequate for long-range shooting using a .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. This is because the accompanying recoil could cause the eyebell to violently hit and scour the eyebrow.
Because of its variable-magnification design, this model has a variable field of view that ranges from 17.4 feet at x6.5 magnification to 6.2feet at the highest x20 magnification.
The Vortex uses fully multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity; the XR coatings enhance the light gathering capacities of the lenses while the Armortek lens coating protects the lenses from scratches and chipping.
Moreover, these coatings minimize the light dispersion capabilities of the lenses which creates an extra-low dispersion optical system, enhancing image resolution.
The proprietary reticle design of this model combines the mil-dot and bullet-drop compensation, and duplex reticle designs into a single Dead-hold BDC design.
This means that the cross-hair features the duplex design in the outer half, while the inner half has bullet-drop compensating center lines and 3 calibration markings called the drop hashmarks.
The center lines intersect, and 3 drop hashmarks are located on either side of the horizontal line, while the vertical line has the hashmarks only below the intersection.
These hashmarks give the reticle its dead-hold designation as it allows the shooter to choose the appropriate bullet impact for selected shooting distances. This helps to eliminate guesses about bullet hold-over for middle-range distance shooting.
Magnification adjustment is done using the magnification adjustment ring that is paired with a MAG bar which indicates the magnification currently in use.
The magnification range is from x6.5 to x20. Another important optical element is the large objective lens which has a diameter of 50mm.
As a variable-magnification model, it offers excellent adjustment of exit pupil size that allows the scope to be used in different lighting conditions.
Likewise, it allows for diopter adjustment and parallax error correction through its reticle adjustment feature. This is provided by the reticle focus dial located at the rear edge of the eyebell.
This water-resistant, shock-proof riflescope is argon-purged which prevents fogging.
It is supported by a lifetime warranty guaranteed by Vortex Optics.
- Budget variable-magnification riflescope.
- Large magnification range of x6.5-x20.
- A fully-featured model with windage turret, side-focus, and elevation turret dials.
- It has a large 50mm objective lens.
- Uses a 30mm wide tube.
- Incorporates reticle adjustment for parallax error correction and diopter adjustment.
- Uses a proprietary-grade BDC mil-dot reticle that enhances shooting accuracy at recommended shooting ranges.
- Variable field of view that ranges from 17.4 – 6.2 feet.
- Uses multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity and maximize resolution.
- Argon-purged model.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Limited to mid-range shooting due to use of SFP reticle design.
Bottom-line
The Vortex Optics Viper VPR-M-06BDC is an affordable high-performance variable-magnification riflescope that offers superior optics optimized for hunting and medium-range shootings.
This argon-purged model has a large magnification range of x6-x20 and features the windage turret, side-focus, and elevation turret dials.
It has a large 50mm objective lens and incorporates reticle adjustment for parallax error correction and diopter adjustment.
Moreover, it uses multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity and maximize resolution, while its proprietary-grade BDC mil-dot reticle design enhances shooting accuracy at recommended shooting ranges.
Overall, this is an excellent riflescope at an affordable price point, making it our natural choice for the best budget riflescope for .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges.
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2. BEST PREMIUM PICK: Steiner 5-25×56 T5Xi with SCR Review
The Steiner is at the other end of the price point spectrum and is our top choice premium pick for 2021.
This high-precision, first-focal plane tactical riflescope comes with a proprietary, trademarked special competition reticle (SCR) that can be illuminated. Its accuracy is optimized by the razor-edge image clarity created by its optical system.
Its illumination system is powered by a CR2450 battery and is designed to offer seven levels of light intensity during the daytime, while night-time use benefits from a choice of one of the four available illumination options.
The Steiner is also designed to be waterproof for water pressure equivalent to being 33feet underwater.
On the tactical scale, its use of an FFP reticle allows it to be used for long-range shooting when mounted on high-powered, large-caliber rifles.
Its range of magnification is also impressive with the lowest magnification possible set at x5 while the highest possible magnification is an astounding x25. This high-level of magnification improves its accuracy in long-range shooting.
