Finding the best long range scope for 300 weatherby mag means pairing one of the flattest shooting cartridges ever created with optics capable of exploiting its extraordinary ballistic performance. Roy Weatherby developed this powerhouse cartridge in 1944, and it remains one of the most potent and velocity-focused magnum cartridges available. Pushing 180 grain bullets past 3200 fps and 200 grain projectiles over 3000 fps, the 300 Weatherby Magnum delivers trajectory so flat that it barely drops 20 inches at 400 yards, making it absolutely devastating for long-range hunting and shooting.
The 300 Weatherby Magnum’s ballistic capabilities demand optics that can keep pace with its performance envelope. This cartridge is genuinely effective past 600 yards, and with premium bullets and proper technique, ethical shots on game extend well beyond 800 yards. You need magnification sufficient to clearly identify targets and see bullet impacts at extreme distances, typically in the 5-25x or 6-24x range. Equally important is massive internal adjustment range to handle the bullet drop that eventually catches up with even the flattest shooting cartridges.
Eye relief becomes critical when mounting scopes on 300 Weatherby rifles. This cartridge generates substantial recoil, typically around 35 to 40 foot pounds depending on rifle weight and load selection. That’s significantly more than a 30-06 and delivered with magnum intensity. You need generous eye relief, ideally 3.5 to 4 inches, to protect your face from scope bite during recoil, especially when shooting from field positions where form isn’t perfect. The scope must also be built tough enough to survive this punishing recoil without losing zero or suffering mechanical failure.
The 300 Weatherby’s extraordinary capabilities also demand quality glass that can resolve fine details at extreme distances. When you’re glassing a ridge at 700 yards trying to judge whether a bull elk is worth the stalk, optical clarity isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. You need optics with minimal chromatic aberration, excellent resolution, and strong contrast that helps you distinguish game from complex backgrounds. First focal plane reticles with precise holdover references become invaluable at these distances where dialing every shot may be impractical.
I’ve spent over two decades hunting with magnum cartridges and testing long-range optics from the mountains of Wyoming to the plains of Africa. The five scopes I’m recommending here have all proven themselves capable of handling the 300 Weatherby’s punishing recoil while delivering the optical performance and features needed to exploit this cartridge’s extraordinary long-range potential. These aren’t basic hunting scopes repurposed for long-range work. These are purpose-built precision optics designed for serious long-range shooting.
Best Scopes Comparison
| Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm | ED glass, ZeroStop, exceptional durability | Check Price |
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Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm | EBR-2C reticle, massive adjustment, premium glass | Check Price |
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Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm | M5C3 turrets, American made, professional grade | Check Price |
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Kahles K525i 5-25x56mm | Austrian glass, SKMR3 reticle, refined performance | Check Price |
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Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25x56mm | German perfection, legendary reliability, military heritage | Check Price |
After extensive testing with various 300 Weatherby rifles and thousands of rounds downrange at distances extending past 1000 yards, these five scopes stand out as the absolute best options for long-range work. Each delivers the optical excellence to see clearly at extreme distances, the mechanical precision for accurate adjustments, and the brutal durability to survive magnum recoil season after season.
1) Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm (Best Overall Long Range Scope for 300 Weatherby Mag)
The Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm represents the gold standard for long-range precision optics, combining American manufacturing excellence with features specifically designed for extreme-distance shooting. Nightforce built their reputation among military snipers and competitive precision rifle shooters, and the ATACR (Advanced Tactical Riflescope) embodies everything they’ve learned about what serious long-range shooters actually need. The 5-25x magnification range is perfectly matched to the 300 Weatherby’s capabilities, providing adequate field of view at 5x for closer work while extending to 25x for precise aiming and impact spotting at distances exceeding 1000 yards.
The optical quality of the ATACR is simply outstanding. Nightforce uses ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements that virtually eliminate chromatic aberration, delivering clean, crisp images even at maximum magnification. When you’re shooting at extreme distances where heat mirage and atmospheric conditions already degrade image quality, having optics that don’t add their own distortions becomes critical. Color fidelity is excellent, contrast is strong, and edge-to-edge sharpness remains consistent across the entire field of view. The massive 56mm objective gathers maximum light for extended shooting sessions.
