Optimizing the performance of your .243 requires a quality scope. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or simply enjoy precision shooting, having the best scope for the .243 is essential for accuracy and success in the field. A scope also makes shooting expeditions more fun and rewarding.
The .243 Winchester, known for its flat trajectory and versatile use in hunting and target shooting, demands a scope that matches its potential. A worthy scope will help you locate targets quickly, hone your shooting skills, and boost your overall shooting confidence.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top scopes designed specifically for the .243, examining their features, benefits, and what makes them stand out.
From superior optics and durability to precise reticle designs and reliable adjustments, we’ll help you find the perfect scope to enhance your shooting experience and get the most out of your .243 Winchester rifle.
Understanding the .243 Cartridge
The .243 Winchester is a versatile and effective cartridge that strikes the perfect balance between power and accuracy. Its popularity is a testament to its well-rounded performance and adaptability, making it suitable for various shooting applications.
Design and Specifications
- Parent Case: The .243 Winchester is derived from the .308 Winchester case, necked down to accept a smaller diameter bullet.
- Bullet Diameter: The bullet diameter is .243 inches (6mm).
- Case Length: The case length is 2.045 inches (51.8mm).
- Overall Length: The overall length of the cartridge is 2.709 inches (68.8mm).
Performance
- Muzzle Velocity: Depending on the bullet weight, the .243 can achieve muzzle velocities between 2,900 to 3,600 feet per second (fps).
- Bullet Weights: Common bullet weights range from 55 to 105 grains, with 70 to 100 grains being most typical for hunting.
- Energy: The .243 produces muzzle energies between 1,800 to 3,100 foot pounds. This makes it effective for hunting medium-sized game.
Uses
- Hunting: It is widely used for hunting varmint (small to medium-sized pests) and medium-sized game like deer and antelope.
- Target Shooting: The .243 is also favored in target shooting and competitive shooting sports due to its accuracy and low recoil.
Advantages
- Versatility: The .243 can be used with a wide range of bullet types and weights, suitable for various applications from varmint to big game hunting.
- Accuracy: The cartridge is known for its excellent accuracy, making it a favorite among precision shooters.
- Recoil: Compared to larger calibers, the .243 has a relatively mild recoil. This makes it accessible for younger or smaller-framed shooters.
Best Scopes for 243
1) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Pupil: 4 – 13.3 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 34.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 8 – 4.4 in
- Weight: 15 oz
- Length: 12 in
- Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is by far the best scope for 243. It offers a robust blend of reliability, clarity, and value for firearm enthusiasts of all levels.
The selling point of this rifle scope is its high-quality construction. It is made with an aircraft-grade aluminum body which provides a sturdy and durable feel, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Additionally, the scope is also nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to provide reliable performance in diverse weather conditions.
The fully multi-coated lenses deliver a bright and clear image, significantly reducing glare and enhancing light transmission. This feature is particularly beneficial during dawn and dusk, when game is most active.
Moreover, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle makes it easier to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift, which is invaluable for long-range shooting. The capped reset turrets allow for quick re-indexing to zero after sighting in the scope, which simplifies adjustments in the field.
In terms of usability, the Crossfire II shines with its smooth magnification adjustment and user-friendly design. The 3-9x magnification range is versatile, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios, Besides, the eye relief is generous and forgiving, which is a significant advantage for hunters using high-recoil rifles, as it helps prevent scope eye injuries.
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Ample eye relief
- Fast Focus Eye Piece
- Simple to make adjustments
- High-quality construction
- Capped Reset Turrets
- Adjustable Objective
- Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof
- Hard Anodized Finish
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2) Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: Deploy MOA
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Finish: Matte
- Color: Black
- Weight: 20.1 oz
- Adjustment Type: MOA
The Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope stands out as one of the best scopes for 243, it is a high-quality optic designed to meet the needs of serious hunters and shooters. It is simple to use and features a generous eye relief which is crucial for comfort and safety during extended use.
The first notable feature is its versatile 4-16x magnification range. It provides excellent flexibility for both short and long-distance shooting scenarios.
Besides, the 44mm objective lens allows ample light transmission, ensuring bright and clear images even in low-light conditions while the fully multi-coated optics further enhance brightness and contrast.
The scope’s EXO Barrier Protection, which repels water, oil, dust, and debris, ensures that the lens remains clean and functional in all environments.
This durability is complemented by the scope’s rugged construction, making it both waterproof and fog-proof, and able to withstand the rigors of the outdoors.
The Bushnell Engage Rifle Scope also impresses with its user-friendly features designed to enhance precision and ease of use. The deploy MOA reticle is highly intuitive, providing clear markings for accurate holdover and windage corrections.
On top of that, the tool-less locking turrets allow for quick and precise adjustments, and the zero-reset function makes returning to zero swift and straightforward after making elevation changes.
