Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Vortex Razor HD Gen II
- Build quality: 4.7/5
- Optics: 4.8/5
- Value: 1/5
Guarantees unparalleled accuracy at close to long ranges.
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on BrownellsBest 338 Lapua Scope for Hunting
Nightforce ATACR
- Build quality: 4.8/5
- Optics: 4.5/5
- Value: 1/5
Best 338 Lapua Scope for Precision Shooting
Leupold Mark 5HD
- Build quality: 4.5/5
- Optics : 4.5/5
- Value: 1/5
Images remain razor-sharp and clear even on the highest magnification setting.
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on PSAHey there, riflescope enthusiasts! We’re stoked you’re here because we’ve got a treat for you: a rundown on the best 338 Lapua scopes on the market in 2023. Whether you’re an experienced shooter or just starting out, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
A Quick Look at the .338 Lapua Magnum
But before we dive into the world of scopes, let’s briefly chat about the .338 Lapua Magnum. This rifle cartridge is the real deal. Its long-range precision is legendary, perfect for those hunting trips or target shooting escapades. Of course, a superior cartridge deserves an equally fantastic riflescope, right? Well, that’s where we come in.
How to Choose the Best 338 Lapua Scope
Now, onto the nitty-gritty. There are a few key things to consider when choosing your perfect 338 Lapua scope.
| Category | Vortex Razor HD Gen II | Nightforce ATACR | Leupold Mark 5HD | Vortex Viper PST | Steiner T5Xi | Category Average |
| Overall Score | 2.9 | 2.94 | 3.22 | 2.92 | 2.88 | 2.97 |
| Ergonomics | 1 | 1 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.06 |
| Build Quality | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.64 |
| Optics | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.68 |
| Battery | 3 | 3.4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3.48 |
| Value | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Ergonomics
Ergonomics refers to how well the scope fits you and your shooting style. Can you make all the adjustments easily? Does the scope feel like an extension of your eye when you’re lining up a shot? If the answer is “Heck, yeah,” then you’re on the right track.
Adjustment Knobs
Scopes come with knobs that allow you to adjust the reticle for elevation and windage. The best scopes have knobs that are easy to manipulate, even with gloved hands, and provide a tactile or audible click for each adjustment. This lets you make precise adjustments without having to second-guess if the knob has turned or not.
How do we rate it?
Is the scope’s weight balanced, or does it make your rifle feel like you’re lugging around a medieval weapon? A top-rated scope in ergonomics should feel intuitive like it’s an extension of yourself rather than an awkward appendage.
Magnification Range
The right magnification range can make or break your shooting experience. If you’re planning on making long-range shots (like really, really long-range), you’ll want a scope with a higher magnification. This will allow you to zoom in on your target and ensure precise accuracy. However, if your shooting range is generally shorter, a scope with a lower magnification might be better – and easier on your wallet. It’s all about finding that sweet spot that suits your shooting range.
Optics
Optics are the heart of any scope. This is where the magic happens—or doesn’t. Crisp, clear images are the lifeline of long-range shooting, and the quality of the scope’s glass plays a huge role in that. Better quality glass will give you a sharper and brighter image, even in low light conditions, and won’t distort the image when at maximum magnification.
Reticle
Different scopes have different types of reticles, such as duplex, BDC (bullet drop compensator), and Mil-dot. Duplex reticles are straightforward and great for quick target acquisition, making them perfect for beginners or hunters.
BDC and Mil-dot reticles, on the other hand, are ideal for long-range shooting as they account for bullet drop over distance. Consider your usual shooting scenario, your comfort, and preference when choosing the type of reticle.
How do we rate it?
High marks go to scopes that offer excellent low-light performance and the ability to maintain a sharp, bright image under various conditions.
Build Quality
Build quality is all about how rugged and ready your scope is for action. Can it handle a drop? What about water, dust, or a sudden cold snap? A reliable scope could double as a club in a pinch and still hold zero. A scope made with durable materials can better withstand the recoil of the .338 Lapua Magnum and last longer.
How do we rate it?
Is it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof? A high rating in this category means your scope is the tank of the optics world—reliable, tough, and ready for anything Mother Nature throws at it.
Battery
If your scope has any electronic components, like an illuminated reticle, then battery life is your new best friend. There’s nothing worse than getting ready for the perfect shot only to find your reticle as dark as your chances of hitting the target without it. Long battery life is a must. You should also have easy access to replace batteries and shouldn’t have to think about it much until you need it.
