The Best Scopes for 243 in 2022

The best scope for .243 is what you need for the .243 Winchester, which is a popular choice among shooters or hunters who love precision for target shooting at short- or long-range shots. However, there are many of them right now on the market.

They are from different brands offering different models for their .243 scopes, each with varying features including reticle, magnification, multicoated lenses, objective lens diameter, weight, and length and tube size.

So like shopping for other hunting gears, such as lever-action shotgun or Winchester, you should also carefully consider your options. For one, the right scope will give you a satisfying hunting or tactical shooting experience. Also, it will help you acquire your target easier and faster.

For this reason, we have come up with a buying guide, featuring the top picks in the category along with the things to look for when comparing your choices. We’re also discussing some of the most frequently asked questions about .243 scopes. If you’re ready, let’s begin.

First, let’s take a look at the top-rated 243 scopes, then we’ll talk about how to choose the right one for you in our buying guide below.

Best Scopes for 243 in 2021

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 BDC (MOA) Riflescope

The .243 caliber specific scope is one of the best picks around for hunting. It has the solid features and top performance that will give you long years of service. The 4-12×40 scope with 40 mm objective lens is a standard for view precision and excellent targeting.

This Diamondback 4-12×40 is also a top pick among hunting enthusiasts because it is versatile and easy to use. You can use the riflescope for varmint/predator, big game, slug shotgun, and muzzleloader as well as in long-range applications. So for those who want to get more of their money, they opt for the Vortex Optics when choosing their riflescope for the .234 rifle.

The model also has a good magnification range that you can use it for close up or long shooting Range shots. So if you love to hunt, you can have peace of mind that you’re getting a scope that is good for the purpose. It can shoot at different ranges especially in situations where estimating the hold-over would become an issue.

Dead hold BDC reticle for wide range shooting purposes. Using it, you can have peace of mind that you will have a rewarding hunting activity. I also liked that it has an excellent eyepiece that allows for quick and easy refocusing. I noticed that the riflescope also has multicoated lenses, offering clear and bright images, allowing us to see our target without any hassles.

It is also made with zero-reset turrets that are useful for its ability to reset to zero once done sighting in.

On a little drawback, this scope’s eyepiece can be a little fussy when used at a high magnification.

But overall, it is one of the most reliable choices if you’re looking for a scope for your .243 rifle. You might want to take a look at it for its performance and quality.

Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm BDC Reticle Riflescope

The Nikon Buckmasters II is comparable to models with mil-dot reticles when it comes to precision and power. It is also a great pick if you want a target shooting that will be able to supply you with an excellent magnification range of 4-12X, making it a perfect fit for most hunting situations.

It is also a favorite among deer hunters because it can offer them with an excellent zoom. This model can also offer the clarity and brightness known of the brand for its multi-coated lenses. I noticed that it also has a generous eye relief, offering us with added safety and protection especially from heavy recoil.

I also liked the ballistic circles offering us with great view even for a long range shooting. And when it comes to short-range shots, the scope is also reliable especially that its cross hair is the aiming point.

The multi-coated optics also let us to hunt with ease from dawn to dusk without any hassles. It can also offer us with bright sight picture, which helps for achieving hi-resolution images even when hunting at poor conditions. The scope with patented BDC reticle allows us to get more of our hunting activity.

It also has a versatile range for magnification, which suits most types of situations, ranging from a heavy timber to an open prairie. Finally, this model is also durable that it is also shockproof, fog proof and waterproof.

On a drawback, the product is expensive, though.

But overall, you should take a second look at the Buckmasters II series because it offers clarity and brightness, precise targeting and a worthwhile hunting experience. This scope with the Nikon’s BDC Reticle also lets us target even at ranges more than what hunters thought was possible.

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 Plex (MOA) Riflescope

The Vortex Optics with V-Plex reticle is also one of the top offerings from the brand that is a staple among hunters and tactical professionals who want a durable and reliable scope that they can use for many purposes. In fact, this model is made with a general-purpose reticle, which is aimed for use in a wide range of hunting applications, including shooting at 100 yards.

Especially if you’re a beginner, you must choose the best scope that will give you the most of your hunting experience. This scope is at a good price range among rifles scopes for .243.

This model is a part of the Crossfire II line, one its many configurations that has long eye relief. The Crossfire II riflescope is also one of the best in terms of helping you achieve a clear sight picture for acquiring your target better. I also like its quick focus eyepiece that allows for an easy focusing of the reticle.

More so, the rimfire scope is made with multicoated and anti-reflective lenses providing us with clear and bright views, so we can shoot even at longer ranges with the long range scope.

For added durability, this unit is nitrogen-purged and has an O-ring sealing that makes it a better choice than other units on the market are.

However, this model is a bit pricey, though.

