Scopes and Optics

5 Best Scopes For 300 WSM

NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 Riflescope

If you are searching for the best scope for .300 WSM, you are in the right place. In this buying guide, we will share some of the reliable scopes ideal for the .300 Winchester Short Magnum. We have also gone a step ahead to include some of the things you need to keep in mind when shopping for a scope in this category.

It is important to note that the .300 WSM  is one of the best Winchester calibers. It performs like the .300 Winchester Magnum, but it is used with less gunpowder and lightweight rifles.

This caliber is popular because of its versatility. You can use it for hunting, long-range shooting, and target shooting.

Before selecting any scope, it is important to first define your shooting requirements. If you want to use it for hunting, you need to find a durable scope that can withstand heavy recoil. Defining your requirements early makes the selection process easy.

It is worth mentioning that there are many scopes on the market for the .300 WSM. Each one comes with its own set of features and benefits to make the selection process easy. This makes it a bit challenging to choose a reliable model for the .300 WSM.

This is why we created this buying guide to help you narrow down your search.

Best Scope for 300 WSM

The best scope for .300 WSM should be made from durable materials to ensure that it can withstand powerful recoil and impact. In addition, it should come with superior quality glass to provide you with the best images across the magnification levels.

We recommend buying a model that is loaded with additional features to help you improve your precision and accuracy skills. Some of the long-range scopes are a bit expensive, but the price should not be an obstacle if it fits your shooting requirements.

Let us look at some of the best scopes for .300 WSM

1) NightForce SHV 5-20×56 Rifle Scope – Best Overall

NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope

 

 

The NightForce SHV 5-20×56 is the best scope for .300 WSM. This high-end scope is loaded with many premium features to take your shooting game to the next level.

The exceptional feature of this scope is the MOAR reticle with .140 MOA increment lines. This makes it a great choice for ranging in on those small varmints at longer distances.

This scope also comes with a parallax adjustment feature. The side focus is used to adjust for parallax. The closest distance you can correct for parallax is 25 yards.

The large 56 mm objective lens ensures maximum brightness penetrates through the scope. This allows you to use the scope effectively, even in low lighting conditions.

The rugged construction of this scope allows you to use it effectively, even in the harshest conditions.

The only downside is that the scope is a bit expensive. However, the features included are worth the price. It will provide value for the money you spend.

Features

  • It features a glass-etched reticle in the second focal plane
  • It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof
  • It comes with an excellent warranty

Pros

  • MOAR reticle with .140 MOA increment lines is great for ranging in on small targets at longer distances, enhancing your accuracy.
  • Side focus allows for parallax adjustment, making it easier to maintain precision at various distances, with the closest correction being 25 yards.
  • The 56mm objective lens ensures maximum brightness, making the scope effective even in low-light conditions.
  • It is built to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring durability and reliability.

Cons

  • Expensive

 

 

 

2) Nightforce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 Rifle Scope – Best Value

NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm

 

 

The Nightforce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 is another excellent scope that is compatible with the .300 WSM. The U.S Military, including the navy seals, uses this scope because it is designed to exact tolerances. It also has zero errors in design and quality.

The exceptional features of this scope are the first focal plane reticle with a large objective lens. The 56 mm objective lens lets in maximum light to enhance the overall image quality. This allows you to use the scope effectively, even in low light conditions like dusk and dawn.

The other unique feature of this scope is the extremely fine Digillum PTL reticle. It is important to note that the reticle is illuminated and can be used in red and green colors.

It features a 5-25X magnification power that allows you to view images that are above 1000 yards.

The only downside is that it is a bit expensive, but the price should not be an obstacle if it fits your shooting requirements.

Features

  • It is a first focal plane reticle
  • It features a Digillium reticle in two illuminated colors
  • It is very easy to make adjustments

Pros

  • Used by the U.S. Military, known for its exact tolerances and zero design errors.
  • 56mm objective lens allows for excellent light transmission even in low-light conditions.
  • Ensures the reticle’s size remains consistent across all magnification levels.
  • Offers illumination in red and green, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions.
  • 5-25X magnification range suitable for long-range shooting.

Cons

  • Pricey

 

 

 

3) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope

Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope

 

 

 

The Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope comes with an illuminated reticle that allows you to use your rifle effectively in a wide range of lighting conditions.

The unique feature of this scope is the Twilight Max light management system. It offers crisp images in any lighting situation. In addition, it offers you 30 minutes of shooting, which is crucial during dawn/dusk hunting.

It is worth mentioning that the central multicoated lens provides you with excellent light transmission. This helps to reduce eyestrain, allowing you to aim precisely.

It comes with a 3-18x magnification ideal for close to long-range shooting applications. In addition, the large 50 mm objective lens lets in maximum brightness to enhance the image quality.

Features

  • It offers a wide zoom range.
  • It provides you with clear images even at high magnification levels.
  • It helps you to estimate the target’s distance quickly.