How do we rate it?
We give lower scores to scopes that require battery changes more often than you change your socks. High ratings go to models with efficient power usage and long-lasting battery life, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot, day or night.
Value
Value is not only about the price tag, it’s also about getting the most bang for your buck. Sure, you could drop a small fortune on a scope, but is it overkill? A good scope should fit both your budget and your needs, offering the features you’ll actually use without the fluff you won’t.
How do we rate it?
A high rating in value means the scope offers the best blend of quality and features for its price point, striking that sweet balance between cost and functionality. Think of it as the difference between a deal and a steal.
5 Best 338 Lapua Scopes
Ready for the main event? Here we go!
Best Overall: Vortex Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope
| Category | Vortex Razor HD Gen II | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1 | 1.06 |
| Build Quality | 4.7 | 4.64 |
| Optics | 4.8 | 4.68 |
| Battery | 3 | 3.48 |
| Value | 1 | 1 |
Score: 2.9/5
The Vortex Razor HD FFP Gen II comes in 3-18×50 and 4.5-27×56 variants, and both guarantee unparalleled accuracy at close to long ranges. We love how this 34 mm single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube delivers excellent performance even under extreme use and bad weather. And since this scope is designed for precision shooting, you can expect a reticle that offers easy spotting and ranging, as well as wind drop compensation and corrections.
On the flip side, it’s a bit on the hefty side, and its premium features come with a premium price tag.
Pros
- Comes with Vortex VIP warranty
- Glass-etched and illuminated reticle
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
- Audible and tactile turret clicks
Cons
- Heaviest pick (48.5 oz)
- Expensive
- Comes with low-quality lens covers
What Customers Say
Fantastic scope and fantastic glass and an excellent price (but it is heavy!, VERY heavy) but I knew this going in. This will be used on a PRS gun that is heavy any way so in this case that’s not a negative. In my mind, this is not a hunting optic. Clicks and all adjustments seem spot on, Locking windage, elevation, and illumination.
Jon D.
I really like the controls. They are well thought out. The reticle and the optics are fantastic. Only downside is the weight, but it feels like you could use it as a sledge hammer without damaging it!
John Embrey
Best 338 Lapua Scope for Hunting: Nightforce ATACR
| Category | Nightforce ATACR | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1 | 1.06 |
| Build Quality | 4.8 | 4.64 |
| Optics | 4.5 | 4.68 |
| Battery | 3.4 | 3.48 |
| Value | 1 | 1 |
Score: 2.94/5
The NightForce ATACR F1 riflescope guarantees precision and repeatability so it’s one of our go-to scopes for any long-range application like Precision Rifle Shooting competitions, or extreme long range shooting.
This optic offers an incredible field of view across its 7-35x magnification range, so engaging and identifying targets will be easy peasy, mac and cheesy. Its super durable NXS titanium spring also delivers smooth windage and elevation adjustments. However, it’s not the most budget-friendly option available.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Smooth operation
- With zero stops feature
Cons
- Very expensive
- Small exit pupil at max magnification
- Heavy (37.6 oz)
- Short battery life (29 hours)
What Customers Say
This is my second NightForce scope. Nightforce makes an absolutely amazing product. None Better! The optics are amazing, the lighted reticle is great for early morning or late evening shots, and the Zero Stop feature is an engineering masterpiece.
David Feinberg
The quality of this scope is really second to none, the feel is amazing, the affirmative clicks on the dials is what you would want and expect, the glass quality is fantastic and clear. The only complaint I have is the exit pupil is pretty small at 35x magnification, this is somewhat expected, however I was hoping it would be better give the insane price tag.
Mark T
Best 338 Lapua Scope for Precision Shooting: Leupold Mark 5HD
| Category | Leupold Mark 5HD | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1.1 | 1.06 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.64 |
| Optics | 4.5 | 4.68 |
| Battery | 5 | 3.48 |
| Value | 1 | 1 |
Score: 3.22/5
When the sun goes down but you haven’t had enough, who you gotta call? The Leupold Mark 5HD Riflescope!
This bad boy lets you shoot from dusk ‘til dawn with Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Max HD Light Management System that guarantees edge-to-edge image clarity no matter how low the light is.
We’re impressed with how the images remain razor-sharp and clear even on the highest magnification setting. You definitely get what you pay for. It weighs less than other scopes so you’ll be comfortable throughout your hunt or your shooting practice. Windage and elevation adjustments are also made easy, thanks to low profile but reliable dials.
