Best Scope for 338 Lapua – Buyer’s Guide

The 338 Lapua is an extremely powerful gun designed for accuracy.

But in as much as it is built for accurate shooting, you need a scope to enhance its capability.

And not just any scope, you need a scope that can fit a Lapua and that is capable of helping you improve your accuracy.

So finding the best scope for a 388 Lapua is not that difficult if you know what to look for. But if you have never bought a scope before this could a bit of a challenge particularly if you have very little knowledge about scopes.

They are not complicated pieces of equipment, but knowing how they are operated and how they work can help you make a more informed decision.

To get you started, this guide discusses what you need to look for when choosing a scope for a 338 Lapua. And it also reviews some of the best scopes for this type of rifle.

[wpsm_titlebox title=”Top pick” style=”3″]
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]
[/wpsm_column]
[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]
[wpsm_highlight color=”blue”]Vortex Optics VHS-4325 6-24×50

[/wpsm_highlight]
[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]

[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]

[wpsm_list type=”check” hover=”1″ gap=”small”]

• VMR-1 MOA Duplex Reticle
• Reticle Placed on the Second Focal Plane
• 30 mm Diameter Single-Piece Main-Tube
• 1/4 MOA/Click Impact Point Correction

[/wpsm_list]

[wpsm_button color=”red” size=”big” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HYRGP4W/?tag=opticzoo-20″ icon=”none” class=”” border_radius=”0 px” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]Check now[/wpsm_button]

[/wpsm_column]

We’ve tested 5 scopes for 338 Lapua and the winner is above!
[/wpsm_titlebox]

Scopes for 338 Lapua Comparison Chart

5 Best Scopes for 338 Lapua (as of April, 2024):

[wpsm_box type=”dashed_border” float=”none” text_align=”left” width=”100%” ]

1. Vortex Optics VHS-4325 6-24×50 Scope for 338 Lapua Review

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]

[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]
[wpsm_list type=”check” hover=”1″ gap=”medium”]

• VMR-1 MOA Duplex Reticle
• Reticle Placed on the Second Focal Plane
• 30 mm Diameter Single-Piece Main-Tube
• 1/4 MOA/Click Impact Point Correction

[wpsm_button color=”blue” size=”medium” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HYRGP4W/?tag=opticzoo-20″ icon=”none” class=”” border_radius=”0 px” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]Check Price on Amazon![/wpsm_button]

[rehub_affbtn btn_text=”Check Price on B&H Photovideo!” btn_url=”https://bhpho.to/2O587uk” target=”_blank” ]
[/wpsm_column]

[/wpsm_box]

Designed as a second focal scope, the Vortex Optics VHS-4325 6-24×50 is specially made for precision and tactical shooting. It is usually the scope of choice for law enforcement and military snipers.

And it is a great option if you have a 338 Lapua rifle that you often use for hunting or shooting competitions.   

Optical Features

The Viper HS-T is a second focal plane scope. Meaning the reticle is situated at the backside of the magnification lens. Unlike the first focal plane in which the reticle is situated at the front of the lens.

The position of the reticle is what differentiates the two and the positioning also differentiates how each works. The first focal plane reticle adjusts visually in size as you adjust the magnification.

The second focal plane reticle remains visually the same in size even when the magnification is adjusted. And it doesn’t matter even though the magnification is set at the highest power.

[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
What’s great about the second focal plane reticle is that visually your target doesn’t change in size when shooting. This improves your aiming and hence, your chances of hitting your target.
[/wpsm_box]

This is not what you get with a first focal reticle because when you adjust the magnification it also affects the appearance of the reticle.

One downside with the second focal plane reticle is that to adjust the ranging and holdover for accuracy, this can only work when the magnification power is at its highest. So before you use the reticle, ensure that you first adjust the two features.

[wpsm_box type=”warning” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
Point of caution, don’t look straight at the sun through a scope if you don’t want to damage or lose your eyesight.
[/wpsm_box]

Scope Adjustments

Like many high-quality scopes, the Viper HS-T has an eyepiece that has a fast focus feature for quick and easy focusing. Adjusting the reticle focus is not complicated. There is a focus knob on the scope designed for this function.

Power Adjustments

The scope has a magnification ring which used for changing the magnification. Then there are the windage and elevation knobs with audible clicks, which are used for adjusting the reticle for accuracy.

There is a side focus knob, which is used to eliminate parallax error thereby providing a clear and sharp image focus. This knob enables you to get a sharp focus on your image making it easier for you to hit your target.

