The .300 Winchester Magnum is a legend among North American hunters. Known for its flat trajectory, serious energy, and long-range performance, it’s a favorite for elk, moose, mule deer, and big game at any distance. But the .300 Win Mag’s power and reach also demand a scope that can handle hard recoil, offer crystal-clear images, and track accurately at long range. If you want to get the most out of your rifle this season, here’s the guide to the best scopes for .300 Win Mag hunting in every terrain and budget.
Quick Picks
- Best All-Around: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
- Best Long Range: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
- Best Value: Burris Veracity 3-15×50
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great .300 Win Mag Scope?
The .300 Win Mag opens up shots from 50 yards to 500+ yards. Your optic must keep up. Here’s what to look for:
- Magnification: 3-15x or 4-16x covers woods to mountains. If you hunt wide-open spaces, 5-25x or even higher lets you maximize the cartridge’s reach.
- Objective Lens: 44mm–50mm gathers light for dawn/dusk shooting. Bigger lenses mean more brightness, but also add weight.
- Reticle: Choose a BDC, MOA/Mil hash, or illuminated reticle for fast holdovers and low-light shots. FFP (first focal plane) reticles keep subtensions accurate at any zoom, ideal for long range.
- Turret System: Look for zero-stop turrets or custom dial systems if you shoot at varying ranges. Ballistic turrets let you dial precise dope for any distance.
- Durability: The scope must be shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. The .300 Win Mag kicks hard, so your optic must hold zero and survive real-world abuse.
- Eye Relief: At least 3.5 inches is a must for magnum recoil. Scopes with generous eye box are safer and more forgiving in the field.
- Warranty & Brand Reputation: Top brands like Leupold, Vortex, and Burris offer lifetime protection and proven field service.
Pick a scope that matches your hunting style: lightweight for mountain hunters, high-magnification for bean field shooters, and a solid, no-nonsense reticle for fast target acquisition.
Top Scopes for .300 Win Mag Hunting
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
Why it’s the best all-around: The VX-5HD is a high-performance scope built for hard-recoiling rifles and serious hunters. The 3-15x zoom gives you all the flexibility for close timber or open ridges, while Leupold’s Twilight Max HD light management system makes low-light shots clear and bright. The CDS-ZL2 elevation dial lets you set your ballistics for quick adjustments out to 600+ yards. The Firedot illuminated reticle is easy to see at dawn and dusk, and the whole optic is waterproof, fogproof, and super lightweight for backcountry hunters.
- 3-15x magnification for all hunting scenarios
- 44mm objective for outstanding brightness
- Custom Dial System (CDS-ZL2) for fast, precise elevation
- Firedot illuminated reticle for low-light hunting
- Superb eye relief (3.7″–3.8″)
Pros:
- Crystal-clear glass in all conditions
- Ultra-lightweight for mountain or backcountry hunts
- Lifetime Leupold warranty
Cons:
- Premium price, but field-proven quality
- CDS dial requires custom turret (Leupold provides with serial/ballistic info)
Final Verdict: The most versatile scope for any .300 Win Mag hunter, balancing low-light clarity, lightweight design, and fast dialing for long shots.
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
Why it’s a long-range favorite: If you want to stretch your .300 Win Mag to its full long-range potential, the PST Gen II delivers. With 5-25x magnification and a huge 50mm objective, it’s built for precision on elk, mule deer, or targets at 500+ yards. The FFP EBR-2C reticle keeps your holdovers accurate at any power. Tactical turrets with zero stop make for fast, repeatable elevation changes, and the glass quality is excellent for this price range.
- 5-25x zoom for serious long-range hunting
- 50mm objective for maximum light
- First focal plane EBR-2C illuminated reticle
- Zero-stop tactical turrets
- Rugged, field-tested build
Pros:
- Extreme precision at any distance
- Great for dialing dope in real hunting conditions
- Excellent warranty and support from Vortex
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than all-around scopes
- Overkill for close-range or timber-only hunting
Final Verdict: The ultimate choice for bean field, canyon, or open country hunters who take shots past 400 yards and need repeatable accuracy.