What truly sets the ATACR apart is its mechanical reliability and precision. The ZeroStop elevation turret is brilliantly engineered, allowing you to dial through multiple rotations knowing you can always return to your zero instantly. The turrets track with absolute precision, and extensive independent testing has confirmed they’re among the most accurate available. Each click represents 0.1 mil of adjustment, and the tactile feedback is outstanding even with gloves. I’ve dialed these turrets through hundreds of adjustments during long-range shooting sessions, and they maintain zero perfectly.
The reticle options include several first focal plane designs with precise holdover references perfect for the 300 Weatherby’s trajectory. The Mil-XT reticle is particularly well-suited for long-range shooting, providing clean holdover points without excessive clutter. The illumination system is daylight-visible when needed but can be turned completely off to maximize battery life. The 34mm maintube provides enormous internal adjustment range, typically around 30 mils of elevation, which is more than sufficient to reach 1500 yards with the 300 Weatherby.
Build quality is absolutely bombproof. This scope was designed to survive combat conditions, so magnum recoil is nothing. The scope is waterproof to depths that would destroy lesser optics, and the nitrogen purging ensures zero internal fogging regardless of temperature extremes. At 38 ounces, it’s substantial, but that weight reflects capability and construction quality. Nightforce backs this scope with their lifetime warranty. For serious long-range shooters who demand absolute reliability paired with the 300 Weatherby’s performance, the ATACR delivers everything you need.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 5-25x |
| Objective Lens | 56mm |
| Tube Diameter | 34mm |
| Adjustment Range | ~30 MILS elevation |
| Turret System | ZeroStop |
| Reticle | Multiple FFP options |
| Weight | 38 ounces |
| Length | 15.9 inches |
Pros
- Exceptional optical quality with ED glass eliminates chromatic aberration
- ZeroStop turrets provide foolproof return to zero capability
- Bombproof construction survives magnum recoil indefinitely
- Massive 30 mil adjustment range handles extreme distances
- Military-proven reliability you can stake your life on
Cons
- Substantial weight may be excessive for lightweight mountain rifles
Ready to exploit your 300 Weatherby’s full long-range potential? The ATACR delivers professional-grade performance that serious long-range shooters demand. This scope will still be delivering precise adjustments and crystal-clear images decades from now when lesser optics have long since failed. Invest in proven excellence.
Check Price on Amazon2) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm (Best Value Long Range Scope for 300 Weatherby Mag)
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm delivers premium long-range performance at a price point that’s roughly half of what you’d pay for comparable European optics. Vortex has disrupted the high-end optics market by offering features and quality previously found only in scopes costing thousands more. The 4.5-27x magnification range extends slightly beyond the Nightforce, giving you that extra zoom for identifying small targets or reading mirage at extreme distances while maintaining adequate field of view at the low end for practical shooting drills.
The optical quality is genuinely impressive, punching well above the scope’s price point. Vortex uses HD glass with XR Plus anti-reflective coatings across all lens surfaces, delivering light transmission approaching 91 percent. The image clarity is excellent with strong color fidelity and contrast. Chromatic aberration is well controlled, though not quite as perfectly eliminated as the best European glass. The 56mm objective provides maximum light gathering for extended shooting sessions. Edge-to-edge sharpness is better than many scopes costing significantly more.
The EBR-2C MRAD reticle is one of the best-designed holdover reticles available for long-range shooting. It provides precise wind holds and elevation references through a Christmas tree-style grid that doesn’t clutter your view excessively. The subtensions are perfect for the 300 Weatherby’s trajectory, and being first focal plane, the measurements remain accurate at any magnification. I’ve used this reticle extensively for long-range shooting from 600 to 1200 yards, and it’s intuitive enough that you’ll be making accurate holds within minutes of mounting the scope.
The turrets are precision-machined with exceptional tactile feedback and proven tracking accuracy. Independent testing has confirmed these turrets track true across their enormous range, and they return to zero reliably after extensive dialing. The elevation turret features a zero-stop that’s easy to set and works flawlessly. Each click represents 0.1 mil of adjustment with crisp, positive feedback. The 34mm tube provides massive internal adjustment, typically around 27 mils of elevation, which handles the 300 Weatherby’s trajectory past 1500 yards.
