Are you looking for the best scope for 270? If yes, you have come to the right place. The .270 Winchester is the go-to cartridge for most hunters and marksmen and pairing it with a quality scope is key to harnessing its potential.
Whether you’re stalking deer in dense woods, aiming for a precise shot over long distances, or navigating challenging light conditions, the right scope can make all the difference. Furthermore, having a scope to complement the capabilities of this cartridge is vital for honing your shooting skills and making every shooting expedition a success.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best scopes for the .270 Winchester, considering factors such as magnification, reticle design, durability, and clarity, to help you make an informed choice for your shooting needs. We also have a comprehensive guide with key factors to consider before settling for any scope.
Best Scope Magnification for 270
The best scope magnification for a .270 Winchester rifle largely depends on the intended use, typical shooting distances, and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right scope magnification:
General Hunting
- 3-9×40 or 3-12×40: This range is versatile and suitable for most hunting situations. It provides a good balance between field of view at lower magnifications and sufficient zoom for longer shots.
- 2.5-10×42: Offers slightly more flexibility with a bit more magnification for longer shots.
Long-Range Hunting
- 4-12×40 or 4-16×50: If you frequently shoot at longer distances (300+ yards), a higher magnification can be beneficial.
- 5-20×50: For even more extended ranges, providing a clearer view of distant targets.
Precision Shooting/Target Shooting
- 6-24×50: High magnification for precision shooting at long distances. Ideal for target shooting where pinpoint accuracy is critical.
What is the 270 caliber Used for?
Best Scopes for 270
1) Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification:4-16x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Tube Size: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Color: Black
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Illumination: Non-Illuminated
- Reticle Type: Dead-Hold BDC
- Adjustment: MOA
- Eye Relief: 4 Inches
- Weight: 18.4 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope is by far the best scope for 270. It is a versatile and high-performing optic, ideal for both hunting and long-range shooting.
This scope stands out for its clear and sharp image quality, attributed to the advanced XD (Extra-low Dispersion) glass that minimizes chromatic aberration. The 44mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission, even in low-light conditions, making dawn and dusk hunting more productive. Additionally, the Viper HS features a 4x zoom range, providing flexibility for various shooting distances.
To complement the optical finesse, the scope has smooth and precise magnification adjustment essential for easy transition from close to long-range targets. It also boasts user-friendly exposed turrets that offer precise adjustments with audible and tactile clicks.
Durability is another strong suit of the Vortex Viper HS. Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, it boasts excellent strength and rigidity while remaining lightweight. Additionally, it is is O-ring sealed and argon-purged to ensure reliable performance in harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- Incredibly clear optics
- Long 4-inch eye relief for comfortable shooting with or without eye glasses
- Versatile zoom range
- Lightweight but durable construction
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Tube Diamater:1in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 34.1 ft at 100 yds
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Reticle Illumination: Non-Illuminated
- Reticle Type: Dead-Hold BDC
- Adjustment: MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 in
- Weight: 15 oz
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope suits you if you are looking for the best 270 BDC scope for 270. It is built with ease of use in mind to accommodate all users, even beginners.
The selling point of this rifle scope is its clear and bright optics, facilitated by its fully multi-coated lenses. These coatings significantly enhance light transmission, resulting in sharp, clear images even in low-light conditions. Besides, the fast-focus eyepiece is another highlight, allowing for quick and easy reticle focusing.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly advantageous for those who need to estimate holdover and windage corrections, making it versatile for various shooting scenarios. The capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks, allowing for precise windage and elevation adjustments. These turrets can be reset to zero after sighting in, which adds to the user-friendly nature of the scope.
Durability is another strong suit of the Vortex Crossfire II. It is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, which ensures it can withstand the rigors of heavy use. It is also nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, rendering it waterproof and fog-proof, essential features for maintaining performance in adverse weather conditions.
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable objective for parallax correction and image focusing
- Robust construction from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Generous eye relief throughout the entire magnification
Cons
- Non-illuminated
3. Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Tube size: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Field of View, Linear: 14.8 – 44.6 ft at 100 yds
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Reticle Illumination: Non-Illuminated
- Reticle: V-Plex Reticle
- Adjustment: MOA
- Weight:14.5 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.5 in
Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is the best Vortex scope for 270. It is stellar choice for both newcomers looking to start their hunting journey and experienced hunters alike.
