Best Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum
The .338 Lapua Magnum has become popular with long-range shooters after being developed for military use in the 1980s. This is a powerful caliber: It has a maximum effective range of 1,910, and was used for the longest range sniper kill in combat, which was 2,707 yards by a British sniper in 2009. Because of the size of the bullet, it can be used even against dangerous big game such as the rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, or leopard.
With so much distance available for this caliber, you want to invest in a scope that can create crystal clear images of targets far away from you. What’s the point of using a cartridge like this if you can’t even see where it will end up? Remember, the scope is as important an investment as your rifle itself, especially if you are looking for one that can match the .338 Lapua Magnum.
Magnification
The magnification you need depends on the distances you will be shooting. If you’re using the .338 Lapua, we’re guessing you are shooting in the hundreds of yards, at least. This means that 8x, normally considered a high intensity magnification, is the lowest you should go with this caliber.
You can get a variable scope that offers a range of magnifications. For the .338 Lapua, a 9-24x would provide magnification for the long distances you’ll be shooting at. But if you’re really stretching your ability to see how far you can shoot this, you might want to go into the ultra high magnification scopes. You can get a 40x magnification that will allow you to hit a small target at 1100 yards. Scopes go as high as an incredible 80x.
For most uses, an 80x magnification is overkill. If you’re hunting in forested terrain, you’ll be blocked by trees, and it will be very difficult to find your target with such a limited field of view. Plus, the higher intensity magnification, the heavier your scope and the less light is transmitted. Don’t go for the ultra magnification unless you’re planning to use the .338 Lapua for extreme target shooting.
Light Transmission
Because you’ll be working at higher intensity magnification with the .338 Lapua, you need to make sure your scope lets in enough light. Less light is transmitted through higher intensity lenses, because they contain more glass.
To offset this, you can get a scope with a wider objective lens. A lens around 40mm will let in more light than one closer to 30mm. If you’re comfortable with the added bulk and weight of a larger scope, this will bring you brighter, clearer images.
Parallax Adjustment
Make sure that your scope has a parallax adjuster. Most scopes pre-set their parallax at a certain distance, but it becomes more important to manually adjust at long distances. If you move your head and your reticles change position, that means there is an issue with your parallax. If your scope has a manual adjustment, you’ll be able to fix it on the spot and determine your bullet’s exact trajectory. This is especially important if you are hunting large, dangerous game; you don’t need a big, angry animal charging at you!
Eye Relief
With a powerful caliber like the .338 Lapua comes a powerful recoil. Your scope needs to leave enough room, or eye relief, so that you don’t get knocked in the eye when you fire your gun. Choose a scope with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief, but preferably more. Take into consideration the specific rifle you will be using as well when choosing eye relief. You’ll also need more eye relief if you intend to shoot uphill or from unorthodox positions.
Reticles
At long ranges, it’s important to adjust for bullet drop and windage. Reticles help you make these calculations and adjustments. The specific style of the reticles is up to your personal preference, but make sure they are providing you with metrics that you can easily use. If you are used to measuring in inches and yards, go with reticles that measure in Minutes of Angle. If you are used to measuring in centimeters and meters, go with Mil-Dot reticles. If you’re not sure what to do and you hunt with a partner, just ask your buddy which they prefer, and get the same ones! It will be easier for you to communicate that way.
In Conclusion…
When buying any scope, you want to make sure to invest in a high-quality, durable instrument from a reliable manufacturer. Make sure the lenses are fully multicoated to increase light transmission and make your scope impervious to weather conditions. For the .338 Lapua, get the glass that will allow you to make those long-range shots you’ve always dreamed of.