Mounting a scope on a .338 Lapua Magnum is a serious commitment. This legendary cartridge, capable of reaching targets well beyond a mile, demands an optic that is equally robust, precise, and reliable. The immense recoil and extended range potential mean that not just any riflescope will do; it requires one built to withstand punishing forces while delivering crystal-clear images at extreme distances.
Your choice of optic can be the difference between a hit and a miss, making the selection process critical for long-range shooting success. Whether you are a tactical marksman, a serious hunter pursuing large game, or a precision shooting enthusiast, the right scope will fully harness the capabilities of your rifle. This roundup focuses on scopes engineered to handle the .338 Lapua’s power while providing the features needed for consistent mid to long-range accuracy.
Top Scopes for Your .338 Lapua Magnum
- Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223 BCD Reticle
- Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 FFP Riflescope
- Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1 Riflescope
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 M5C3 FFP Riflescope
- Zeiss LRP S3 6-36×56 FFP Riflescope
- Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30×56 FFP Riflescope
- Burris XTR III 5.5-30×56 FFP Riflescope
- Athlon Optics Ares ETR 4.5-30×56 FFP Riflescope
Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223 BCD Reticle
For shooters seeking a durable and feature-rich optic for their .338 Lapua without a premium price tag, the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 presents a compelling option. Its IPX7 waterproof rating ensures performance in all weather conditions, while the fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright and high-contrast sight picture. The compact design is ideal for maintaining a streamlined rifle profile and can work well in conjunction with offset iron sights.
The exposed turrets allow for quick and precise windage and elevation adjustments, which is crucial for engaging targets at varying distances. The Throw Down PCL lever makes changing magnification almost instantaneous, a valuable feature for dynamic shooting scenarios. With its robust construction and practical feature set, this scope is built to handle the demands of a powerful rifle platform.
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Razor HD Gen III is a top-tier optic designed for shooters who push the limits of long-range precision. Its extensive 6-36x magnification range is ideal for target identification and shot placement at the farthest reaches of the .338 Lapua’s capability. The first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures that holdover points remain accurate at any magnification setting, a critical feature for long-distance engagements.
Built with premium, high-density glass, this scope delivers exceptional resolution, color fidelity, and edge-to-edge clarity. The optical system is engineered to minimize chromatic aberration, providing a sharp and true image even in challenging light conditions. Combined with Vortex’s renowned ruggedness and reliability, the Razor HD Gen III is a scope that inspires confidence on every shot.
Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1 Riflescope
Nightforce is synonymous with durability and precision, and the ATACR 7-35×56 model is a benchmark in the long-range shooting community. Engineered to withstand the harshest conditions and the heaviest recoil, it is a perfect match for the .338 Lapua Magnum. The 7-35x magnification range offers incredible versatility, from closer-in shots to extreme long-range targets.
Featuring Nightforce’s ED glass, this scope provides outstanding light transmission and minimal distortion for a clear, sharp sight picture at all power settings. The precise and repeatable adjustments of the turrets allow shooters to make accurate corrections with confidence. For professionals and serious enthusiasts who require absolute reliability, the ATACR is a proven choice.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 M5C3 FFP Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 5HD stands out for its exceptional blend of high performance and relatively lightweight design. Weighing significantly less than many competitors in its class, it helps maintain a manageable overall rifle weight without sacrificing optical quality or robustness. The 5-25x magnification is well-suited for the vast majority of long-range shooting applications with the .338 Lapua.
Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Max HD Light Management System maximizes light transmission during dawn and dusk, providing a critical advantage in low-light conditions. The turrets offer crisp, tactile clicks and a generous amount of travel for making significant elevation adjustments needed for long-distance shots. Its rugged, one-piece housing is guaranteed to handle the shock and recoil of magnum cartridges.
Zeiss LRP S3 6-36×56 FFP Riflescope
German engineering and optical excellence are at the forefront of the Zeiss LRP S3. This scope is built for precision rifle competitors and long-range hunters who demand the absolute best in glass quality. The 6-36x magnification range provides immense flexibility, and the 85 MOA per revolution turrets allow for rapid adjustments without the need for a zero-stop.
Zeiss’s LotuTec coating protects the lenses from dirt, water, and grease, ensuring a clear view in any environment. The bright, high-contrast image provided by the SCHOTT HT glass is notable, even at the highest magnification levels. With a focus on intuitive operation and superior optical performance, the LRP S3 is a top contender for any serious long-range platform.
Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30×56 FFP Riflescope
Trijicon’s Tenmile series offers professional-grade features at a competitive price point. The 4.5-30x magnification range is versatile, covering everything from medium-range hunting to long-distance target shooting. The first focal plane reticle maintains its subtensions across the entire zoom range, ensuring accurate holds at any power.
Built with a rugged 34mm main tube, the Tenmile is designed to withstand heavy recoil and harsh environmental conditions. The turrets provide positive tactile clicks and are easy to read and adjust, even while wearing gloves. With its reputation for durability and clear optics, the Tenmile is a reliable workhorse scope for the .338 Lapua shooter.
Burris XTR III 5.5-30×56 FFP Riflescope
The Burris XTR III is a feature-packed scope that delivers exceptional performance for its price. It incorporates many characteristics found on more expensive models, such as a first focal plane illuminated reticle and a wide 5.5-30x magnification range. The SCR Mil reticle provides a clean and uncluttered view with useful ranging and holdover features.