The construction of this scope is robust and durable, featuring a solid one-inch tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which ensures it can withstand harsh field conditions. Furthermore, the optical tube has a dependable waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction that unimpeded performance is a wide range of environmental conditions.
Optically, the scope has are fully multi-coated optics that deliver crisp, clear images even in low-light situations. This clarity is further enhanced by the scope’s precision-glide erector system, which ensures smooth magnification changes. Additionally, the Diamondback’s fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, making it ideal for rapid target acquisition.
Performance-wise, the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm truly shines. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is an excellent feature for shooting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern. The scope holds zero remarkably well, even after numerous shots, thanks to its precision-machined turrets and robust internal mechanisms. The parallax is set at 100 yards, which is perfect for most hunting scenarios.
Pros
- Lightweight build for easy maneuverability in the field
- Great value for the price
- Large, unobstructed field of view
- Robust and durable construction
Cons
- Narrow eye relief at max magnification
4. Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 4.5-14x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in Tube
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Finish: Matte
- Reticle Illumination: Non-Illuminated
- Reticle Type: Duplex Reticle
- Adjustment: MOA
- Weight: 13 oz
- Field of View, Linear: 7.4 – 19.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 4.4 in
The Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm Rifle Scope stands out as a premier option for hunters and marksmen seeking precision and reliability in various shooting environments. It has a rugged construction and a custom dial system (CDS) that allows shooters to match their scope to their specific ballistics.
The optical clarity of this scope is impressive, thanks to its high-definition lenses that deliver bright, crisp images even in low light conditions. The Twilight Max Light Management System enhances visibility during dawn and dusk, providing a crucial edge during those prime hunting hours.
Furthermore, the scope’s 4.5-14x magnification range offers versatility, allowing for both close-range and long-distance shots with ease. It is complemented by a 40mm objective lens that strikes a perfect balance, offering ample light transmission without adding unnecessary bulk.
Durability is another hallmark of the Leupold VX-3HD. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is both lightweight and rugged, ensuring it can withstand harsh field conditions. It is also waterproof, fog-proof, and dustproof, making it a reliable companion in various weather scenarios.
Pros
- Rugged and reliable construction
- Outstanding optical clarity
- Lightweight construction
- Ample eye relief distance
Cons
- Non-illuminated
5. SIG SAUER Whiskey3 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: Quadplex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Finish: Matte
- Color: Black
- Weight: 18.9 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
Here is the best scope for 270 for the budget-conscious buyers. It is built with impressive piece of optics that delivers outstanding performance without costing a fortune.
The build quality is a force to reckon with. It has a robust, rugged construction designed to withstand harsh conditions. The scope’s 4-12x magnification range offers excellent versatility, suitable for both mid-range and long-range shooting. Additionally, it is IPX-7 rated for waterproofing and fog-proofing, ensuring reliability in various weather conditions.
With the 50mm objective lens, this rifle scope ensures superior light transmission, providing a bright, clear image even in low-light environments, which is crucial for dawn and dusk hunting sessions. The low dispersion glass and SpectraCoat lens coatings further enhance clarity and color fidelity, making target acquisition faster and more accurate.
In terms of usability, the Whiskey3 features easy-to-adjust turrets with tactile and audible clicks, allowing for precise adjustments in the field. The included European-style eyepiece with a fast-focus diopter ensures that users can quickly bring the reticle into sharp focus. Moreover, it employs a quadplex reticle, which offers a clean, uncluttered sight picture while still providing useful holdover points for windage and elevation.
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Relatively lightweight for easy portability
- Great magnification range
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- Non-illuminated
6. Trijicon AccuPoint TR-29/31 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Weight: 25.9oz
- Reticle Type: Green BAC Triangle Post Reticle
- Adjustment: MOA
- Field of View, Linear: 7.1 – 28.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.8 in
The Trijicon AccuPoint TR-29/31 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope is a premier optic designed for hunters and tactical shooters alike. It is a highly dependable and versatile rifle scope that delivers exceptional performance in virtually all shooting environments.