But still, you’ll not regret choosing it because it has solid features, such as finger adjustable MOA clicks allowing for quick zero reset once done sighting in. This scope is also designed with a single-piece tube made from heavy-duty and aircraft grade aluminum, ensuring shockproof and strong performance.

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 EBR-2C (MOA) Riflescope

Hunters love the Viper PST Gen II for its great tactical features and solid performance. For one, it has a good magnification range of between 3 and 15, making it a top choice even for low lighting conditions.

These rifle scopes are designed and built for close up and long range applications, so you can depend on it even for shooting at more than 200 yards. This model is also designed with laser-etched turrets that are ideal for those who dial these for wind compensation and bullet drop.

I also like that the Vortex scope has RZR zero stop and parallax adjustments, adding to convenience of use even beginners will appreciate. In addition, I noticed it has rotation indicator, helping us ensure that we can monitor our turret position easier. So when choosing .243 caliber scopes, you might want to take a second look at the scope with a reticle, which offers detailed holding zero points, intuitive and functional.

This scope also remains uncluttered for precise viewing field and has 10 intensity levels that have off positions in each setting. Its Armotek coating also makes it fogproof and waterproof for many years of service.

On a little drawback, this scope can be hard to mount the first time for beginners.

But overall, it is one of the best in terms of solid performance and high functionality that proves valuable for our hunting expeditions.

Bushnell 3-9x40mm Trophy XLT Multi-X Reticle Riflescope

This product also has a 40-millimeter objective lens plus a multi X reticle, offering precise and clear sight picture of the target. The Riflescope that offers us with 91 percent light transmission for a clear view all the time.

The model also has ¼ MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation. In addition, it has a multi-X reticle, which can ensure of accurate results especially for big game hunting. You will also appreciate that this product is built for heavy-duty and long-term use.

More so, the XLT Multi-X Reticle Riflescope model is also designed with Butler Creek flip-up caps, which can shield the lenses from any fogging or water.

The scope that is also ideal for night vision deserves to become a part of this buying guide because it is also an excellent optics offering accuracy in the field. It also features a strong one-piece tube construction, adding to its stability.

You can also rely on it even when used at crucial, low lighting conditions. Finally, I liked that the XLT Trophy Riflescope also features a quick focus eyepiece and multiple coated optics.

On the cons, the scope can take a little time to get used to it especially among beginners.

But despite its downside, the XLT Multi-X Reticle Riflescope is the versatile pick for hunters who want a reliable riflescope for the 243 WSSM rifles that they can use for big game hunting. It is also by a top brand that manufactures the industry’s best scopes for a tactical rifle.

Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Riflescope

This riflescope is versatile for its 3:11 zoom ratio erector, which is useful enough for many shooting or hunting situations. You can have peace of mind that you are having a good choice when you picked this Leupold VX-1 that also has a good magnification range between 3 to 9, proving it useful for both close up or long-range shooting.

I also noticed that the Leupold scope is made with adjustments for windage and elevation, offering us with supreme dependability and repeatability even if used frequently over a lifetime.

More so, I believe it is heavy-duty not only for its solid materials but also for its fogproof and waterproof build. You can also depend on it for many uses and applications because it is built to deal with all types of weather conditions and even in low lighting.

So if you’re an avid hunter that wants to get more of your adventures, you should not miss but take a second look at the Leupold VX-.1, which has an O-ring sealing

It is also designed with the Multicoated 4 lens system that can offer us with precision and clear view of the field. This feature also allows for bright sight picture even if we’re shooting at a low lighting condition.

On a drawback, beginners might have to take some time to get a little getting used to with the scope.

But despite that, it is one of the most reliable choices if you want to make use of a solidly performing riflescope that will help you have a rewarding hunting experience.

What Makes a Great 243 Scope?

Whether you’re shopping around for bullets or any other supplies for your weapon, you should know what makes each of them a good choice. The same goes with a .243 Winchester rifle. It should have the qualities that make it a great pick in the category.

For one, it should be ideal for your budget. It is not to say that you should buy the cheapest one or to pick the most expensive among the choices. When trying to narrow down your choices, you’d be better off with scopes that have the features you need but without breaking the bank.

A good scope for the rifle .243 is one that also has multicoated lenses, allowing for optimal light transmission. In this case, you won’t have a hard time to see a target because the lens can provide a clear and bright view.

Another thing that makes a 150 yards or 1000 yards scope is the ease of use feature. The scope should not be hard to mount or set on your desired settings.

One also has a good magnification range so that you can see clearly and acquire your target better either for short- or long-range shots. For example, a scope for the .243 that has higher range will let you see in more detail and at a farther distance.

Overall, these are some of the things that make a good riflescope for the .243. At the end of the day, your scope should be ideal for your situation and purpose. It has the functions and features that can make it a great pick for your hunting adventures.