Pros
- Versatile Deploy MOA reticle has 0.18-MOA thick crosshairs that are easy to see without obstructing the target
- EXO Barrier lens coating repels water, oil, fog, dust, and debris – rain, snow, fingerprints, and dirt won’t stick
- Fully coated optics and ultra-wideband coating help deliver best-in-class brightness and clarity
- User-friendly features designed to enhance precision and ease of use
- Side Parallax Adjustment
Cons
- Non-illuminated
3) SIG SAUER Whiskey3 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Tube Diameter: 1-Inch
- Field of View: 11.3 – 33.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5”
- Weight: 16 oz
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Water Resistance Level: IPX-7
The SIG SAUER Whiskey3 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is the best scope for 243 for hunting. It stands out as an exceptional option for hunters seeking reliability and precision.
With its 4-12x magnification range, this rifle scope offers versatile functionality suitable for close, mid, and long-range hunting. The 40mm objective lens provides ample light transmission, ensuring bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. Besides, the low-dispersion (LD) glass and SpectraCoat anti-reflection coatings contribute to superior optical clarity, reducing glare and improving contras.
Regarding construction, this rifle scope is built in a 1-inch tube. It is robust yet lightweight, making it easy to handle and mount on a variety of rifles without adding unnecessary bulk. Additionally, the Whiskey3 is designed with user-friendly features that enhance its practicality in the field.
The European-style eyepiece offers smooth, fast, and precise diopter adjustments, catering to individual visual preferences. The scope’s turrets are tactile and audible, allowing for precise adjustments with ease, and they also offer a reset-to-zero capability. Furthermore, the second focal plane reticle maintains its size regardless of magnification, providing consistent reference points for aiming. The Whiskey3 is also waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver within the field
- Generous eye relief
- Lighted reticle
- 3x optical zoom offered in second focal plane (SFP) with multiple reticle options
- Low dispersion (LD) glass provides industry-leading optical clarity for any situation
- European-style eyepiece for a smooth, fast, and precise reticle adjustment
Cons
- Waterproof up to 1 meter only
4) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 14.8 – 44.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.5 in
- Weight: 14.5 oz
- Length: 11.6 in
- Mount Type: Ring
Vortex optics stand out as highly reliable and versatile optics and the Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is not any different. It is an ideal choice for both novice and experienced hunters and features a durable, aircraft-grade aluminum construction that ensures resilience in harsh outdoor conditions.
The optical finesse of this rifle scope is outstanding. Its fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission for clear, bright images even in low-light environments. Besides, the 40mm objective lens aids in low light performance by gathering in more light inside the optics.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is a notable feature, designed to eliminate guesswork on holdover and windage corrections. This makes it easier to achieve accurate shots at varying distances. On top of that, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece that allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
In terms of performance, the Vortex Diamondback delivers exceptional value for its price range. The precision-glide erector system ensures smooth magnification changes, while the capped reset turrets provide reliable tracking and repeatability, Additionally, its optical tube is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, offering dependable performance regardless of weather conditions.
Pros
- Large field of view for easy target finding
- Lightweight yet durable construction
- Hard Anodized Finish
- Waterproof,fogproof and shockproof
- Capped Reset Turrets
- Ease of use
- Good value for the price
- Precision-Glide Erectorand Precision-Force Spring Systems
Cons
- Non-illuminated
5) Burris Veracity 2-10×42 mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: Ballistic Plex E1 FFP
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Illumination Color: None
- Weight: 22.7 oz
- Length: 13.5 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.25 in
Next up, we have the Burris Veracity 2-10×42 mm FFP Rifle Scope. It is a premium choice for hunters and precision shooters looking for a well-rounded, high-performance optic.
One of its most impressive features is the FFP reticle, which maintains its accuracy across the entire magnification range. This makes it particularly advantageous in dynamic shooting scenarios where targets may appear at varying distances. Moreover, the optical clarity of the Burris Veracity is exceptional, thanks to its high-quality glass and multi-coated lenses that work together to deliver bright, clear images even in low-light conditions.
The build quality of the Burris Veracity is robust and durable, constructed to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. Its 30 mm tube provides greater strength and improved adjustment range, while its nitrogen-filled and waterproof design ensures reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Furthermore, the scope features ergonomic side focus and easy-to-use turrets that allow for quick and precise adjustments. Additionally, the ballistic reticle provides useful reference points for windage and elevation, facilitating accurate long-range shooting.
Pros
- Lightweight build
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Solid construction(Aircraft Grade Aluminum) that guarantees longevity
- Crisp-clear optics
- Hi-Lume Multi-Coated
- Designed for big game and varmint hunters
- Ergonomic side focus for easy-to-reach parallax adjustment from 50 yds
Cons
- Non-illuminated
6) Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 2-10x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Placement: Second Focal Plane
- Reticle Illumination: Non-Illuminated
- Reticle: Duplex
- Adjustment: MOA
- Weight: 16.4 oz
- Length: 12.5 in
Carrying the respected Leupold name, the VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope is the best scope for 243 for the money. It features exceptional optical clarity and versatile functionality to ensure that you get the most value for your money.
Designed for both close and long-range shooting, this scope features a powerful 5:1 zoom ratio that allows users to easily switch between a wide field of view and precise target acquisition.
