I need some help setting up my 338 win mag

[PennStateCarry]

Hey guys,

I just picked up a Weatherby Vanguard in 338 win mag and I want to get a quality optic for it. I don't plan on shooting much over 300-400 yards since it's mainly going to be a gun for hunting moose, brown bear, and maybe mulies. In all reality, I probably would only shoot it that far at the range.

Right now I'm thinking about the Leupold VX2 CDS 3-9x40 as well as the Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 BDC. I've heard a lot of good things about Vortex as well, but don't know too much about them.

I was looking at the Evolution Gun Works 0 MOA base and thinking about just throwing a set of Leupold rings on it. What do you all think/ suggest?

Thanks!

[Corey G]

I am a fan of Nikon, but have heard they have been struggling of late in the quality department. Lifetime warranty Is always a seller for me from Nikon. I always stuck with the Monarch and other higher end then prostaff. Not sure 9x is going to be enough at 300-400 yards, depending on your goals.

[PA1936MN]

I think 9x is a pipe dream at those distances.

You may want to think about 12x or 16x.

[PennStateCarry]

I think 9x is a pipe dream at those distances.

You may want to think about 12x or 16x.

I've shot a few open field PA deer between 250-350 yards with an old Bushnel 3-9x40 with my 270 win. Do you think it will be that much different with a 338? It's a 200 dollar difference to go up the mag in the Leupolds

[usmc21]

at 400 yards a 3-12 scope would work fine, 3x9 is doable but it would be nice to have to extra magnification for more difficult shots.

most of the shots I have taken on deer is under 100 yards at 3x due to the thickness of the woods, now if you have huge open fields then the extra magnification would pay off for you.

[PennStateCarry]

at 400 yards a 3-12 scope would work fine, 3x9 is doable but it would be nice to have to extra magnification for more difficult shots.

most of the shots I have taken on deer is under 100 yards at 3x due to the thickness of the woods, now if you have huge open fields then the extra magnification would pay off for you.

Do you have any recommendations on a decent 12x that's in the ball park of $300ish?

[animalmother85]

A 9x should take you to 900 meters if you know how to shoot. 1x per 100 meters.

Go with a 20moa base. You may not need it, but it won't hurt you, it will only help down the road if you want to push further out.

[usmc21]

Nikon monarch 4x16x42 $400 at optics planet.

good glass
good reliability
close to your price range

[usmc21]

A 9x should take you to 900 meters if you know how to shoot. 1x per 100 meters.

Go with a 20moa base. You may not need it, but it won't hurt you, it will only help down the road if you want to push further out.

shooting 900 meters and 20 moa base is not necessary or needed in this case, as the farthest he is shooting in 400 yards and is hunting.

[aubie515]

Having higher magnification isn't going to make you a better shooter. If you cannot hit animals as large as moose with a 3x9 optic...you better go get your eyes checked.

The military used to issue 10x and those shooters were shooting at 1,000 yards.

I think 9x is a pipe dream at those distances.

You may want to think about 12x or 16x.

OP didn't mention budget, but it looks like budget max is around $300.

You would be hard pressed to find a better optic for $300 by choosing something other than SWFA 12x is my personal choice. Keep in mind it's a fixed 12x versus being a variable.

Nikon makes ok glass at that price point. If it was my money, I'd opt for a Vortex and call it a day. I've owned Nikons in the past, but these days Vortex always get first consideration.