What Magnification Do You Need?

While shooting skills is one of the most important in hunting and shooting, whether short range or long range, they’re not enough if your scope does not aid you well. If it does not have enough power to assist you, especially in terms of clarity and brightness for long range shots.

Also, the magnification should also be enough even if you’re not planning to go for farther yardage. Nevertheless, you need a scope with proper magnification for correct locking on a small target. So as you might have already known, a higher magnification is needed for a further target.

For example, for a range of at least 350 yards, you need all the magnification and power for clarity. The choice of magnification should be higher especially if going for a small target. For it, you need 9X or above. And then, you have to counter the disadvantage of the distance with the lenses for the larger scope in order to achieve max light absorption and for an excellent clarity. In this case, you will need 40mm lenses.

On the other hand, you will still need zooming with a medium range of between 150 yards and 350 yards. For this range, you will do well with a scope with between 5 and 9X, which are enough for medium range distances. But for the close range of less than 150 yards, a range of magnification from 1 to 4X will be enough.

There you have what to know about the types of magnification you need based on the shooting range distance that you have to deal with for a precise targeting.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Scope for 243

There are certain things to know about when buying a riflescope suitable for the .243. In the following, let’s discuss the things to check on when considering your options so that you can come up with the right choice later.

Magnification

When choosing a riflescope, you should also take a look at the magnification power that will help you see clearly when viewing and trying to acquire your target. For instance, a scope with a power of four will mean that you can see the target four times closer to you than without the scope. So if you are looking at a deer at 50 meters away, you can see it at 12.5 m when using a riflescope.

If you’re planning to use a scope on the rifle, you must decide about the places you’re hunting and the target you’re hunting. Lower magnification scopes are good enough because of short distance targets. Most of the hunters shooting at 100 yards or less can do well with scopes that have between three and nine magnification range.

On the other hand, if you will be shooting at long distances, you will need to zoom for at least 12X if using full scale rifles. But then, off hand shooting with a lower powered scope will do good at a magnification at least 10X.

Construction

Aside from reticle, like a mil-dot reticle, you should also check on the body or tube of the scope, usually at a range of 25mm, 34mm or 30mm. However, it will also vary based on the type and brand. For example, a larger tube scope will give more space for the parts of the riflescope as well as be able to increase adjustment range that you need for long-distances shooting.

Plus, you have to take note that you also need special mounting rings for the larger tube scopes, not to mention they’re also limited. At the very least, good scopes are argon or nitrogen purged, preventing any fogging. They are also shockproof and waterproof.

Focal plane and reticle

In addition to the above features, you should be able to compare scopes for the .243 rifles through their retile and focal plane. But in addition to reticles such as BDC reticle or mil dot reticle, you must also choose for the position of the reticle that can be on the first or second focal plane.

For example, if the reticle is at the FFP or first focal plane, it only means that it keeps the same perspective with the size of the target, and that is throughout the range of magnification. This feature is preferred by people who are into long range shooting.

On the other hand, the reticle may be located in the second focal plane, and it means that if you are going to increase the zoom, your target will look bigger even if the reticle will keep the same size.

Price

Another factor to consider when choosing a scope for the .243 rifle is its price that can also help you save time because you don’t need to browse for the products that go beyond the price range you have set for in buying your scope. And in the process, you will also be able to compare each of their features, which can help you in making a better decision in buying your first scope.

Objective lens

The larger the objective lens also means greater amount of light can the riflescope for a better performance even when shooting or hunting at low-light conditions. Most objective lens has a range between 20mm and 72mm. However, you should take note that those system with 50mm glass bell or larger will need scope, which must be mounted on a scope mount higher.

In all cases, you should try mounting a scope lower and without the bell having contact to the barrel. But for max brightness, remember that the lenses must be protected with lens coating and must have layers on all surfaces, air to glass. It is called fully multicoated lenses, the highest coating level.

Eye relief

One of the things that you must also look for when shopping around for a .243 riflescope is the eye relief because it adds safety. You might want to avoid scopes that only have up to 3.5 inches of this component especially that it is dangerous for use in high recoiling rifles. You can avoid scope eyes if you are going to choose a model that has a more generous eye relief when dealing with a higher caliber weapon.

There you have some of the things to look into when buying you riflescope for the .243 that will help in comparing and weighing your options. Some of them include the price, reticle and focal plane, magnification, objective lens and eye relief. Be able to choose one that suits your requirements so that you can get more of your hunting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Sight in a .243 Rifle with a Scope

You should get the rifle on paper if it is a new rifle. In order to do it, you should get the scope and your barrel and have them aligned. You can make use of a boreighter or a collimator to help you on this especially for actions that it is not possible to look down your barrel from a breech. For example, with a bolt-action, you can get rough alignment through boresighting.