The model is designed and manufactured by one of the premier manufacturers of riflescopes in Europe, the Italy-based Berretta Holding Group through its U.S subsidiary, Steiner Optics. The company is headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, and this particular model belongs to the T5Xi series of SCR tactical riflescopes.
The scope uses MRAD ratings as compared to the 5126 model which has similar specifications but uses MOA ratings. Its elevation and windage adjustment is set at 0.1mRad (MRAD).
In this SCR model, the reticle is positioned at the front end of the erector tube, which allows for its magnification as it is in front of the ocular lens.
The riflescope weighs about 2.06pounds, and it is 16.8inches long, 4inches wide, and 7.2inches tall.
It is shipped alongside the following items:
- warranty documentation,
- pouch,
- removable Tenebraex lens covers,
- and an instruction and maintenance guide.
The full set-up riflescope has 3 capped dials – the windage turret dial, the side-focus dial, and the elevation turret dial.
Moreover, these dials feature similar turret designs which is the tall capped version. Even so, its elevation turret dial is more sensitive as compared to the one in Vortex Optics Viper, as it is calibrated in mil numbers and comes with a second rotation indicator that is activated after the first 120 clicks.
This ensures that the shooter does not count on how much the elevation dial has been used.
Relatedly, its reticle and erector tube are housed in a 34mm wide tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum, with a hard-anodized finish.
It has an eye-relief of 4.3 inches which makes it adequate for the long-range shooting of a .338 Lapua magnum cartridge using a large-caliber rifle.
Likewise, because of its variable-magnification design, it has a variable field of view that ranges from 21.5 feet at x5 magnification to 4.3feet at the highest x25 magnification.
This model also uses fully multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity as the proprietary coatings enhance the light gathering capacities of the lenses. These also protect the lenses from scratching, in addition to creating an extra-low dispersion optical system that enhances image resolution.
Furthermore, its proprietary reticle design combines the mil-dot and bullet-drop compensation. This reticle also has more drop hashmarks than Vortex Optics Viper.
This allows the shooter to better choose which bullet impact is most appropriate for selected shooting distances, and this eliminates guesses about bullet hold-over in long-range distance shooting.
Magnification adjustment is done using the tapered all-metal adjustment ring. Another important optical element is the large objective lens whose diameter is 56mm.
Such a large objective lens means that when mounted on a rifle, this riflescope will be placed high above the barrel.
This model offers excellent adjustment of exit pupil size with the size ranging from 11.2mm to 2.3mm. This allows the scope to be used efficiently in different lighting conditions.
Likewise, it allows for highly accurate diopter adjustment using the lockable diopter mechanism, as well as parallax error correction using the side focus dial.
This water-proof and shock-proof riflescope is nitrogen-purged which prevents fogging.
It is supported by a lifetime warranty called Heritage warranty by the manufacturer.
- Variable-magnification, first-focal plane riflescope.
- Large magnification range of x5-x25.
- Uses a proprietary, trademarked special competition reticle.
- It uses a battery-powered illumination system that provides adjustable levels of lighting throughout the day and night.
- A fully-featured model with windage turret, side-focus, and elevation turret dials.
- It has a large 56mm objective lens.
- Uses a 34mm wide tube.
- Allows for parallax error correction and diopter adjustment.
- Exit pupil size ranges from 11.2mm to 2.3mm.
- Uses a proprietary-grade special competition reticle design that enhances shooting accuracy at shooting ranges.
- Variable field of view that ranges from 21.5 – 4.3 feet.
- Uses multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity and maximize resolution.
- Nitrogen-purged model.
- Heritage warranty.
- Quite expensive.
Bottom-line
The Steiner 5-25×56 T5Xi is a premium, high-precision first-focal plane tactical riflescope that comes with a proprietary, trademarked SCR that can be illuminated. Its accuracy is optimized by the razor-edge image clarity created by its optical system.
It uses a battery-powered illumination system that provides adjustable levels of lighting for daytime and night-time environments.
This nitrogen-purged model has a large magnification range of x5-x25 and features the windage turret, side-focus, and elevation turret dials.