It features superior optical clarity, thanks to its fully multi-coated lenses that delivers a crisp and bright image even in low-light conditions. The 4-16x magnification range offers remarkable versatility, allowing for both close-quarter engagements and long-distance precision. Additionally, the 50mm objective lens gathers ample light, further enhancing visibility and target acquisition in challenging lighting environments.
To complement the optical features, the scope has a fiber optic and tritium illuminated reticle provides a clear aiming point without the need for batteries. Besides, the precise, tactile turrets offer consistent and accurate adjustments, while the easy-to-use side parallax adjustment enhances shooting accuracy at varying distances.
Durability is another hallmark of the Trijicon AccuPoint TR-29/31. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is built to withstand harsh environmental conditions and the rigors of heavy use. It also has dependable waterproof and fog-proof capabilities to ensure that it performs flawlessly in diverse weather conditions.
Pros
- Rugged and robust construction
- Crisp and bright image even in low-light conditions
- Precise, tactile turrets offer consistent and accurate adjustments
Cons
- Big budget
7. Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective Lens: 44mm
- Reticle Type: Illuminated R-Grid 2B Reticle
- Reticle Focal Plane: FFP
- Field of View, Linear: 26.6 – 6.5 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 25.4 oz
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
The Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope is our last mention of the best scope for 270. It offers remarkable blend of affordability and performance, making it a standout choice for both amateur shooters and seasoned marksmen alike.
Boasting a versatile magnification range from 4x to 16x, this scope excels in various shooting scenarios, whether you’re targeting close-range game or shooting at extended distances. The optical clarity is exceptional, thanks to fully multi-coated lenses that minimize glare and enhance light transmission, ensuring a crisp and bright sight picture even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the 44mm objective lens diameter strikes a perfect balance between light-gathering capability and a compact form factor, maintaining a manageable weight without sacrificing performance.
Constructed from a robust aluminum alloy, the SLx 4-16x44mm is built to withstand rugged environments and recoil without compromising its zero. In addition, it features precise tracking adjustments with tactile and audible clicks, facilitating easy adjustments on the fly.
To top off everything else, the illuminated reticle option enhances visibility in challenging lighting conditions, offering several brightness settings to suit different environments.
Pros
- Replaceable power ring fin can be positioned to user preference
- Zero resettable turrets
- 30mm main tube provide ample room for adjustments
- Exceptional low light performance
Cons
- A bit heavy
How to Choose the Best Scope for 270
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a scope for .270 Winchester.
Magnification Range
Determine the distances you typically shoot at. A variable magnification scope like 3-9x is versatile for most hunting scenarios, offering both wide fields of view at lower magnification and precision at higher magnification. On the other hand a scope with 10x or more magnification is ideal for competitive shooting and tactical use at extended ranges.
Objective Lens Size
The diameter of the objective lens affects light transmission and the scope’s low-light performance. A larger objective lens (around 40-50mm) gathers more light, making the scope suitable for dusk or dawn hunting.
Reticle Type
Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style and environment. Popular choices include duplex, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation), or mil-dot reticles. BDC or similar reticles are particularly useful for longer-range shooting with a .270.
Durability
The best scope for 270 should be built to last. Ensure the model you choose is rugged and weatherproof, capable of withstanding recoil from a .270 rifle and adverse weather conditions. Look for scopes with high-quality construction materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum and nitrogen-purged or O-ring sealed for waterproofing.
Adjustment Turrets
Consider the ease and precision of adjustment turrets. Look for scopes with precise windage and elevation adjustments that are easy to manipulate, preferably with audible or tactile clicks for feedback.
Eye Relief
The next crucial thing to consider is eye relief. It is vital for eye safety and comfort, especially with a powerful rifle like a .270. For the best scope for 270, we recommend a model with sufficient eye relief (at least 3.5 inches) to prevent scope eye injuries and accommodate the rifle’s recoil.
Price vs. Value
Set a budget that balances your needs with quality. While premium scopes offer superior features and durability, there are also excellent mid-range options that perform well without breaking the bank.
Size and Weight
Lastly, consider the overall size and weight of the scope, especially if you plan to carry your rifle for extended periods. Lightweight scopes can be more comfortable for long hunting trips. Additionally, light scope are more effective at scattering heavy recoil.
FAQs
- Is a 270 more powerful than a 223?
- What is the effective range of a 270 hunting cartridge?