Turret Rotation

The Viper HS-T has a radius bar that visually helps keep track of the turret rotations. So you are able to confirm if a knob position is correct or if it is at zero point.

Main Features

• XR anti-reflective fully multicoated optics & XD extra-low dispersion glass
• Precision-Glide Erector System
• Etched-glass reticle placed on the Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• VMR-1 MOA duplex crosshair reticle
• 65 MOA windage/elevation adjustment range, with 12 MOA travel per rotation
• Customizable Rotational Stop (CRS) Zero-Stop
• Side-focus parallax knob: corrects parallax error from 50 yd to infinity
• Fast Focus Eyepiece with 4″ long eye relief
• Argon-filled, water and fogproof
• 30mm aluminum single-piece main-tube
• Scratch and corrosion-resistant matte-black anodized finish
• MAG-View bar & Radius bar
• ArmorTek ultra-hard scratch-resistant lens coating protects against scratches, oil and dirt

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]

• High-quality lenses
• Solid construct that is durable and waterproof
• Ideal for hunting and tactical shooting

[/wpsm_pros][/wpsm_column][wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”][wpsm_cons title=”CONS:”]

• It may be hard to use at the beginning
• Exposure to sunlight over a prolonged time may affect its performance or even cause damage

[/wpsm_cons][/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_box type=”dashed_border” float=”none” text_align=”left” width=”100%” ]

2. Millett BK81006 6-25×56 LRS-1 Scope for 338 Lapua Review

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]

[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]
[wpsm_list type=”check” hover=”1″ gap=”medium”]

• Huge 56 mm Objective
• Positive 1/4 MOA Click Adjustments
• Massive, Super-Strong 35mm Tube
• Glass Etched Exclusive Mil-DotBar Reticle

[wpsm_button color=”blue” size=”medium” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002R1JGWS/?tag=opticzoo-20″ icon=”none” class=”” border_radius=”0 px” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]Check Price on Amazon![/wpsm_button]

[/wpsm_column]

[/wpsm_box]

The Millett BK81006 6-25×56 LRS-1 designed for hunting and tactical shooting. So if you want to do some long-range shooting, try this scope. With it, you can hit a moving target that is over a 1000 yards without difficulty.

Fast Eye Focus

The Millet 6 LRS-1 has a fast focus feature that enables you to quickly and easily focus on your target. There is a focus knob that helps you adjust the crosshairs to get a sharp focus of your target.

Side Range Focus

There is a range focus control knob that is used for eliminating parallax and improving the scope’s focus on varying ranges.

Turret-Loc

The scope has turret lock to ensure that the windage and elevation adjustments don’t shift in case of accidental movement. At the base of the turret, there is a ring, which you turn to lock or unlock, so to speak, the adjustments.

[wpsm_box type=”warning” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
However, once the lock is tight, avoid tightening the ring further as this can damage the scope.
[/wpsm_box]

Main Features

• Huge 56 mm objective for a wider field of view and brighter image
• Massive, super-strong 35mm tube improves reliability and resolution
• Positive 1/4 MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation
• Come-up scale on windage and elevation adjustments
• Glass etched exclusive Mil-DotBar reticle
• 35mm scope rings included
• Fully multi-coated lense
• Locking windage and elevation target turrets
• Large settable windage and elevation knobs
• Quick side-focus range adjustment
• European-style eye focus
• Matte black finish one-piece T6 aluminum tube

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]

• Fast eye focus for fast and easy focusing
• Multi-coated lenses for clear and sharp viewing
• Turret loc features to keep the windage and elevation adjustments in place
• Illuminated side range focus for sharp and clear images at long range
• Wide field of view for sharper and clearer viewing
• Windage and elevation adjustments for better focusing
• Solid, durable and compact design
• Waterproof and fog proof

[/wpsm_pros][/wpsm_column][wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”][wpsm_cons title=”CONS:”]

• The eye relief is not ideal for people with poor eyesight
• Some consumers have complained about the illumination not working properly and difficulty adjusting the turrets

[/wpsm_cons][/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_box type=”dashed_border” float=”none” text_align=”left” width=”100%” ]

3. Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Crossfire II 4-12×44 Scope for 338 Lapua Review

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]

[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]
[wpsm_list type=”check” hover=”1″ gap=”medium”]

• 4.0-12.0 Magnification, 44mm Objective
• Fast Focus Eyepiece
• Fully Multicoated Optics
• 1″ Diameter Tube Design

[wpsm_button color=”blue” size=”medium” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00794LIXS/?tag=opticzoo-20″ icon=”none” class=”” border_radius=”0 px” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]Check Price on Amazon![/wpsm_button]

[rehub_affbtn btn_text=”Check Price on B&H Photovideo!” btn_url=”https://bhpho.to/35e2IrY” target=”_blank” ]
[/wpsm_column]

[/wpsm_box]

The Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Crossfire II 4-12×44 is a second focal plane heavy-duty scope that is designed for heavy and light recoil rifles. And it is specially designed for hunters who hunt for sport and want a scope that can deliver high performance.

Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

This reticle enables you to set the correct windage and elevation adjustments. So when adjusting for ranging and holdover, you don’t need to do any guesswork.

This reticle gets correct the adjustments, which is why it is a great option for shooting or hunting at long-ranges.

Multi-Coated Lenses

[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
The multi-coated lenses of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II make it easy to go hunting for coyotes at night. The anti-reflective lenses make it possible for the lenses to deliver clear and sharp viewing even in low light conditions.
[/wpsm_box]

Adjustable Objective

The adjustable objective helps you to have a sharp focus and to eliminate parallax providing clear images at all ranges.

Main Features

• Fully Multi-Coated
• Second Focal Plane Reticle
• 1 inch Diameter Tube
• Single-Piece Tube
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
• Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof
• Hard Anodized Finish
• Capped Reset Turrets
• Fast Focus Eyepiece

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]

• Multi-coated lenses for clear viewing in low light conditions
• Adjustable objective for shaper, clearer viewing
• Fast focus for easy and quick focusing
• Solid construct that is nitrogen purged for fog proof and waterproof
• Eye relief of 3+ which is sufficient for light and heavy recoils and ideal for people with poor eyesight

[/wpsm_pros][/wpsm_column][wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”][wpsm_cons title=”CONS:”]

• It’s a little more expensive than its equally high-quality counterparts

[/wpsm_cons][/wpsm_column]

Vortex Crossfire II Riflescope:

[wpsm_box type=”dashed_border” float=”none” text_align=”left” width=”100%” ]

4. Steiner Model 5122 T5Xi 5-25×56 Review

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]

[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]
[wpsm_list type=”check” hover=”1″ gap=”medium”]

• Illuminated SCR Reticle
• 1st Focal Plane
• 34mm-Diameter One-Piece Maintube
• 56mm Objective Diameter
• 0.1 MIL Impact Point Correction
• Submersable to 33ft

[wpsm_button color=”blue” size=”medium” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LAF6DV4/?tag=opticzoo-20″ icon=”none” class=”” border_radius=”0 px” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]Check Price on Amazon![/wpsm_button]

[rehub_affbtn btn_text=”Check Price on B&H Photovideo!” btn_url=”https://bhpho.to/2P9m8c7″ target=”_blank” ]
[/wpsm_column]

[/wpsm_box]

The Steiner Model 5122 T5Xi 5-25×56 is a first focal plane riflescope used for hunting and tactical shooting. The 56mm objective lens provides you with a wide field of view that enables you to see your target without needing to move much.

Optical System

The scope features a fast-focus eyepiece that allows you to focus on your target quickly and with ease. This combined with multi-coated lenses provides clear and sharp views at all ranges.

So it doesn’t matter if your prey is 1000 yards away or more, or whether it’s day or night, this scope is designed to deliver optimal performance at all times.

The scope also features an illuminated SCR reticle situated at the first focal plane, which means that the reticle is located at the front side of the magnification.

[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
The advantage of a first focal plane reticle is that its appearance also changes when you zoom in or out.
[/wpsm_box]

So if you are targeting a particular object, this reticle enables you to hit exactly what you are aiming at. This is why this scope is ideal for target shooters particularly, those who often participate in target shooting competitions.

Another great feature is the side focus. This feature helps correct parallax error making the view clearer and sharper despite the light conditions.

Solid Design

Steiner is one of the leading producers of optics globally. And with years of experience under its belt, it doesn’t come as a surprise that their scopes are some of the most sought after in the market.

The T5Xi is a single piece 34mm tube with an elegant black finish. The scope is nitrogen purged to ensure that it is fog proof and waterproof.