It has a large 56mm objective lens and incorporates reticle adjustment for parallax error correction and diopter adjustment.
Moreover, it uses multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity and maximize resolution, while its proprietary-grade SCR reticle design enhances shooting accuracy at long-distance shooting ranges.
Regardless of its pricing, the Steiner 5-25×56 T5Xi models delivers an exceptionally high performance-to-price ratio which makes it the best premium riflescope in this review.
3. Ade Advanced Optics 6-25X56mm Riflescope Review
The Ade Advanced is a high-quality tactical riflescope that uses a mil-dot bar reticle that can be illuminated.
This SFP model offers excellent shooting accuracy for mid-range shooting, while its battery-powered illumination allows for its use in the evenings and during night-time.
It also boasts of an impressive range of magnification with the lowest magnification set at x6 while the highest magnification is set at x25.
This high-level of magnification improves its shooting accuracy. This model is designed and manufactured by Ade Advanced Optics, Inc; which is headquartered in Oregon City, Oregon. It uses MOA rating with elevation and windage adjustment set as at 1/4 MOA.
In this riflescope, the reticle is positioned at the rear end of the erector tube, which limits its ability to create a high-resolution magnification of targets located far away.
Nonetheless, it can be used as a military-grade monocular as its x25 magnification is sufficient for surveilling targets located far away.
The scope weighs about 3 pounds; and shipped alongside warranty documentation, soft pouch, removable lens shade/covers, and an instruction and maintenance guide.
It has 3 capped dials – the windage turret dial, the side-focus dial, and the elevation turret dial. These dials are designed as tall capped turrets. The color scheme for this riflescope is matte-black.
Relatedly, its reticle and erector tube are housed in a 35mm wide tube made of T6-grade aluminum that is polished off with an anodized finish. It has an eye-relief of 3 inches which sets it as a mid-range shooting scope.
It has a variable field of view and uses fully multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity as the proprietary coatings enhance the light gathering capacities of the lenses, as well protect these lenses from scratch; in addition to creating an extra-low dispersion optical system that enhances image resolution.
Its special mild-dot reticle design has clear calibrations that indicate the level of bullet-drop compensation, and this allows the shooter to better choose which bullet impact is most appropriate for selected shooting distances.
Ultimately this eliminates the need to guess about bullet hold-over in mid-range distance shooting.
In this scope, magnification adjustment is done using a well-calibrated adjustment ring. Another key optical element is the large objective lens whose diameter is 56mm.
Because of this large objective lens, the riflescope is placed high above the barrel during mounting. This calls for some eye-to-eyebell lens alignment.
The scope offers excellent adjustment of exit pupil whose size varies depending on the magnification used. As expected, this allows the scope to be used efficiently in different lighting conditions.
Likewise, diopter adjustment and parallax error correction can be done to improve its shooting accuracy. This water-resistant and shock-proof riflescope is nitrogen-purged which prevents fogging.
It is supported by a limited lifetime warranty guaranteed by the manufacturer.
- Variable-magnification riflescope.
- Large magnification range of x6-x25.
- It uses a battery-powered illumination system.
- A fully-featured model with windage turret, side-focus, and elevation turret dials.
- It has a large 56mm objective lens.
- Uses a 35mm wide tube.
- Allows for parallax error correction and diopter adjustment.
- Variable field of view.
- Uses multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity and maximize resolution.
- Nitrogen-purged model.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Limited to mid-range shooting as it uses an SFP reticle.
Bottom-line
The Ade Advanced Optics 6-25X56mm is a high-quality, high-precision tactical riflescope that uses a mil-dot bar reticle that can be illuminated.
This SFP, nitrogen-purged model offers excellent shooting accuracy for mid-range shooting, while its battery-powered illumination allows for its use in the evenings and during night-time.
It has a large magnification range of x6 – x25 and features the windage turret, side-focus, and elevation turret dials.
It has a large 56mm objective lens, and incorporates reticle adjustment for parallax error correction and diopter adjustment. Overall, a high quality scope at a reasonable price.
