By Joel Mccartan
As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of experience with high-powered rifles like the .338 Lapua Magnum. Let me tell you, this beast of a cartridge demands respect – and a scope that can keep up with its long-range potential.
Whether you’re looking to reach out and touch steel targets at 1,500 yards or take down big game ethically at extreme distances, having the right glass on your .338 Lapua can make all the difference. Trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way on an elk hunt a few years back when my budget scope couldn’t handle the recoil!
So to help you avoid my mistakes, I’ve put together this updated guide to the absolute best scopes for the .338 Lapua Magnum in 2024. I’ve personally tested dozens of optics and consulted with other long-range shooting experts to bring you the cream of the crop. Let’s dive in!
Why You Need a Quality Scope for .338 Lapua
Before we get to the top picks, let’s quickly cover why investing in a high-end scope is so crucial for the .338 Lapua:
- Extreme long range capability: The .338 Lapua was designed to be lethal past 1,500 yards. You need serious magnification and precision to take full advantage.
- Brutal recoil: Lesser scopes simply can’t handle the punishing recoil of this cartridge. You need something built like a tank.
- Expensive ammo: At $5+ per round, you want every shot to count. A quality scope helps ensure you’re on target.
- Versatility: From long range target shooting to hunting large game, the right scope unlocks the .338 Lapua’s full potential.
Now let’s look at the top contenders for 2024:
Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1
If you want the absolute best of the best, look no further than the Nightforce ATACR. This beast of a scope has been a favorite among military snipers and competitive shooters for years – and for good reason.
Key Features:
- 7-35x magnification range
- 56mm objective lens for excellent light transmission
- First focal plane reticle
- ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses
- 100 MOA elevation adjustment
- ZeroStop technology
I’ve used this scope extensively on my personal .338 Lapua build, and the optical clarity is simply jaw-dropping. The enormous 35x max magnification lets you clearly see targets past 2,000 yards on a clear day. And despite the massive magnification range, the eye box remains forgiving even at max power.
The build quality is also second to none. This thing is built like a tank and can handle any abuse you throw at it. One of my shooting buddies actually ran over his ATACR with his truck (don’t ask), and the darn thing still held zero!
The only real downside is the eye-watering price tag. But if you demand the absolute best for your .338 Lapua, the ATACR is worth every penny.
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56
Coming in at a close second is the latest iteration of Vortex’s flagship Razor HD line. The Gen III model takes everything great about the Gen II and cranks it up to 11.
Key Features:
- 6-36x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- EBR-7D illuminated reticle
- APO optical system with HD glass
- 111 MOA elevation adjustment
- L-TEC turret system
I had the chance to test this scope head-to-head against the ATACR, and honestly, the optical quality is virtually indistinguishable to my eyes. The glass is tack-sharp from edge to edge with excellent light transmission.
The new L-TEC turrets are a standout feature, offering precise and repeatable adjustments. And the massive 111 MOA of elevation adjustment gives you plenty of room to dial for those extreme long range shots.
While it’s still a pricey optic, the Razor HD Gen III comes in a fair bit cheaper than the ATACR while offering similar performance. It’s a fantastic option if you want top-tier glass without completely breaking the bank.
Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35×56
You can’t talk about high-end rifle scopes without mentioning Leupold. Their Mark 5HD line offers outstanding optical quality and features at a relatively accessible price point.
Key Features:
- 7-35x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- TMR or H59 reticle options
- Twilight Max HD light management system
- 120 MOA elevation adjustment
- ZeroLock windage and elevation dials
I’ve always been impressed by how Leupold manages to pack so much performance into such a lightweight package. At just 30 oz, the Mark 5HD is significantly lighter than most competitors in this class.
The optical quality is excellent, with good light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity. The Twilight Max HD system also gives you an extra 20-30 minutes of shooting light at dawn and dusk – a huge advantage for hunters.
While I personally prefer the reticles offered by Nightforce and Vortex, the Mark 5HD is still an outstanding choice, especially if weight is a concern for your build.
Steiner T5Xi 5-25×56
German optics manufacturer Steiner has been making waves in the precision rifle world in recent years, and their T5Xi line shows why. This scope offers premium features at a price point that won’t make your wallet cry quite as much as some others on this list.
Key Features:
- 5-25x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- SCR or MSR2 reticle options
- Low profile turrets
- Throw lever included
- First focal plane
I had the chance to run this scope during a long range precision clinic last year, and I came away thoroughly impressed. The glass quality is excellent, with good light transmission and minimal chromatic aberration.
The low profile turrets are a nice touch, reducing the chance of accidental dial movement. And I’m a big fan of the included throw lever – it makes quick magnification changes a breeze.
While the max magnification tops out a bit lower than some others on this list, 25x is still plenty for most practical applications with the .338 Lapua. Unless you’re shooting past 1,500 yards regularly, the T5Xi is more than capable.
Burris XTR III 5.5-30×56
Burris may not have the brand recognition of some others on this list, but don’t let that fool you – their XTR III line offers serious performance at a great price point.
Key Features:
- 5.5-30x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- SCR2 MIL FFP reticle
- Zero Click Stop adjustment knobs
- 34mm main tube
- First focal plane
I’ll admit, I was skeptical of Burris at first. But after spending some time behind this glass, I’m a believer. The optical quality is right up there with scopes costing much more, with excellent clarity and color rendition.