Pros

  • Provides clear images in low-light conditions and extends shooting time.
  • Offers excellent light transmission and reduces eyestrain.
  • 3-18X magnification provides versatility for different shooting scenarios.
  • Maximizes brightness and image quality.

Cons

  • Reticle could be better

 

 

4) Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope

Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope

 

 

 

The next scope we will discuss in today’s guide is the Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope. The quality build ensures that this scope will last for a very long time. This helps to withstand impact and powerful recoil.

This scope also features the signature Twilight Max coating to gather light. This allows you to use your rifle effectively, even in low lighting conditions. The coating also eliminates glare for excellent lens clarity.

This versatile scope can be used for hunting big game, as it provides you with clear glass to provide you with edge-to-edge crispness and good image quality.  You can also use it for target shooting.

In addition, you are provided with a generous amount of eye relief to protect your eye, even at high magnification ranges. The DiamondCoat 2 lens coating on the exterior lens surface improves abrasion resistance and light transmission.

Features

  • It is constructed from durable materials to ensure longevity.
  • It is very lightweight.
  • It offers good eye relief to protect you from recoil.

Pros

  • Quality construction to withstand impact and recoil.
  • Enhances low-light performance and eliminates glare.
  • Provides generous eye relief for shooter comfort.
  • Suitable for hunting big game and target shooting.
  • Improves abrasion resistance and light transmission.

Cons

  • Moderate magnification range compared to some other scopes.

 

 

5) Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18×50 Rifle Scope

Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50

 

 

The Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18×50 Rifle Scope is a reliable high-end scope ideal for close to long-range shooting applications. It is compatible with the .300 WSM to help you improve your shooting experience at varying distances.

This scope also includes Zeiss’s trademark LotuTec and T* coatings. They provide excellent light transmission and shelter the scope at the same time.

It features a 50mm objective lens and a 30mm central tube to offer you the best clarity. The 3-18x magnification for target focusing regardless of the distance of your preferred object.

You can use this scope in any weather because it is argon purged with nitrogen gas. This ensures that it is fog proof. It is very easy to use and includes innovative ballistic turrets that allow you to make the necessary changes.

Features

  • It includes O-ring seals to prevent water droplets from penetrating
  • It is made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
  • It includes an innovative protective coating

Pros

  • High-End Quality: Reliable scope suitable for varying distances.
  • Coating Technology: LotuTec and T* coatings for excellent light transmission and lens protection.
  • 50mm Objective Lens: Provides clarity and brightness.
  • Argon Purged: Fog-proof design for use in any weather.
  • Innovative Ballistic Turrets: Allows for easy adjustments.

Cons

  • Expensive

 

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Factors to Consider When Shopping for the Best Scope for 300 WSM

Here are the important factors you need to consider:

  • Magnification – For you to hit targets beyond 1000 yards, you need to buy a scope that has high magnification. High magnification scopes allow you to hit targets at varying distances. Most gun enthusiasts prefer variable magnification settings. This is because they provide you with the flexibility you need for long-range shooting applications. However, you should buy the one that is appropriate for your intended use of the rifle.
  • Extended eye relief – We recommend buying a scope that has extended eye relief across all the magnification levels. This helps to avoid eyestrain and ensures your eyes are protected from heavy recoil bumps. This is very important because the .300 WSM produces uncontrollable recoil.
  • Quick focus eyepiece – It is important to buy a scope with a fast focus eyepiece that allows you to acquire moving targets. This is very important if you will use the scope for long-range hunting applications.
  • Warranty – It is important to purchase a scope that comes with an impressive warranty package because long-range scopes are expensive. This ensures that your scope is replaced or repaired if it is damaged. Some scopes come with limited warranties while others come with lifetime warranties.
  • Parallax adjustment – When buying a long-range scope, you need one that offers parallax correction. This makes it easy for you to hit moving targets at extended ranges.
  • Reticle – For long-range shooting applications, it is important to buy a scope that is fitted with a high-quality reticle that better suits your needs. You need a scope that allows you to easily adjust for better accuracy and precision to eliminate any guesswork in your shooting applications.
  • High-quality glass – When buying any scope, it is important to look at the quality of the glass. This is because it affects the image quality. We recommend buying a scope fitted with scratch-resistant glass for a clearer and unobstructed field of view.
  • Price – It is important to buy a scope that will provide you with real value for the money you spend. You need to buy a high-quality red dot sight that will provide you with a relentless performance each time you use it.

 

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Conclusion

In summary, we have checked some of the best scopes for .300 WSM. We know that it can be a daunting task to find a reliable scope for this caliber. This is why we created this guide to help you make a well-informed purchase.

We have also gone a step ahead to include some of the important things you need to keep in mind when shopping for a .300 WSM. They will help you to find a reliable model designed to deliver value for the money you spend.

However, you should know that not all scopes are the same. This is because each one comes with different features. This means that you need to define your requirements first to make the overall process easier.

We hope that this post provided you with all the information you needed to make a well-informed purchase.

 

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