To get the best out of your rifle, you need to choose the .338 Lapua scope that best fits your needs.
Below is the list of some things you should consider when looking for the best optic for your rifle.
MAGNIFICATION
Of all sniper cartridges ever developed, .338 Lapua Magnum is unarguably one of the most effective. It is capable of shooting its target as far as 1000 yards.
As a matter of fact, Craig Harrison holds the record for the longest accurate shot at 2,700 yards. In other words, a single .338 Lapua bullet, when fired, can travel a mile with ease.
However, to reach such long-range targets, it is evident that you will need a scope to assist. For Harrison to have been able to make that shot, he must have had the best scope available. Therefore, at extreme ranges, you need a scope with high magnification.
You sure cannot hit at something you cannot see, no? If for any reason, you decide to purchase a scope with low magnification, it defeats the purpose of shooting at long range.
If you want precision and accuracy at long-range targets, you should go for at least 10x magnification. This implies that you will see your target ten times closer than with a scopeless rifle. If a target, for instance, were at a mile away, it would look like it was only at 528 feet or 176 yards.
There are two types of scope as touching magnification: a variable power optic and a fixed power optic. A variable power optic is generally preferable to the other because it provides versatility.
In other words, with a variable power scope, you can adjust your magnification in response to either close or long-range shots. Hence, you should go for a rifle scope that spans between 3x and 25x magnification.
RETICLE
Reticles are of three types: BDC, MOA, or Mil-Dot. Scopes with any of these reticle markings are suitable for long-distance shots. The reticle markings’ essence is the help they render in making adjustments for windage and holdover on tough long-distance shots.
Also, while shooting a .338 Lapua Magnum, the best helpful feature of a reticle is one located on the first focal plane (FFP). An FFP reticle gives an edge in that the size in proportion to the target changes as you adjust the magnification. Since the reticle’s size remains proportional to the target, significant adjustments can be easily made for windage and bullet drop despite the magnification you use.
GLASS QUALITY
If you will be able to see long-distant targets, magnification is not the only feature to consider.
The quality of the glass is a significant factor decipherable when you zoom in on your target. No matter how powerful your magnification is, it will do you less good should your target become blurry to see when you zoom in on it.
And you don’t want this, especially when you have a target on sight (it could be a frustrating experience having a blurred target).
This implies that for image clarity, glass quality is an essential factor. In that way, you should look out for a .338 Lapua scope with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and fully multi-coated lenses.
DUARABILITY
The specific design for which the .338 Lapua Magnum rifle is built depicts a sense of ruggedness that accompanies its use.
If you are getting the 338 Lapua scope, you should be sure that it would take a beat sometimes and wouldn’t throw in the towel after going through some harsh conditions.
Shooters that use the rifle, especially for combat, hunting, and law enforcement, require a durable scope for their work line.
Durability includes features such as waterproof capacity that will keep your scope from water invasion, leading to rust and ensuring your scope lasts longer.
You need to pay attention to its durability because the market for a new scope is not pocket friendly.
Beyond a waterproof capacity is a weatherproof capacity to prevent dust, dirt, fog, debris, and scratches from putting your scope at risk of malfunction.
ACCURACY
Now, even if your magnification is top-notch, glass quality provides crystal clarity, and durability is perfect, none of these fine features will matter should the accuracy be zero or lost.
The primary and significant purpose of a scope is to assist you in making long-range shots with accuracy and precision.
Let’s face it, you are reading this so that you’ll be able to find a scope that would help you clearly hit your target.
Hence, this factor should weigh a lot in your decision.
WEIGHT
Perhaps you are a hunter or a marksman and you regularly carry your rifle around for long periods, the weight may be more important to you than a once-in-a-while shooter.
Features, like tube diameter and objective lens’ size, affect the weight of your scope, which consequently adds to the weight of your rifle.
The optimum size for an objective lens is around 50mm. A tube with a diameter of 40mm provides better adjustability, but anything between 28mm and 34mm is suitable for a scope.
We know making the best purchasing decision for a .338 Lapua scope that meets your need could be stressful on the mind; therefore, below is the review of our top ten picks of .338 Lapua scope.