Burris Veracity 3-15×50
Why it’s the best value: Burris Veracity scopes are rugged, clear, and priced well below the competition for what you get. The 3-15×50 model gives you a massive field of view for close shots but plenty of zoom for distant game. The Ballistic Plex E1 FFP reticle is fast and intuitive, with MOA wind and elevation holdovers built-in. It’s built to withstand heavy recoil and is waterproof, fogproof, and covered by Burris’s Forever Warranty.
- 3-15x zoom covers every .300 Win Mag hunting scenario
- 50mm objective for low-light and open-country shots
- FFP Ballistic E1 reticle for accurate holdovers
- Solid, reliable tracking and zero retention
Pros:
- Big, bright sight picture and generous eye relief
- Affordable for a top-tier hunting optic
- Super durable, even on magnum rifles
Cons:
- Bulkier than minimalist mountain scopes
- No illumination (but plenty bright for most hunts)
Final Verdict: Perfect for hunters who want serious .300 Win Mag performance without premium prices. Proven for elk, moose, and western hunts.
Other Notable Scopes
- Nikon Monarch M5 4-16×50: Super sharp, easy to dial, reliable for any North American big game.
- Sig Sauer Sierra 3BDX 4.5-14×44: Bluetooth rangefinder integration for tech-savvy hunters who want fast holdover correction.
- Nightforce SHV 4-14×50 F1: Legendary reliability and precision, but heavier and pricier than most hunting models.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Key Features | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-5HD CDS-ZL2 | 3-15x | 44mm | Custom dial, illumination, lightweight | All-around, mountain, elk | $1,000-$1,300 |
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II | 5-25x | 50mm | FFP, tactical turrets, illuminated | Long-range, open country | $900-$1,100 |
| Burris Veracity | 3-15x | 50mm | FFP, MOA holdover, big FOV | Big game, value | $600-$700 |
| Nikon Monarch M5 | 4-16x | 50mm | Sharp glass, easy dialing | All-around big game | $500-$650 |
| Sig Sauer Sierra 3BDX | 4.5-14x | 44mm | BDX tech, Bluetooth, ballistic | Tech, fast shots | $700-$900 |
| Nightforce SHV F1 | 4-14x | 50mm | FFP, legendary reliability | Extreme, open country | $1,100-$1,400 |
FAQ: .300 Win Mag Hunting Scopes
What magnification is best for .300 Win Mag?
3-15x covers 99% of hunting from timber to open country. Go higher (4-16x, 5-25x) for western or long-range hunts. Just remember that more zoom means more weight and bulk.
What kind of reticle works best for .300 Win Mag?
Simple BDC, hashmark MOA/Mil, or illuminated reticles work best. FFP is great for long-range, but SFP is fine if you shoot at one zoom most of the time.
How much eye relief do I need?
At least 3.5″—the .300 Win Mag can kick hard, especially from field positions. All scopes above are magnum-rated for recoil and safety.
Are illuminated reticles worth it?
They help a lot at dawn, dusk, or against dark targets. Most scopes above offer illuminated reticle models, and they’re a great choice for elk, moose, or heavy timber hunts.
Will these scopes hold zero on a .300 Win Mag?
Absolutely. All scopes in this guide are field-proven on magnum rifles and offer lifetime warranties.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best hunting scope for .300 Win Mag lets you shoot confidently anywhere—up close or across canyons. For unmatched clarity and versatility, the Leupold VX-5HD is a top performer that’ll last for decades. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II is perfect for long-range specialists, while the Burris Veracity delivers premium features at a price most hunters can reach. Whichever you choose, sight it in with your favorite hunting load, get comfortable at likely ranges, and you’ll be ready for any trophy hunt this year.