The .300 Blackout cartridge has become a favorite among hunters for its impressive versatility—delivering both supersonic power and subsonic stealth in a lightweight, low-recoil package. But to get the most out of your 300 BLK rifle, you need a scope that matches its unique strengths. Whether you’re hunting hogs, deer, coyotes, or just want an all-purpose woods rifle, the right optic makes a world of difference. This guide covers the best scopes for 300 Blackout hunting, what features matter most, and how to choose a scope that makes every shot count—near or far, suppressed or unsuppressed.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Crossfire II 1-4×24 V-Brite — Versatile, fast, and ideal for close-to-mid-range hunting.
- Best Value: Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 ACSS — Unique reticle, bullet drop and wind holds, and superb value.
- Best for Low Light: Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 — Legendary glass, super light, and fast in the woods.
- Best for Suppressed & Subsonic: Trijicon MRO Green Dot — Ultra-fast dot for close hunting and suppressed setups.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Scope for 300 Blackout Hunting
- Magnification: The .300 BLK shines from 0 to 200 yards, so 1-4x, 1-6x, or 2-7x is perfect. If you hunt open country, 3-9x is the max you’ll need.
- Reticle Type: Simple duplex, BDC, or illuminated reticles help you hold for different loads and distances. The best reticles let you estimate drop for both supersonic and subsonic ammo.
- Light Gathering: Most 300 BLK hunting is done in low light—look for high-quality glass, generous exit pupil, and (if possible) an illuminated reticle or dot.
- Eye Relief & Compactness: Short, lightweight scopes balance best on AR-15s, bolt guns, and pistols. More eye relief helps for fast shots and using with a suppressor.
- Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof are non-negotiable—most 300 BLK hunting is up close and often in tough conditions.
- Battery Life (for illuminated/dot scopes): Aim for long battery life and auto-off features for peace of mind in the field.
- Mounting: Make sure your scope fits your rifle—ARs need extra mounting length or cantilever mounts, bolt guns can use lower rings.
- Price: Great options are available from $150–$600. Avoid ultra-cheap optics—invest in reliability and clarity for hunting success.
Detailed Product Reviews
Vortex Crossfire II 1-4×24 V-Brite
Who It’s For: Hunters wanting a classic, reliable low-power variable optic for hogs, deer, or predators with their 300 Blackout.
- Key Benefits:
- 1-4x zoom—fast for close shots, enough reach for 150-200 yards
- V-Brite illuminated reticle—perfect for low light or dark targets
- 30mm tube for better light transmission and easier mounting
- Fully multi-coated glass, waterproof/fogproof construction
- Backed by Vortex’s lifetime VIP warranty
- Pros:
- Quick target acquisition
- Bright, daylight-visible center dot
- Great value for the money
- Cons:
- Not as much zoom as 1-6x or 1-8x models
- Slightly heavier than some ultralight scopes
Final Verdict: A proven “workhorse” for 300 BLK hunting—fast, clear, and tough. See latest price
Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 ACSS
Who It’s For: Shooters who want advanced holds for both supersonic and subsonic loads, with one of the most versatile reticles on the market.
- Key Benefits:
- 1-6x zoom—bigger field of view up close, more reach out to 250 yards
- ACSS 300BLK/7.62×39 reticle—built-in BDC for both ammo types
- Illuminated center for dawn/dusk hunting
- Rugged, waterproof construction, includes lifetime warranty
- Pros:
- Fast target acquisition and ranging
- Superb value and performance for the price
- Great for AR-15 platforms
- Cons:
- Heavier than a red dot or prism
- BDC reticle is busy for those who prefer minimal designs
Final Verdict: Best for shooters who want precise holds and flexibility—especially for handloaders or subsonic shooters. See latest price
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20
Who It’s For: Hunters who want a lightweight, classic scope with top-tier glass and absolute reliability in tough weather.