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4. Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Riflescope Review
This is a first-focal plane riflescope that uses a non-illuminated mil-dot reticle. This makes it an ideal model for use in mid- to long-range daytime shooting.
It has a wide range of magnification with the lowest magnification set at x4 while the highest magnification is set at x14.
Its highest-level magnification means that it is also limited in terms of targeting distance as targets located far away can be seen, but with poor resolution.
This model is designed and manufactured by the US-based firm, Primary Arms. It uses MRAD rating with elevation and windage adjustment set at 0.1MRAD.
As expected, the reticle in this model is positioned at the front end of the erector tube which allows the shooter to see high-resolution images of targets at x14 magnification.
This reticle and erector tube are housed in a 30mm wide tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is polished off with an anodized finish.
It has an eye-relief of 3.22 inches which sets it as a mid-range shooting scope for a non-experienced user, but experienced users can use it for long-range shooting.
It also has a relatively large objective lens whose diameter is 44mm.
This compact, affordable riflescope weighs about 1.5 pounds; and shipped alongside warranty documentation, soft pouch, removable lens shade/covers, and an instruction and maintenance guide.
It has 3 capped dials – the windage turret dial, the side-focus dial, and the elevation turret dial. These dials are designed as tall capped turrets. The color scheme for this riflescope model is black.
This scope has a variable field of view that ranges from 27.20feet at x4 magnification to 7.85feet at x14 magnification.
Moreover, it uses fully multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity as the proprietary coatings enhance the light gathering capacities of the lenses, as well protect these lenses from scratch; in addition to creating an extra-low dispersion optical system that enhances image resolution.
Furthermore, its special mild-dot reticle design has clear calibrations that indicate the level of bullet-drop compensation that one can expect at specified target distances.
This allows the shooter to better choose which bullet impact is most appropriate for selected shooting distances, and this eliminates the need to guess which bullet hold-over to expect in mid-range distance shooting.
In this model, magnification adjustment is done using a well-calibrated adjustment ring. It also offers excellent adjustment of exit pupil whose size varies from 3.3mm to 11.2mm.
This allows the scope to be used efficiently in different lighting conditions. Moreover, diopter adjustment and parallax error correction can be done to improve its shooting accuracy.
This water-proof and shock-proof riflescope is purged using a non-reactive gas that prevents fogging.
It is supported by a 3-year warranty guaranteed by the manufacturer.
- Variable-magnification, first-focal plane riflescope.
- Large magnification range of x4-x14.
- A fully-featured model with windage turret, side-focus, and elevation turret dials.
- Maximum magnification above the x12.5 magnification recommended for mid-to long-range shooting.
- It has a large 44mm objective lens.
- Uses a 30mm wide tube.
- Allows for parallax error correction and diopter adjustment.
- Variable field of view.
- Uses multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity and maximize resolution.
- Fog-resistant model.
- Lacks an illumination.
- Warranty limited to only 3 years.
Bottom-line
The Primary Arms 4-14x44mm is a high-quality, high-precision first-focal plane riflescope that uses a non-illuminated mil-dot reticle. This makes it an ideal model for use in mid-to-long-range daytime shooting.
It has a magnification range of x4 – x14 and features the windage turret, side-focus, and elevation turret dials. It has a relatively large 44mm objective lens and incorporates reticle adjustment for parallax error correction and diopter adjustment.
Yet another affordable scope suited to rifles loaded with .338 Lapua Magnum cartidges. Highly recommended.
5. Millett BK81007 6-25x56mm Riflescope Review
The Millett BK81007 is a high-precision tactical riflescope that uses a mil-dot bar reticle that can be illuminated by a battery-powered illumination system.
This SFP model offers excellent shooting accuracy for mid-range shooting, even in the evenings and at night. It also boasts of an impressive range of magnification from x6 to x25.
The x25 level of magnification is beyond the shooting range of most SFP riflescopes, but in this model, such a high magnification allows this product to be used as a precision monocular when hunting, or searching for a target located more than 1,000yards away.
This model is designed and manufactured by Vista Outdoor, Inc., through its subsidiary, Millet Tactical, which is based in Kansas City.