The 42mm objective lens, combined with Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System, ensures bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. This feature is particularly valuable for hunters who need reliable performance during dawn and dusk.
Furthermore, the scope is built to last. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum which rugged yet lightweight, ensuring it can withstand the harshest field conditions. Additionally, the optical tube is both waterproof and fogproof, thanks to Leupold’s proprietary gas blend and seals.
Well, that’s not all. The scope also features a zero-lock CDS (Custom Dial System) which allows shooters to make quick and accurate adjustments on the fly, significantly improving precision and ease of use. Additionally, the push-button illumination system with a motion sensor technology helps conserve battery life while providing optimal visibility of the reticle in varying light conditions.
Pros
- Rugged and lightweight aluminum construction
- Bright and clear images even in low-light conditions
- Illuminated reticle
- Guard-Ion Rain Shedding optical coating
- Crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum
- Longer eye relief and generous eye box
Cons
- Big budget
7) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective Lens: 44mm
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle Placement: First Focal Plane
- Reticle: EBR-2C MOA
- Adjustment: MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.8 in
- Weight: 23.1 oz
- Length: 14 in
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope is our last pick of the best scope for 243. It impresses with its exceptional clarity and robust build, making it a standout in the mid-range rifle scope market.
This rifle scope has fully multi-coated lenses which provide excellent light transmission, ensuring bright, clear images even in low-light conditions. The 4-16x magnification range is versatile, allowing for accurate targeting at both close and long distances. Besides, the 44mm objective lens offers a good balance between light-gathering capability and a manageable size.
With the precision-glide erector system, the scope ensures smooth magnification changes, making it easy to adapt quickly in dynamic shooting scenarios. Additionally, it features a fast-focus eyepiece that allows shooters to quickly and easily adjust the reticle focus to their eye and crisp tactical turrets that provide precise adjustments.
Durability is another strong suit of the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope. Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is both lightweight and incredibly rugged to withstand harsh field conditions. Furthermore, it is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged for reliable performance in various weather conditions and coated with a hard anodized finish which not only provides a sleek, low-glare matte surface but also protects against scratches and corrosion.
Pros
- Made from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and rigidity
- Premium components in the zoom lens mechanism ensure smooth magnification
- Tactical windage and elevation turrets with Zero Reset make adjustments back to zero easily and quickly
- Lightweight construction for easy maneuverability in the field
- Waterproof,fogproof, and shockproof
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Glass-etched Reticle
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
Next Reads
How to Choose the Best Scope for 243
When choosing the best scope for 243, consider the following factors before settling on any specific product.
Intended Use
Intended use is the first thing to take into consideration. Is the scope for hunting, target shooting, or recreational use. If its for hunting, you will need a scope with a wider field of view and moderate magnification (3-9x or 4-12x). Target shooting on the other hand requires a scope with a higher magnification of 12x or higher.
Magnification
Low Magnification (1-4x)is ideal for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition. A scope with medium magnification (3-9x) is versatile and suitable for most hunting scenarios. For long-range shooting and precision, it is best to get a scope with a higher magnification of 10x and above.
Reticle Type
The reticle a scope uses can make or break your shooting. Duplex reticles are simple and effective for most hunting scenarios while Mil-Do reticles are more useful for range estimation and holdover corrections. If you need a reticle that helps with adjusting for bullet drop over long distances, choose a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle.
Durability and Build Quality
The best scope for 243 is built to be operable in all environments. We recommend a mode made with high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum which is a common choice for durability. On top of that, the scope should have a scratchproof finish for extra protection in the field.
Weather Resistance
Irrespective of what you plan to use the scope for, ensure that it is fully waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather use. It is also essential for the scope to be operable in extreme temperatures.
Eye Relief
The best scope for 243 should have a long eye relief of 3.5 inches or more. This is important for maximizing glassing comfort with or without eyeglasses. Since .243 has moderate recoil, standard eye relief is typically sufficient.
FAQs
- What is a .243 rifle commonly used for?
The .243 Winchester is a versatile cartridge popular for hunting medium-sized game such as deer and varmint hunting. It’s accuracy and manageable recoil also make it a popular choice for competitive shooting and target practice.
- What magnification is ideal for a .243 rifle scope?
For most hunting applications, a 3-9x or 4-12x scope is ideal. For long-range shooting, you might want a scope with higher magnification, such as 6-24x.
- Is a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scope better for a .243 rifle?
It depends on personal preference and intended use. FFP scopes keep the reticle size proportional to the target at all magnification levels, which is useful for long-range shooting. SFP scopes keep the reticle size constant, which some hunters prefer for easier visibility at all magnifications.
- How much should I spend on a scope for a .243 rifle?
Quality scopes can range from around $200 to over $1000. While higher-end scopes offer better clarity, durability, and features, many mid-range scopes provide reliable performance for most hunting and shooting needs.
Final Words
Hopefully, this guide has helped you find the best scope for .243. Keep in mind that what you intend to use the scope for plays a big role in determining which product you get. Whatever you have in mind, there is a scope out there for you.