Build quality reflects Vortex’s commitment to durability and their confidence in their VIP warranty. The one-piece 34mm tube is robust enough to handle magnum recoil indefinitely. The scope is fully waterproof and fogproof, built to survive harsh field conditions. At 48 ounces, this is a heavy scope, but that weight reflects its capability and construction. The VIP warranty covers everything forever with no questions asked, effectively eliminating all risk from your purchase. For shooters who want near-flagship performance without flagship pricing, the Razor HD Gen II delivers exceptional value.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4.5-27x |
| Objective Lens | 56mm |
| Tube Diameter | 34mm |
| Adjustment Range | ~27 MILS elevation |
| Turret System | Zero-stop |
| Reticle | EBR-2C MRAD FFP |
| Weight | 48 ounces |
| Length | 16.2 inches |
Pros
- Extended 27x magnification perfect for extreme long-range work
- Excellent optical quality rivals scopes costing much more
- EBR-2C reticle brilliantly designed for practical long-range shooting
- VIP warranty covers everything forever eliminating all risk
- Outstanding value delivers premium features at reasonable pricing
Cons
- Heavy weight makes it less suitable for backcountry hunting rifles
Looking for flagship performance without flagship pricing? The Razor HD Gen II delivers premium long-range capability that transforms your 300 Weatherby into a precision tool. This scope proves you don’t need to spend European money to get world-class performance. Dominate extreme distances today.
Check Price on Amazon3) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm (Best American Made Long Range Scope for 300 Weatherby Mag)
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm brings legendary American manufacturing and military heritage to long-range shooters who value domestic production and proven battlefield performance. Leupold has been building riflescopes in Oregon since 1947, and the Mark 5HD represents the pinnacle of their engineering expertise. The 5-25x magnification range is perfectly matched to the 300 Weatherby’s long-range capabilities, providing the versatility needed for everything from 100 yard verification to 1000 yard precision shooting.
The optical performance of the Mark 5HD is exceptional, delivering image quality that rivals scopes costing thousands more. Leupold’s proprietary lens coatings and ED glass elements provide outstanding resolution and color fidelity. Chromatic aberration is virtually eliminated, delivering clean images even at maximum magnification. The contrast is excellent, helping you distinguish game against complex backgrounds at extreme distances. When you’re glassing a ridge at 800 yards trying to judge whether an animal is worth pursuing, this level of optical clarity provides genuine advantages.
What makes the Mark 5HD special is the M5C3 turret system. These are professional-grade turrets with tool-free zero reset, exceptional repeatability, and precise 0.1 mil adjustments. The tactile feedback is outstanding, allowing you to count clicks reliably without looking at the turret. These turrets track with absolute precision and return to zero perfectly after extensive dialing. The 35mm maintube is larger than the standard 34mm found on most competitors, providing even more internal adjustment range, typically around 30 mils of elevation.
The TMR or Tremor reticle options provide sophisticated holdover references perfect for long-range shooting with the 300 Weatherby. The illumination system is perfectly implemented with daylight-visible settings and automatic shutoff features that extend battery life. The side parallax adjustment is silky smooth and precisely calibrated. At just 30 ounces, the Mark 5HD is surprisingly lightweight for its capability, thanks to Leupold’s advanced engineering and materials. This makes it ideal for mountain hunting where every ounce matters.
Build quality is absolutely uncompromising, reflecting the Mark 5HD’s military heritage. This scope was designed to meet stringent military specifications for durability and reliability. It’s waterproof to depths exceeding any hunting or shooting requirement, and the nitrogen purging ensures zero internal fogging. The scope maintains zero through thousands of rounds of magnum recoil. Leupold backs this scope with their lifetime guarantee. For shooters who value American manufacturing and want professional-grade performance for their 300 Weatherby, the Mark 5HD delivers everything you need in a surprisingly lightweight package.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 5-25x |
| Objective Lens | 56mm |
| Tube Diameter | 35mm |
| Adjustment Range | ~30 MILS elevation |
| Turret System | M5C3 |
| Reticle | TMR or Tremor FFP |
| Weight | 30 ounces |
| Length | 15.1 inches |
Pros
- Exceptional optical quality rivals premium European scopes
- M5C3 turrets deliver professional-grade precision
- Surprisingly lightweight at 30 ounces for capability level
- 35mm tube provides maximum adjustment range
- American made with proven military heritage
Cons
- Premium pricing reflects professional-grade construction and domestic manufacturing
Want American-made excellence and military-proven reliability? The Mark 5HD delivers professional performance that represents the pinnacle of domestic optical manufacturing. This scope will serve you flawlessly through decades of long-range shooting. Choose American excellence.