It is part of its long-range scope (LRS) series which uses MOA rating with its elevation and windage adjustment set as at 1/4 MOA.
As expected, the reticle is positioned at the rear end of the erector tube which limits its ability to create a high-resolution magnification of targets located far away.
Nonetheless, its special reticle design features clear calibrations that indicate the levels of bullet-drop compensation, and this allows the shooter to better control where the bullet impact would be.
Evidently, this removes the need to guess how the bullet hold-over would impact shooting performance in mid-range distances.
It also has a large 56mm wide objective lens.
This affordable model features a compact design and weighs about 1.2 pounds; and shipped alongside warranty documentation, a soft pouch, lens shades, and a user guide.
It has 3 capped dials – the windage turret dial, the side-focus dial, and the elevation turret dial. These dials are designed as tall capped turrets. The color scheme for this riflescope is matte-black.
Its reticle and erector tube are housed in a 35mm wide tube made of T6 aluminum. It has an eye-relief of 3 inches which makes it appropriate for mid-range.
It has a variable field of view that is determined by the magnification chosen. It also uses fully multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity.
These coatings also maximize the light gathering capacities of the lenses, as well protects them from scratch; in addition to creating an extra-low dispersion optical system that enhances image resolution.
For the magnification setting, there is a well-calibrated adjustment ring that allows one to choose which magnification best suits him/her. Magnification setting also allows for adjustment of the exit pupil.
Adjustment of exit pupil size allows for this riflescope to be used efficiently in different lighting conditions. Another related advantage is that diopter adjustment and parallax error correction can be done to improve its shooting accuracy.
This water-proof and shock-proof riflescope is purged by a chemically-inert gas so as to make it fog-resistant.
This model is supported by a limited lifetime warranty guaranteed by Millet Tactical.
- Variable-magnification riflescope.
- Large magnification range of x6-x25.
- It uses a battery-powered illumination system.
- A fully-featured model with windage turret, side-focus, and elevation turret dials.
- It has a large 56mm objective lens.
- Uses a 35mm wide tube.
- Allows for parallax error correction and diopter adjustment.
- Variable field of view.
- Uses multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity and maximize resolution.
- Air-purged model.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Limited to mid-range shooting as it uses an SFP reticle.
Bottom-line
The Millett BK81007 6-25x56mm is a high-quality tactical riflescope that uses a mil-dot bar reticle that can be illuminated by a battery-powered illumination system. This SFP, air-purged model offers excellent shooting accuracy for mid-range shooting.
It has a large magnification range of x6 – x25 and features the windage turret, side-focus, and elevation turret dials. It has a large 56mm objective lens and allows reticle adjustment for parallax error correction and diopter adjustment.
It also uses fully multi-coated optics to optimize color fidelity and maximize resolution. Well worth checking out.
Guide to Purchasing a Riflescope for a .338 Lapua Magnum
The reviews above give you an idea of what to look for in a riflescope.
Nonetheless, there are key considerations that you should take into account when planning to purchase the best scope for .338 Lapua magnum, and they are:
Mil-Dot or BDC Reticle
Usage
The first thing to consider when planning to purchase a riflescope is its intended use. The use will determine the quality and type of riflescope that you should look for.
For instance, a hunting riflescope has a different profile than a military riflescope, and thus it is inappropriate for you to purchase a military sniper riflescope to fit on a hunting rifle.
Usage also determines which reticle is best for the scope with finer crosshairs being favored for long-range shooting, while duplex reticles can do for normal hunting.
Likewise, a riflescope being used for short-to-medium range shooting would do with MOA calibrations, while long-range riflescopes need to have an MRAD dial.
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Type
You need to determine whether you need a fixed-magnification riflescope or a variable magnification one. This also requires you to check the construction quality as rough environments mandate that you use a corrosion-resistant, waterproof riflescope.
Magnification
Next, you need to choose the right magnification depending on where the rifle is to be used. As a basic rule, a hunting rifle to be used for shooting targets located within 100 yards requires a scope whose magnification power is x4 or above.
