The .338 Lapua Magnum was developed in the 1980s as a high-powered long-range cartridge for the military. It is a rimless, bottleneck, centerfire rifle cartridge that has been used around the world in many military operations and among civilian long-range shooting enthusiasts.
This cartridge has a large size that is suitable for hunting even large games. It holds the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat at 2,700 yards. This kind of shot is only possible with the best riflescopes on the market. These are the scopes we shall discuss in this review.
Understanding the .338 Lapua Magnum
- What is a .338 Lapua Magnum good for?
Initially, the .338 Lapua Magnum was made to penetrate body armor at 1,000 meters. It is however used effectively to 1,500 meters and beyond. Although the standard bullets for this cartridge are 250-grain bullets the .338 Lapua is most effective with 300-grain loads when shooting at extremely long ranges.
- Is the .338 Lapua Magnum too big for deer?
The .338 Lapua Magnum is overly effective for most deer hunting, especially under average conditions, from a mid-range distance, and with correct shot placement.
Read: 10 Best Riflescopes for Deer Hunting
- Is 338 Lapua good for elk?
The .338 Lapua Magnum is a good choice for elk hunting when used under average conditions, from a mid-range distance, and with correct shot placement.
Best Scope for Ruger Precision Rifle 338 Lapua Reviews
1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 riflescope comes with a variable 3-15 power range that allows you to engage with targets at varying ranges. It comes with a Side Focus Parallax Adjustment which allows you to easily adjust the scope’s parallax for less perceived movement when engaging targets at extended distances.
The scope features the Twilight Max HD Light Management system which increases the shooting time by up to 30 minutes and also reduces glare for edge-to-edge HD lens clarity.
The scope is made with highly durable lenses that have Guard-Ion Hydrophobic Lens Coating for scratch resistance. This coating also helps shed water, dirt, and fingerprints. The scope is highly versatile and comes with Boone & Crockett CDS reticle and matte finish for durability.
Key features
- It has 2nd Generation Argon/Krypton Waterproofing
- It uses Twilight Max HD Light Management System for light management and low light use
- It features a free CDS Elevation Dial
- It has Blackened Lens Edges that reduce unwanted glare and diffusion through the lens edges for better resolution, contrast, and superior optical performance
- It has an extreme fast-focus eyepiece that provides a generous eyebox, superior field of view, and optimal diopter adjustment
- It has a CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock Adjustment with Revolution Indicator
- It has a Guard-Ion Rain Shedding Coating for water, dirt, and fingerprint resistance
- It is extremely durable and scratch resistant
- Magnification Range: 3x-15x
- Maintube Diameter: 30mm
- Length: 13.53 in.
- Lightweight: 19.2 oz.
- 5:1 Zoom Ratio
Pros
- It is 100% Waterproof, fog-proof and shockproof
- Unparalleled low light performance
- Extended battery life.
Cons
- It is costly
2) Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Waterproof Rifle Scope is the perfect choice for long-range shooting, from tree stands to mountain tops. The HST (Hunting Shooting Tactical) riflescope is machined from a solid piece of aluminum that provides extra strength, waterproofing, and straightness.
The scope has a 30mm tube anodize finish for durability. It also allows more room for windage and elevation adjustments compared to 1-inch tubes. It offers a comfortable eye box and long eye relief for safe and easy target acquisition.
The Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm fog-proof Rifle Scope comes with durable, repeatable windage and elevation turrets that have been built specifically for dialing, as well as a hashmark-based reticle for more precision in long-range targeting.
Key features
- It is made from Aircraft-grade Aluminum for strength and durability
- It has XR fully multi-coated optics for clear images
- It features XD Lens elements
- It uses a second focal plane reticle
- It has exposed tactical-style turrets for easy adjustments
- It has a precision-force spring system
- It features a precision-glide erector system
- It has a fast-focus eyepiece
Pros
- It is waterproof and fog-proof
- It is shockproof
Cons
- A bit heavy
3) NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope features durable construction, made of high-quality materials, and a unique design that provides exceptional precision at extended ranges. The heavy-duty materials also help increase the longevity and durability of the scope’s performance.
The scope is well-known for its high magnification which provides great clarity, image crispness, and color contrast throughout the entire range, from minimum to maximum. The magnification offers great reliability for long-range shooting.
The SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope is also designed with the ZeroSet function, which is standard to allow you to make a rapid return to zero even after several elevation adjustments.
