Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles What Scope for 338 win mag.

Hey folks, I got a 338 win mag and I am looking for scope suggestions. It is for elk,moose and bear. I will look at fixed or variable scopes. What is your folks input. The new Leupy M8 6-42mm has caught my eye though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

PG

That straight 6X Leupold will work just fine. I have the 2.5-8X VXIII on mine. The 1.75-6X VXIII would be another good choice. I just like the flexibility of the variable although they hardly ever get set above 3X for hunting. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

WN

Depending on the length of the action, either a Leupold VX-II 2x7 or a Leupold Compact 2x7.

If it were me I'd get a lower power variable such as the 2.5x8 or 1.5x6. I seldom have mine above 3x either. Thick wooded areas have me setting mine at the bottom of the range but if I forget the 3x still works fine. In that kinda stuff I think you might wish for that option on the straight 6X.

I have a Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8x on mine. But a 2-7x VX-II or 1.75-6x VX-III would work just as well. So would a fixed 4x, but I prefer low powered variables.

I have a Leupold 2.5-8x on mine, and I think its just about the ideal scope for a 338 Winchester..........

AD

+1 for the 2.5-8x

Mine has a straight 6X Schmidt & Bender. Worked great in Namibia and Zimbawe last May. Never felt under or over scoped. Used it to shoot gemsbok, springbok, warthog, hartebeest, duiker, steinbok, sable, kudu, and baboons. Shots from 25 - 160 yards. No Problem.

Jeff

Another vote for the 2.5X8 VXIII. jorge

I had a Burris Fullfield 3x9 on mine ( Ruger tang safety)

Talked a buddy into a Burris 1.5-6x40mm Euro Diamond for his 338, no complaints or regrets. J

IMHO, that seems like a solid, sound decision. Personally, I'd go no higher than 2-7X, and I have a good customer who prefers a 1.5-4X on a caliber like that.

Burris Sig, 1.5X6 I have 2 and both are great.

Got a Nikon Monarch UCC 3x9x40 on mine. Never have had any eye relief trouble and I can get target acquisition pretty quickly. That particular scope has been on several other magnum rifles of mine and many hunts so I know she is reliable.

I used to have the 2.5 x 8 Leupy on mine but replaced it with a 1.75 x 6, mine's an older one with a slightly bigger objective.

Main reason for doing so was I used the rifle when guiding and had to go in the alders more than once to follow up on a bear.

It's probably relative to pole vaulting over mouse turds, but it gave me a bit more comfort (probably more perceived than actual) but during that part of the job I was looking for any edge I could get.

All the scope suggestions are good, I'm a Leupy slut personally as I've just had good luck with them during hard use.

My favorite scope is the Nikon Monarch UCC in 3x9x40. I have several, never had any problems with any.

I have a Leupold 3-9X40 on mine and last year I was thankfull for the 9power. It was only a 250 yard shot but there were cows and bulls together in oak brush and I wanted to make sure that I didn't hit a spike bull or something.

Have a Bushnell Elite 4200 1.5-6 on my M70. Like the power and size but eye relief JUST makes it for me. TTS

You don't want or need a 6x scope for what you're talking about using it for. When you say you're gonna use it for bears, I assume it's for grizzlies/browns. Believe me - ya don't want a 6x in thick brush in bear country. I use a Leupold 1.5-6x Vari-x III on my .338 and don't need or want any more. I'd guess at most, all you need is a 2x-7 variable and certainly not anything with more power.
Several years ago, we were jumped by a brownie @ about 30 feet. My partner had a 6x scope & all he could see was dark brown fur. He got rid of that scope PDQ after that.
Get a 1.5 - 5 & be happy.
Bear in Fairbanks

THAT does not sound like a fun day... Isn't it amazing how fast a human can run when all the blood in the body has been replaced by adrenaline??? A Porche 911 wouldn't have a chance..