The Zero Click Stop adjustment knobs are a standout feature, allowing for fast and precise return to zero. And the 34mm main tube provides plenty of internal adjustment range for those extreme long range shots.
If you’re looking for a high-performance scope that won’t completely break the bank, the XTR III deserves a serious look.
Kahles K525i 5-25×56
Austrian optics manufacturer Kahles may not be a household name, but they’ve been producing top-tier rifle scopes for over 120 years. Their K525i has developed a cult following among precision rifle shooters – and for good reason.
Key Features:
- 5-25x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- SKMR4 or MSR2 reticle options
- Left-side parallax adjustment
- Illuminated reticle
- First focal plane
The first thing you notice about the K525i is the unique left-side parallax adjustment. As a lefty shooter, I absolutely love this feature – it makes adjustments so much more intuitive and comfortable.
Optical quality is outstanding, with excellent light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity. The illuminated reticle is also one of the best I’ve used, with crisp, daylight-visible illumination that doesn’t bloom or wash out.
While it’s definitely on the pricier side, the K525i is a fantastic option for those who demand the absolute best in optical quality and innovative features.
Schmidt & Bender PM II 5-25×56
No list of high-end rifle scopes would be complete without mentioning Schmidt & Bender. The PM II has been a go-to choice for military and law enforcement snipers for years, and it’s easy to see why.
Key Features:
- 5-25x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- P4F or GR2ID reticle options
- Double turn elevation turret
- Illuminated reticle
- First focal plane
The optical quality of the PM II is simply stunning. Images are tack-sharp from edge to edge, with excellent contrast and color rendition. Light transmission is also top-notch, giving you those precious extra minutes of shooting light at dawn and dusk.
The double turn elevation turret is a standout feature, allowing for an impressive 26 mils of elevation adjustment without the need for a separate zero stop mechanism. It takes some getting used to, but once you’re familiar with it, it’s incredibly intuitive.
The only real downside to the PM II is the eye-watering price tag. But if you demand the absolute best and have deep pockets, it’s hard to beat.
Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30×50
Zeiss has long been synonymous with premium optics, and their Conquest V6 line brings that quality to a more accessible price point. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some others on this list, it delivers where it counts – optical quality.
Key Features:
- 5-30x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- ZBR-2 reticle
- Ballistic turret
- Illuminated reticle
- Second focal plane
The glass quality on the Conquest V6 is exactly what you’d expect from Zeiss – outstanding. Images are bright and crisp, with excellent color fidelity and minimal distortion even at max magnification.
The ballistic turret is a nice touch, allowing you to quickly dial for different distances once you’ve got it set up for your specific load. And while I generally prefer first focal plane reticles for long range work, the second focal plane design of the V6 keeps the reticle visible and usable even at low magnification.
If optical quality is your primary concern and you don’t need some of the more advanced features of pricier scopes, the Conquest V6 is an excellent choice.
Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29×56
Athlon may be a relative newcomer to the high-end scope market, but they’ve been making waves with their Cronus BTR line. This scope offers features typically found on much more expensive optics at a price point that’s hard to beat.
Key Features:
- 4.5-29x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- APRS MIL reticle
- Locking windage and elevation turrets
- Illuminated reticle
- First focal plane
I’ll be honest – I was skeptical of Athlon at first. But after spending some time behind this glass, I’m impressed. The optical quality is surprisingly good for the price point, with clear images and good light transmission.
The locking turrets are a nice touch, preventing accidental adjustments in the field. And the APRS MIL reticle is well-designed for long range work, offering plenty of holdover and windage references.
While it may not quite match the optical quality of the top-tier options, the Cronus BTR offers incredible value for money. It’s a great choice for those looking to get into serious long range shooting without breaking the bank.
Primary Arms PLx 6-30×56
Rounding out our list is the PLx from Primary Arms. Known primarily for their budget-friendly optics, the PLx line represents their push into the high-end market – and it’s a strong showing.
Key Features:
- 6-30x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- Athena BPR MIL reticle
- Locking turrets
- Illuminated reticle
- First focal plane
I’ve been consistently impressed by how Primary Arms manages to pack so much performance into their optics at relatively affordable price points. The PLx continues that trend, offering features typically found on much more expensive scopes.
The glass quality is quite good, with clear images and minimal distortion even at max magnification. The Athena BPR MIL reticle is also well-designed, offering a good balance of precision aiming points without becoming overly cluttered.
While it may not quite match the optical quality of the top-tier options, the PLx offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a great option for those looking to get into serious long range shooting without completely breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Choosing the right scope for your .338 Lapua Magnum is a crucial decision that can make or break your long range shooting experience. While all of the scopes on this list are excellent choices, the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
For those who demand the absolute best and have deep pockets, the Nightforce ATACR or Schmidt & Bender PM II are hard to beat. If you’re looking for top-tier performance at a slightly more accessible price point, the Vortex Razor HD Gen III or Leupold Mark 5HD are fantastic options.
And for those on a tighter budget, scopes like the Athlon Cronus BTR and Primary Arms PLx offer impressive performance at more affordable price points.
Remember, a scope is an investment in your shooting. Don’t be afraid to spend a bit more to get quality glass – your eyes (and your targets) will thank you!
Happy shooting, and may your groups be ever tighter!