Check Price on Amazon4) Kahles K525i 5-25x56mm (Best Premium Austrian Long Range Scope for 300 Weatherby Mag)
The Kahles K525i 5-25x56mm represents Austrian optical excellence and refined European engineering for discriminating long-range shooters. Kahles has been crafting precision optics in Austria since 1898, and the K525i embodies over a century of optical expertise combined with modern features demanded by serious precision rifle shooters. The 5-25x magnification range is ideally suited for the 300 Weatherby’s long-range mission, providing the versatility needed for targets from 100 to 1500 yards.
The optical quality is simply sublime, delivering image clarity and color fidelity that places the K525i among the finest riflescopes available. Austrian glass is legendary for its exceptional quality, and Kahles uses premium glass elements with advanced multi-coatings that deliver outstanding light transmission. The resolution is extraordinary, allowing you to resolve fine details at distances that seem impossible. Color fidelity is so accurate it’s almost eerie, and contrast is phenomenal. Edge-to-edge sharpness remains consistent across the entire field of view even at maximum magnification.
The SKMR3 reticle is brilliantly designed for long-range precision shooting, featuring a clean center crosshair surrounded by precise holdover references that extend far enough for extreme-distance shooting. The reticle design strikes a perfect balance between providing useful information and maintaining a relatively uncluttered sight picture. Being first focal plane, the subtensions remain accurate at any magnification. The illumination system offers multiple brightness settings with a convenient off position between each setting, allowing you to fine-tune visibility for any lighting condition.
The turrets on the K525i are engineering perfection, machined to incredibly tight tolerances with exceptional tactile feedback. Each click represents 0.1 mil of adjustment, and the turrets track with absolute precision across their full range. The elevation turret features an adjustable zero-stop that’s easy to set and works flawlessly. The turrets are tall enough to provide excellent grip even with gloves, and the markings are clear and easy to read. The 34mm tube provides generous adjustment range, typically around 29 mils of elevation.
Build quality reflects Austrian precision manufacturing and uncompromising standards. Every component is machined and assembled to tolerances that exceed military specifications. The scope is absolutely waterproof and fogproof, sealed to standards that would destroy lesser optics. At 34 ounces, it’s reasonably lightweight for its capability. Kahles backs this scope with their warranty, and their reputation for customer service is excellent. For shooters who appreciate refined European engineering and want optical excellence for their 300 Weatherby, the K525i delivers performance that justifies its premium positioning.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 5-25x |
| Objective Lens | 56mm |
| Tube Diameter | 34mm |
| Adjustment Range | ~29 MILS elevation |
| Turret System | Adjustable zero-stop |
| Reticle | SKMR3 FFP illuminated |
| Weight | 34 ounces |
| Length | 15.75 inches |
Pros
- Exceptional Austrian glass delivers sublime optical quality
- SKMR3 reticle perfectly balanced for long-range work
- Refined turrets provide exceptional tactile feedback
- Premium European engineering throughout
- Outstanding build quality ensures generational reliability
Cons
- Premium European pricing places it among most expensive options
Ready for refined European excellence on your 300 Weatherby? The K525i delivers Austrian optical perfection and engineering refinement that serious long-range shooters appreciate. This scope represents Old World craftsmanship meeting modern performance. Experience European excellence.
Check Price on Amazon5) Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25x56mm (Best Ultimate Long Range Scope for 300 Weatherby Mag)
The Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25x56mm represents the absolute pinnacle of riflescope engineering, delivering German optical perfection and military-grade reliability that has made it the choice of military snipers worldwide. Schmidt & Bender has been crafting precision optics in Germany since 1957, and the PMII (Police Marksman II) series embodies their uncompromising commitment to optical and mechanical excellence. The 5-25x magnification range is perfectly matched to the 300 Weatherby’s extreme-distance capabilities, providing the versatility needed for precision shooting from 100 to 2000 yards.
The optical quality is simply in a class by itself, representing what’s possible when engineering expertise meets uncompromising quality standards. German glass is legendary, and Schmidt & Bender uses the finest optical elements available combined with proprietary coatings that deliver light transmission approaching 96 percent. The image clarity is breathtaking, with resolution so sharp you can see details that seem impossible. Color fidelity is absolutely true, contrast is phenomenal, and chromatic aberration is completely eliminated. When you’re shooting at extreme distances where atmospheric conditions already degrade visibility, having perfect optics becomes the difference between success and failure.