Key features
- It is made of high-quality materials for durability
- It features a full 80 MOA of elevation adjustment and side parallax adjustment
- It is weather-resistant for all-weather use
- It has a high magnification which ensures clarity and image brightness
- It has ZeroSet technology which allows a quick return to your initial zero setting
Pros
- It is versatile and easy to use
- It is impact resistant
Cons
- Costly
4) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-23 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope
The AccuPoint TR23 riflescope is known to be the longest-range scope of the Trijicon brand. It is made to meet the needs of tactical shooters, varmint hunters, and law enforcement snipers. The scope is equipped with features that allow the user to accurately extend their range in any light.
Trijicon AccuPoint TR-23 scope is designed with fiber optics and tritium that help to provide battery-free illumination. It also has easy-to-use external adjuster controls that allow easy windage and elevation adjustment.
The scope’s side parallax adjuster helps by providing enhanced accuracy at long ranges.
Key features
- It is made with an aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is rugged for all-weather use
- It has superior lenses that have multi-coating for more clarity and high-light transmission
- It has fiber optic technology that automatically adjusts the brightness level and contrast of the reticle aiming point to available light conditions
- Its illuminated reticle remains the same size even with an increase in magnification
- It uses an easy-focus eyepiece
Pros
- It is weatherproof
- It offers a wide magnification range
- Quick and easy adjustments
Cons
- Pricey
5) Athlon Optics Argos 6-24 x 50 mm Rifle Scopes
Argos 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope is an ideal choice for anyone who’s just starting out in competitive shooting. The scope is designed with advanced fully multi-coated optics that effectively reduce reflected light and increase light transmission for a brighter image than that of normal single-coated lenses.
The scope features a Precision Zero Stop System that allows you to lock down your zero position and dial back to it with a sharp and precise stop right at your zero mark. The lower magnification on the scope is ideal for those getting started in the sport.
Key features
- It is made of a 6061T6 aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- It has an illuminated reticle that provides great visibility in a low ambient light environment
- The reticle is etched on the glass for durability and improved shock resistance to recoil
- It features a precision Zero Stop system which allows easy return to your zero position
- It has fully multicoated optics that effectively reduce reflected light and increase light transmission
Pros
- It is waterproof and fog-proof
- Shockproof- it is made to withstand 1000G recoil for 1000 times
Cons
- We did not find any downside to this scope
Choosing the Best Scope for Ruger Precision Rifle 338 Lapua
- Durability
The best rifle scopes for .338 Lapua are costly. To spend such an amount of money on a scope, you would expect that it will last you as long as possible. Your rifle scope should be just as strong as the bullet. The best scopes are made out of aluminum alloys and anodized exteriors that are resistant to scratches, bumps, and tears.
The lenses should also hold resistance to harsh weather; Nitrogen, and Argon purged lenses with O-ring seals are usually waterproof, dust and fog-proof.
- Light Transmission
Your scope should produce bright, clear, crisp images with perfect contrast in all lighting conditions. The lens should allow adequate light to pass through it for quality images even in dimly-lit conditions.
Multicoated, anti-reflective lenses are a must because they allow maximum light transmission which is absolutely imperative.
Read: Best Illuminated Reticle Scopes
- Eye Relief
There is heavy recoil when using a .338 caliber Magnum and hence the need for long eye relief. Eye relief of at least 3.5 inches is preferably, or more.
Best Scope for Ruger Precision Rifle 338 Lapua FAQs
- What is the best scope for 338 Lapua Magnum Ruger precision review?
Our review has covered the top best scopes in the market for your 338 Lapua rifle. In terms of magnification, the Athlon Optics Argos 6-24 x 50 mm Rifle Scope offers higher power than the rest while the NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope has a larger objective lens which provides more light transmission for better images and a wider field of view.
- Which is better FFP or SFP?
The main significant difference between the FFP and SFP scope styles is the reticle size. The reticle in an SFP scope remains the same even with a change in magnification power while the reticle in FFP scope changes in size as the scope magnification goes up in power.
Read: Best First Focal Plane Scope (FFP)
- What magnification is 338 Lapua?
The 338 Lapua Magnum has a reliable magnification range of between six and 24 times, making it the perfect choice for hunters and tactical shooters engaging in longer-range shooting.
Final Thoughts
The .338 Lapua Magnum is a powerful cartridge that requires an equally powerful scope. First, it requires enough eye relief to keep the user’s eyes safe from the heavy recoil. As it is commonly used for long-range shooting, magnification also becomes a critical point of consideration.
The best scopes for Ruger precision 338 Lapua rifle may be costly but they offer the best performance in the field. They are made with high-end features to offer you value for your money.