For long-range shooting using mounted full-scale rifles, then magnification power of 12 and above is required.
This also mandates you to check the objective lens with the goal being to choose the largest objective lens within a given price range. Even so, you should note that large objective bells require the scope to be mounted higher on the rifle as compared to mounting a scope with a smaller objective bell.
This can affect eye-to-scope alignment but this can be solved by adjusting the eye relief with high eye relief allowing for scopes with large objective bells to be mounted on high-caliber rifles. An eye relief of 6 inches or more is considered adequate for medium-powered scout rifles.
Price
Naturally, pricing is determined by the skillset of the manufacturer and the quality of materials used. Expectedly, lower prices reflect a lower level of workmanship or inexpensive materials as compared to higher prices.
Even so, the riflescope scope price must be within your planned budget, and this could force a trade-off between quality of craftsmanship and price.
Moreover, it is advisable that you purchase a high-powered riflescope that lacks additional dials than acquire a medium-powered riflescope with lots of additional dials.
The reason for this is that you should look for the riflescope that offers the best visual clarity and aiming accuracy for a given price range.
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Reliability and Durability
The construction quality of the scope determines how reliable it is during usage, and how long it can work without losing its performance.
It is advisable that you choose a shockproof and waterproof model. It is an added advantage if this model is argon-purged (or nitrogen-purged) as this preempts fogging inside the scope.
Riflescope Size
Another consideration that you should make is whether the chosen riflescope fits well on your rifle. This requires the riflescope size to be matched to the rifle size.
Scope size also impacts performance, and this should be considered when selecting the right scope size for your needs.
Wide-diameter tubes are typically heavier than the inch-wide tubes, and this makes them ideal for shooting far-way targets, but not-so-ideal for hunting which requires the shooter to carry a compact, relatively-lightweight rifle.
Even so, the narrow-width tube provides inferior light management and poorer optics as compared to wide-diameter riflescopes.
FAQ
Q. Is it worth buying a .338 Lapua Magnum?
The 338 Lapua is a very powerful round. This means it is not for everyone. In fact, they can be difficult to control even for those with experience with a quality bolt-action rifle. Another issue that can put people off is the expense, at $5 a round you might want to think twice about going down the Lapua route. That being said, for sniper fans they are hard to beat.
Q. What is the best scope for a .338 Lapua Magnum when shooting over 1000 yards?
Many of the scopes we have reviewed here will provide accuracy over 1000 yards. This is because 338 rifles are specifically built for shooting over long distances. The scopes, therefore, need to be up to the task. Steiner, Vortex, and Millett are all top manufacturers to check out when looking for 1000+ yard scopes.
Q. Which is better the reticle, first or second focal plane?
The front focal plane reticle (FFP) is the preferred choice for most users of the .338 Lapua. They are superior for tactical or long-range shooting. This is due to the fact the reticle subtensions remain unchanged even under magnification. Furthermore, when applying wind corrections or shooting at multiple targets, range estimations using the mil, holdovers, and holdunders are more accurate, when compared to the second focal plane.
Q. What maximum ‘effective’ range can I expect from the .338 Lapua?
The .338 Lapua has an effective range in the context of military application, (in that it can penetrate body armor) of around 1000 meters. However, assuming accuracy can be maintained, the maximum effective range is closer to 1750 meters on non-protected targets.
Q. Can I use a .338 Lapua to hunt deer?
Unless you are participating in long-range hunting, a .338 Lapua would be considered overkill. The damage the rifle is capable of over shorter distances would be relatively inhumane. Essentially, you should stick to normal hunting rifles when shooting deer.
Further Reading
- Book: Shooter’s Bible Guide to Optics: The Most Comprehensive Guide Ever Published on Riflescopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Rangefinders, and More; by
- Book: Sport Optics: Binoculars, Spotting Scopes & Riflescopes; by
- BallisticMag.com: Long-Range Royalty: What it Takes to Master the 2-Mile Shot
- Precision Rifle Podcast: PRP 027 – .338 LAPUA AND 6.5 CREEDMOOR