Main Features

• Illuminated SCR Reticle
• 1st Focal Plane
• Razor-Edge Image Clarity
• Low-Profile Never-Lost Turrets
• 34mm Tube for Long Range
• Windage/Elevation Click Value: 1 cm. @ 100m (1/10 mRad)
• Paralax Focus: Side Focus
• Turrets: Low Profile, Resettable, Second Rotation Indicator
• Legendary Military Ruggedness
• Tapered All-Metal Magnification Ring
• Fogproof & Shockproof
• Waterproof, Submersable to 33ft
• Battery: CR2450
• Lifetime Heritage Warranty

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]

• Illuminated SCR reticle designed for shooters who engage in shooting competitions
• Strong and compact construction that is nitrogen purged to ensure that it is fog proof and waterproof
• Multi-coated lenses for high contrast and bright viewing even in poor lighting conditions
• Sufficient eye relief ideal for people with poor eyesight
• Throw Lever that enables you to quickly and easily adjust the magnification
• Wide field of view for easy viewing

[/wpsm_pros][/wpsm_column][wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”][wpsm_cons title=”CONS:”]

• It is extremely expensive compared to many other high-quality scopes

[/wpsm_cons][/wpsm_column]

Steiner T5Xi:

[wpsm_box type=”dashed_border” float=”none” text_align=”left” width=”100%” ]

5. Nikon 16335 Prostaff 7 5-20×50 SF Review

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]

[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]
[wpsm_list type=”check” hover=”1″ gap=”medium”]

• Hand Turn ¼-inch Adjustments
• 4-Time Zoom Range
• Nikon’s BDC Reticle
• Generous Eye Relief
• Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets

[wpsm_button color=”blue” size=”medium” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016GSU810/?tag=opticzoo-20″ icon=”none” class=”” border_radius=”0 px” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]Check Price on Amazon![/wpsm_button]

[/wpsm_column]

[/wpsm_box]

Nikon 16335 Prostaff 7 5-20×50 SF has consistently continued to produce supreme optics for different purposes. The Nikon Prostaff series was designed for shooters who prioritize precision aiming. This makes this scope a great option for hunters and target shooters.

BDC Reticle and Multi-Coated Lenses

[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
The Prostaff 7 uses BDC (Ballistic Drop Compensating) reticle, which offers incredible accuracy over long distances. The reticle has aiming points, which help hunters to shoot targets at varying distances with ease.
[/wpsm_box]

There is no missing with this scope especially at distances of 1000 yards even though you are a terrible shot.

The lenses are multi-coated to ensure clear viewing day or night. Nikon uses multi-coats on its lenses to allow more light in thereby providing clear and bright viewing even in poor light conditions.

So if you are a novice hunter who is looking for a scope that offers high accuracy, consider getting the Nikon Prostaff for your 338 Lapua rifle.

Solid Design

The scope is a 30mm tube designed for strength, durability, and reliability. The construct is designed to be shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof.

So even in the rain, snow, or fog, this scope is designed to be damage resistant. But if dropped from a high height, it may get damaged.

Fast Eye Focus

Like most standard scopes, the Nikon Prostaff has a fast-focus eyepiece for easy and fast focusing of targets. There is a fast focus knob on the scope to help you adjust the reticle for a sharp focus.

Main Features

• Hand Turn ¼-inch Adjustments
• 4-Time Zoom Range
• Nikon’s BDC Reticle
• Built With 30mm Main Body Tubes
• Generous Eye Relief
• Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets
• Nikon’s Fully Multicoated Lenses
• Quick Focus Eyepiece
• Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]

• Fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy focusing
• Multi-coated lenses for clear, high contrast, and bright views
• Windage and elevation knobs for adjusting the scope’s reticle for accuracy
• Solid construct that is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
• Wide field of view for better viewing
• Ideal for long-range shooting
• Eye relief of 3.6 inches which is sufficient for heavy and light recoils

[/wpsm_pros][/wpsm_column][wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”][wpsm_cons title=”CONS:”]

• The eye relief is not sufficient for people who have eyesight problems or wear glasses

[/wpsm_cons][/wpsm_column]

Buyer’s Guide

[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
The 338 Lapua rifle was designed for military snipers who require long-range, high powered guns that have nil chance of missing their targets. Originally, this rifle was designed to shoot a 16.2-gram bullet at a velocity of 3000 feet per second to be able to penetrate a body armor that is 1000 yards away.
[/wpsm_box]

However, since it became available to civilians, manufacturers have modified the old version to make it more suitable for activities such as target shooting and hunting.

Furthermore, you can use this scope offers even in the worst weather conditions and not worry about its performance.

Buying a scope suitable for a 338 Lapua rifle

Not every scope in the market is suitable for your 338 Lapua rifle because it may not have the features that can enhance your rifle’s capabilities. That said, how do you go about finding the ideal scope for your 338 Lapua rifle?