However, it may take a bit of time to get used to the advanced features.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Longest battery life (1,800 hours)
- Illuminated reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof, shockproof
- M5C3 Turrets with visual and tactile revolution indicators
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy (30 oz)
What Customers Say
What else is there to say about it. Awesome scope, very lightweight compared to the competition. Very firm clicks on the dials and the glass quality is crazy clear. The CCH reticle is a bit busy when I started to use it, but now I really like the small gap in the hash marks. Takes a bit getting used to but now I’ve trained myself to focus on it. Works for me.
Suman Palit
This scope is amazing. I just used it this past weekend while I was doing barrel break in for my rifle. I have another rifle with a different scope (cheaper). The difference is like night and day. Leupold Mark 5 is awesome with very clear and crisp image – definitely worth the money. I am trying to figure out how I can get another one to replace the other cheap scope (if one can say $600 scope is cheap) I have.
Sakir
Best 338 Lapua Scope on a Budget: Vortex Viper PST First Focal Plane Riflescope
| Category | Vortex Viper PST | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1.1 | 1.06 |
| Build Quality | 4.7 | 4.64 |
| Optics | 4.8 | 4.68 |
| Battery | 3 | 3.48 |
| Value | 1 | 1 |
Score: 2.92/5
Now here comes our best 338 Lapua scope pick that won’t empty your bank account – the Vortex Viper PST FFP. It features an illuminated reticle, anti-reflective lens coating, and adjustable parallax. Its reticle is equipped with detailed hold points, 1/4 MOA click adjustments, and 10 brightness levels with off positions between each setting. That’s why it’s perfect for long-distance shooting.
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II is also constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum with a low-glare matte black hard anodized finish, so it’s durable and shockproof.
However, we were a bit disappointed with how it’s not quite as durable as our other options. Though overall, it’s still a solid pick for the price.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Illuminated reticle
- Waterproof, shockproof, fog proof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- High-quality glass
Cons
- Exposed turrets
- It’s heavy (31.2 oz)
- Average durability
What Customers Say
25 MOA turrets, Zero Stop, Lifetime Warranty…all the features I want at a competitive price point. There are similar scopes available with comparable features, but to me, no other manufacturer has an FFP reticle this good at this price point. Very happy with this purchase.
Fanch
It’s a good FFP SCOPE for the price. It doesn’t have the quality of glass or reticle that my 5×25 Kahles but it cost 75% less. I love FFP scopes and this one is built solid and has a lifetime warranty. I am certain I will be happy with this scope for shooting coyotes with but it may fall short shooting PRS TARGETS at 1200 yards.
B. McLauchlin
Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope
| Category | Steiner T5Xi | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1.1 | 1.06 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.64 |
| Optics | 4.8 | 4.68 |
| Battery | 3 | 3.48 |
| Value | 1 | 1 |
Score: 2.88/5
The Steiner T5Xi Tactical Riflescope features the 3-Gun Tactical Reticle that’s designed to perform at both precision competitions and Close Quarter Battle scenarios. This reticle is equipped with windage and holdover lines, as well as an extended illumination area.
The scope has a 34mm main tube to give space for its low-profile and capped turrets. It also allows you to easily keep track of your adjustments, thanks to its second rotation indicator. The T5Xi is proven to survive combat that’s why it’s trusted by most military and law enforcement personnel.
However for this price point, we feel like Steiner can do a better job with the adjustment knobs and make them less stiff.
Pros
- Transferable lifetime warranty
- Waterproof, Fog proof, Shockproof
- Angled magnification ring
- Lightest pick (29.8 oz)
Cons
- Expensive
What Customers Say
Bought this a year ago to top off a TRG42. It has taken the recoil well, never lost a zero, even after a couple of hard hits and drops. The reticle is one of the best general-use reticles there is, and my personal favorite (bought an XTR with the same for other rifles). The clarity is as good as any except maybe a PMII or 624i, and the construction is better than I expected.
Jackson
This product is highly recommended. The overall quality but the glass is absolutely superior. Additionally, the reticle and magnificent will help quickly acquire the target at any distance.
Phillip Giles, Jr.
Our Key Takeaways
So, there you have it! Our top picks for the best 338 Lapua scopes. Whatever your shooting style or budget, there’s a scope on this list for you. Remember, the best scope is the one that fits your needs the best. Happy shooting, folks!
Last update on 2025-03-25 / Images from Amazon Product API