- Key Benefits:
- Leupold Twilight Light Management for maximum brightness
- 1.5-4x zoom—great for quick shots in thick cover
- Weighs just 9.6 oz—perfect for lightweight ARs and carbines
- Simplest reticle for fast, instinctive aiming
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Pros:
- Class-leading glass quality
- Lightweight and perfectly balanced
- Gold Ring lifetime warranty
- Cons:
- No illumination
- Less zoom than 1-6x or 3-9x scopes
Final Verdict: Perfect for traditional hunters and those who want the lightest possible setup. See latest price
Trijicon MRO Green Dot
Who It’s For: Hunters using suppressed or subsonic 300 BLK, or anyone wanting the fastest possible target acquisition at 0–100 yards.
- Key Benefits:
- Large 25mm objective—huge field of view and brightness
- Bright, daylight-visible green dot—faster on game in any light
- Battery lasts up to 5 years—no worries on long hunts
- Weighs just 4.1 oz, mounts low or high on ARs or bolts
- Bombproof durability and waterproofing
- Pros:
- Instant target acquisition
- Unbeatable for quick, close hunting
- Can co-witness with BUIS on AR-15s
- Cons:
- No magnification for longer shots
- Not ideal for open country or 150+ yard hunting
Final Verdict: The go-to optic for fast, close shots—especially with subsonics or suppressors. See latest price
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Reticle | Illuminated | Weight | Best For | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II 1-4×24 | 1-4x | V-Brite | Yes | 16 oz | All-around hunting | Vortex VIP |
| Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 | 1-6x | ACSS BDC | Yes | 16.9 oz | Supersonic/subsonic | PA Lifetime |
| Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 | 1.5-4x | Duplex | No | 9.6 oz | Low light, lightweight | Leupold Gold Ring |
| Trijicon MRO Green Dot | 1x | Green Dot | Yes | 4.1 oz | Subsonic, close, suppressed | Trijicon Limited |
How to Choose the Right Scope for 300 Blackout Hunting
- Match your ammo and ranges: 1-4x or 1-6x for mixed subsonic/supersonic use. Red dots or 1x for close, fast, or suppressed hunting.
- Pick your reticle wisely: BDC or ACSS are best for variable loads; duplex for simplicity and speed.
- Prioritize brightness and durability: Good glass and illumination beat “max zoom” for most 300 BLK hunting.
- Consider your rifle platform: ARs need shorter, lighter optics with proper mounts; bolt guns can use more traditional scopes.
- Think about future upgrades: If you plan to run suppressed/subsonic, a red dot or illuminated LPVO is best.
FAQ
What’s the best magnification for 300 Blackout hunting?
1-4x or 1-6x is perfect for most hunting with 300 BLK. You get a wide field of view, fast shots, and enough reach for 100–200 yards. Only go higher for open country or precision shooting.
Do I need an illuminated reticle?
It helps in low light and against dark targets. The Vortex V-Brite, Primary Arms ACSS, and Trijicon MRO all offer excellent illumination for dawn, dusk, or woods hunting.
Can these scopes handle magnum recoil?
Yes—all are built to withstand heavy use, and are more than enough for 300 BLK, which is mild on scopes compared to larger calibers.
What mounts do I need for an AR-15 in 300 Blackout?
Look for a cantilever mount for LPVOs or a high/absolute co-witness mount for red dots. Proper eye relief and alignment are key for fast, accurate shooting.
Are these scopes good for hogs, deer, and varmints?
Absolutely! All are selected for versatility—whether you’re hunting hogs, deer, coyotes, or running and gunning on the farm.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The .300 Blackout is one of the most adaptable hunting rounds around—but only if you pair it with the right optic. The Vortex Crossfire II gives you all-around performance and speed. The Primary Arms SLx is best for shooters who mix supersonic and subsonic loads. The Leupold VX-Freedom is a classic for the woods, while the Trijicon MRO is king for quick shots and suppressed setups. Pick your favorite, sight it in, and hit the field knowing your rifle is ready for anything!
Want a custom pick for your rifle build, hunting area, or budget? Just ask—I’ll tailor your 300 Blackout scope guide for your next hunt!