So there are a number of considerations that you need to keep in mind when choosing the best scope for your 338 rifle. And here are a couple of them.

Scope Lens Coatings

If you are a hunter, it wouldn’t make any sense to get a scope that you cannot use in low light conditions. And while most standard scope lenses are multi-coated, some only have a single layer of coating.

The number of coatings makes a huge difference when it comes to light transmission. So multi-coated lenses allow more light in and reduce glare making them capable of delivering clear views in low light conditions.

[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
Single-layer coated lenses, of course, don’t allow much light in and so they wouldn’t be useful in poor light conditions. So it’s important that before buying a scope, find out if the lenses are coated and if they are, are they single coated or multi-coated.
[/wpsm_box]

Construction

Different scopes are designed for different purposes and they also perform differently.

When it comes to design, most standard scopes are second focal plane (SFP) and this is because SFPs are cheaper to make. But this doesn’t mean that they don’t deliver optimal performance.

On the contrary, second focal plane scopes perform better in more situations than first focal plane scopes (FFP). This is the reason why FFPs are less common.

If you are wondering why SFPs perform better than FFPs it’s because of the position of the reticle on the scope and its adjustment capabilities.

An FFP reticle is located at the front of the magnification lens it adjusts as you adjust the magnification. In other words, if you are looking through an FFP reticle and you adjust the magnification, the reticle also visually changes in size.

An SFP reticle is situated at the back of the magnification lens and it does not visually change when the magnification is adjusted.

So what does all this mean?

When you want to get a more accurate aim or sharp focus, you need to adjust the windage and elevation turrets. And with and SFP, you need to adjust these turrets before using the reticle. Otherwise, you are not going to an accurate aim.

However, with an FFP reticle, although this is not an issue, when you adjust the magnification to its lowest power, the size of the reticle appears small. This can make it difficult to see your target.

So you would need to balance the turret and the reticle settings to get a clear view in low light conditions.

So an SFP reticle is easier to use and focus than an FFP reticle.

Understanding First Vs. Second Focal Plane Reticles:

The other feature you need to consider when it comes to construction is whether the scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.

You want a scope that you can take out in any weather condition without worrying that it might get damaged easily. And that it can perform well whether it’s raining, snowing or foggy.

Magnification

Why is magnification important when choosing a scope for a 338 Lapua?

The 338 Lapua rifle is designed for accuracy but without a good scope with good magnification, it can only do so much.

Having a scope with good magnification can mean the difference between hitting and missing a target. And yes, it doesn’t matter how accurate the gun maybe.

What you need to know about magnification is that it plays an important role when it comes to viewing your target.

The higher the magnification the wider the field of view and the lower the magnification, the small the field of view. So a high magnification translates to a wide field of view. This means that you are able to see the whole target whether it’s on the move or stationary.

But if the field of view is small, it makes it hard to view your target. You also need to consider the magnification power.

[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
For hunting, usually, 10X is sufficient to see your target clearly even if the target is moving and is at a long-range. But for activities like target shooting, you need a scope with a higher magnification because you don’t need a wide field of view because your target is not in motion.
[/wpsm_box]

So when choosing a scope for your 338 Lapua factor in the magnification, particularly if you are a novice hunter or target shooter.

Accuracy

Most expert hunters look for scopes that can deliver accuracy at all ranges. And most scopes today are designed for precision shooting. And these are scopes that have features that enable you to improve your shooting accuracy.

So when choosing a scope for your 388 Lapua, don’t assume that every scope is designed to deliver accurate shooting. Scopes have different reticles and each is designed to accomplish a certain purpose.

Some reticles are great for hunting and others are great for target shooting. So when choosing a scope, check what type of reticle it has and what the reticle is designed to accomplish.

Eye Relief

[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
Eye relief is one of the key factors that you should consider when choosing a scope, particularly if you wear glasses or you have poor eyesight.
[/wpsm_box]

When you shoot a rifle, it recoils and when this happens, the scope is pushed backward. So if the distance between your aiming eye and the scope is not sufficient, you can get a good smack on your face.

So to avoid injury, get a scope with an eye relief of 3 or 4 inches. But if you wear glasses or have poor eyesight, consider getting a scope that has an eye relief of 4+ inches.

Conclusion

Expert shooters often always know what to look for in a scope. As for beginners not so much. And if you have a powerful rifle like the 338 Lapua, you need a scope that can enhance its capabilities.

You need a scope that can deliver high accuracy and clarity. A scope that is capable of delivering great performance at all times and in any weather condition.