Take the bolt out or open the action on a single shot. Then, you can set the rifle in a steady rest. The next thing is to put up a short distance target just within the round view through the barrel. Line up the barrel on your target, but make sure it is steady. Look through the sights. Next, you can start moving the sights using its adjustments until you can see the exact picture you can sight through the barrel. Shoot.

You should then think about the load you want to use before going through the sighting in. When done, you can decide on the point of impact, load and distance before fine-tuning now that your rifle is in zero. You can zero in at 100 yards for sighting in once you’ve decided on the load. Based on the cartridge, it will put you dead on at most 225 yards. Today, many shooters also try to sight in at three inches high at 100 yards.

Choose a good technique to eliminate human error. For example, you might want to use a steady rest and be sure to take your time. Also, do not forget cleaning the rifle after at most 20 shots. When done, you must also fire some fouling shots to keep the zero.

Remember to clean the rifle at the range to keep the zero as much as possible before going for rifle hunting. Clean your barrel and then fire fouling shots to check the zero again.

What Size of Scope is Best for Deer Hunting with a .243

This is another question from hunters or shooters that want to target deer. First of all, you need to remember that a big objective lens will let more light in; however, it will be with a heavier weight, bigger size and higher cost. You should also know that big objective bells would force a scope high off barrels, which will also force you to off the comb. But then, today’s scopes with anti-reflective coatings are enough to show the reticle when targeting a deer even at low lighting conditions if 4 mm or larger is exit pupil.

As a tip, you should try to be as comfortable with the rifle and scope you’re using to be confident with it when the hunting season comes. It goes to show that the scope should fit your needs well, and for that, you have to be realistic and honest with yourself.

In general, most hunters reveal that 90% of the mule deer, elk, whitetails and coyotes that they shoot are not more than 300 yards away. And to find these games, they have to trudge, walk and even crawl for a long time. However, it will be difficult if your scope is very heavy. You should avoid buying a scope that is more than you need. And as a general tip, you should avoid bulkier and larger scopes that have less power and smaller objectives because they can cause an imbalance top your rifle.

What is a Good Scope for a .243 Shooting 300 Yards

Shooting at 300 yards is further than what is ideal for beginners. However, there are times when they have to take longer shots. Generally, you should look for multi-coated lenses, at least 4X magnification power and at least 32mm objective lens.

These are only some of the specifications to check on so that you can get a clear image to take good shots even at long range shots like 300 yards. While you can of course take longer shots with a less powerful riflescope, you don’t have to make things difficult. Aside from that, a less powerful scope for your shot placement might be insufficient for a kill.

You also need to remember that a longer-range shot will need a better clarity and more power, so you should think about the quality of the spotting scope when shopping around for a good scope for a .243 when shooting at 300 yards. Take note of these things when trying to choose your .243 scope for longer-range shots.

Leupold VX-2 4-12x40mm Compact Riflescope vs. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 BDC (MOA) Riflescope

The Leupold VX-2 is a compact and durable riflescope with a duplex reticle and matte finish. It is a top rated scope, which is waterproof and fogproof. It is a good hunting scope featuring easy and quick parallax adjustments. It also boasts easy adjustments for proper windage and elevation. People also like it because it offers them with the clarity, contrast and brightness, allowing them to hunt in any conditions.

On the other hand, the Vortex Optics Diamondback is another top choice among hunters looking for an easy to use and reliable riflescope. It has the same 4-12×40 as with Leupold. It is designed and made with Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which is chosen for shooting and hunting at different ranges. This model also has precision turrets, offering hunters the ability to zero reset it after they’re done sighting in.

Sightron SIH Series 3-9×40 Rifle Scope, MIL-DOT vs. Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Riflescope

The Sightron SIH Series scope has a mil dot reticle and features an all-weather construction, making it a favorite among hunters for its versatility and ease of use. This 3-9×40 scope model is also designed and built with an SIH series multicoated lenses. The SIH39X40MD also includes a lens cover and with a non-adjustable objective.

On the other hand, the Leupold VX-1 offers precision and clarity to shooters who want a clear and bright image of their target even at low lighting condition. Just like the first, the Leupold is also durable because it has a fog proof and waterproof ability, making it ready for many years of service.

Conclusion

Are you ready to buy your scope for .243? We do hope our buying guide will help you compare your options for these scopes and later decide on which one is right for your needs. You can start with your search using the top picks we have reviewed above, each with their pros and cons. Also, you can refer to the section where we have highlighted the factors, including the focal plane and reticle, price and magnification, to name some.

By using our reviews for the best scope for .243, we do hope you can pick which one is good for your shooting and hunting needs. As at the end of the day, you should choose based on what will work for you based on your plans of using the scope, your skill level and other things you deemed useful when comparing your options.

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