The turrets on the PMII are legendary among precision shooters for their reliability and precision. These are double-turn turrets with clear visual and tactile indicators showing which revolution you’re on, critical when dialing extreme elevations. Each click represents 0.1 mil of adjustment, and the turrets track with absolute perfection across their enormous range. Independent testing by military units worldwide has confirmed these turrets are among the most accurate and reliable ever created. They return to zero perfectly after thousands of adjustments.
The reticle options include several designs specifically created for extreme-distance shooting, including the P4F reticle favored by military snipers. The reticles are first focal plane with precise holdover references that remain accurate at any magnification. The illumination system is powered by a DIN battery common in Europe, and the brightness settings are perfectly calibrated for any condition. The 34mm tube provides generous adjustment range, and Schmidt & Bender’s engineering ensures you’ll use every bit of that adjustment effectively.
Build quality is absolutely uncompromising, reflecting German engineering at its finest. This scope is built to survive combat conditions that would destroy anything else. It’s waterproof to depths that exceed any practical requirement, and the construction is so robust it could probably survive being used as a hammer. At 40 ounces, it’s substantial, but every ounce contributes to reliability. Schmidt & Bender’s warranty and customer service are legendary. This scope costs as much as some rifles, but for professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand absolute perfection for their 300 Weatherby, the PMII delivers performance that justifies every dollar. It’s the ultimate investment.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 5-25x |
| Objective Lens | 56mm |
| Tube Diameter | 34mm |
| Adjustment Range | ~26 MILS elevation |
| Turret System | Double-turn tactical |
| Reticle | Multiple FFP options |
| Weight | 40 ounces |
| Length | 15.75 inches |
Pros
- Absolute optical perfection represents German engineering excellence
- Legendary turret reliability proven by military snipers worldwide
- Uncompromising build quality survives anything
- Exceptional resolution and contrast at extreme distances
- Military heritage and proven combat reliability
Cons
- Premium German pricing makes it most expensive option available
For shooters who demand absolute perfection and refuse all compromise, the PMII stands alone at the summit of riflescope engineering. This scope delivers German optical and mechanical perfection that represents the best humanity can create. It’s the ultimate expression of excellence for your 300 Weatherby. Choose perfection.
Check Price on AmazonConclusion
Selecting the best long-range scope for your 300 Weatherby Magnum requires careful consideration of your shooting goals, budget constraints, and intended use. Each of these five scopes represents the absolute best options available at their respective price points, and you genuinely cannot make a wrong choice among them. The 300 Weatherby Magnum is an extraordinary cartridge capable of precision shooting at distances that would challenge many rifle and scope combinations, and it deserves optics that can fully exploit its ballistic capabilities.
For most shooters seeking the best overall combination of performance, features, and value, the Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm stands out as the clear winner. It delivers exceptional optical quality, bulletproof mechanical reliability, and the ZeroStop turret system that makes long-range shooting intuitive and reliable. The ATACR has proven itself in military service and competitive shooting, earning its reputation as one of the finest long-range scopes available. It represents the sweet spot where professional-grade performance meets reasonable pricing.
Budget-conscious shooters should seriously consider the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm for its exceptional value proposition. It delivers optical quality and features comparable to scopes costing thousands more, backed by Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty that covers everything forever. The extended magnification range and excellent EBR-2C reticle make it particularly well-suited for pushing the 300 Weatherby to its absolute limits at extreme distances.
For shooters who demand the absolute best regardless of cost, the Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25x56mm represents optical and mechanical perfection. Yes, it costs as much as many complete rifles, but it delivers performance that’s genuinely unmatched. This is the scope that military snipers stake their lives on, and it will serve your 300 Weatherby flawlessly through decades of extreme-distance shooting.
The 300 Weatherby Magnum is Roy Weatherby’s masterpiece, a cartridge that delivers velocity and trajectory so extraordinary it remains relevant 80 years after its creation. Pairing this legendary cartridge with world-class optics creates a combination capable of precision shooting at distances most hunters and shooters only dream about. Choose the scope that matches your needs and budget, mount it properly with quality rings and bases, develop your load carefully, and discover what your 300 Weatherby can truly achieve at long range.
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me