Its robust construction includes a one-piece 34mm tube that is both shockproof and waterproof. The turrets offer a tool-less zero reset and are designed for repeatable, precise adjustments shot after shot. For shooters looking for high-end features without the highest price, the XTR III represents outstanding value.
Athlon Optics Ares ETR 4.5-30×56 FFP Riflescope
Athlon Optics has made a significant impact with the Ares ETR, offering premium performance that challenges established brands. It features Japanese ED glass, which provides excellent color correction and resolution for a clear, bright image. The first focal plane APRS3 reticle is detailed and functional, with illumination for use in low-light situations.
The scope is built on a 34mm main tube and is purged with argon gas for superior waterproof and fog-proof performance. With precise, locking turrets and a generous elevation range, the Ares ETR is fully capable of handling the long-range trajectory of the .338 Lapua. It is an excellent choice for shooters who want high-level features from a value-conscious brand.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Scope for Your 338 Lapua
Choosing a scope for a 338 Lapua isn’t like picking one for your average deer rifle. This cartridge is a heavyweight, built for reaching out and touching targets at distances most calibers can only dream of. Because of that, the scope you mount on top needs to be a special piece of glass. I think of it as a partnership; the rifle provides the power, and the scope is your window to applying that power precisely. If you get it wrong, you’re leaving a lot of performance on the table.
The first thing I always check is the scope’s construction and its ability to handle recoil. The 338 Lapua generates significant, brutal rearward force. A scope not built for it will literally break, losing its zero or failing internally. You need a scope from a reputable manufacturer that explicitly states it’s built for magnum calibers. Look for robust, one-piece tubes, typically 30mm or 34mm in diameter. The larger tubes often allow for greater internal adjustment range, which is absolutely critical for long-range shooting.
Next, let’s talk about optical clarity and magnification. You need bright, sharp, high-contrast glass. When you’re looking at a target a thousand yards away, any distortion, color fringing, or dimness makes your job much harder. For the 8 best scopes for 338 Lapua in 2025, I prioritize models with exceptional glass quality. For magnification, a versatile range like 5-25x or 6-24x is a great sweet spot. This gives you a wide field of view for closer shots and the high-end power to see your impacts at extreme distances.
The turrets and reticle are your control interface. You need tactile, repeatable turrets that track accurately. If you dial 10 MILs of elevation, the scope must move exactly 10 MILs, every single time. I prefer turrets that are easy to read and have a positive, audible click. The reticle should be a modern, Christmas-tree-style design, preferably in the first focal plane (FFP). An FFP reticle means the reticle size changes with your magnification, so your holdover points are accurate at any power. This is non-negotiable for serious long-range work.
Finally, consider the zero-stop or zero-lock feature. After you zero your rifle, this feature allows you to return to your true zero quickly without counting clicks. It’s a huge quality-of-life improvement that prevents errors under pressure. Parallax adjustment is another must-have, allowing you to focus the reticle and target plane to eliminate parallax error. When you’re investing in a rifle and cartridge of this caliber, pairing it with a scope that meets these standards is the only way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification range is best for a 338 Lapua scope?
For the 338 Lapua, I find a magnification range starting between 5x and 6x on the low end and going up to 25x or even 35x on the high end to be ideal. A 5-25x scope is probably the most popular and versatile choice. The lower end gives you a wide field of view for acquiring targets at mid-range or in dynamic situations, while the high end gives you the detail resolution needed for precise shots at 1,500 yards and beyond. You don’t always need the highest power, but it’s great to have when you need to see the fine details of your target.
Is a First Focal Plane (FFP) or Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle better?
For a dedicated long-range rifle like a 338 Lapua, I strongly recommend a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle. In an FFP scope, the reticle grows and shrinks with your magnification. This means your holdover marks (like the dots or lines in a mil-dot reticle) are accurate at any magnification level. In an SFP scope, those marks are only correct at one specific magnification, usually the highest. For the dynamic nature of long-range shooting where you might need to use holdovers at an intermediate magnification, FFP is the way to go. It just makes the system more consistent and less prone to user error.
How much internal elevation adjustment do I need?
You need a lot. The 338 Lapua has a fairly flat trajectory, but to reach out to 1,500 or 2,000 yards, you’re going to be dialing a massive amount of elevation. I look for scopes that offer at least 25 MILs, but preferably 30 MILs or more of total internal elevation adjustment. Scopes with a 34mm main tube often have an advantage here, providing more room for the erector assembly to move. If you find a scope you love but it doesn’t have quite enough built-in adjustment, you can use a canted base (like a 20 or 30 MOA rail) to give you more usable elevation travel.
Can any scope handle the recoil of a 338 Lapua?
Absolutely not. This is a critical point. The 338 Lapua produces recoil energy that can destroy scopes not built for the task. You must select a scope from a manufacturer that specifically designs and tests its optics for high-recoil, magnum rifles. Look for robust internal components, a strong spring in the erector system, and a reputation for durability. Mounting is also key; a poor-quality mount can shift under recoil, so use a high-quality, precision mounting system torqued to the proper specifications.
What is a good budget for a scope for this rifle?
This is a tough question because it varies, but you generally get what you pay for. The 8 best scopes for 338 Lapua in 2025 will typically start around the $1,500 mark and can easily go up to $4,000 or more. At a minimum, I would plan to spend at least as much on your scope as you did on your rifle, if not more. This isn’t an area to cut corners. You’re investing in optical clarity, tracking reliability, and most importantly, durability that will survive thousands of rounds of heavy recoil. A cheaper scope will fail, and it will cost you more in the long run.