5 Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06 Rifle

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Looking for the best vortex scopes for 30-06? Read on

30-06 hunting rifle is capable of taking down a wide variety of game animals from the mule, elks, whitetail deer, black bear, hogs, mountain goats, and more.

This rifle has remained popular over the years because its cartridge is powerful and tolerable to most shooters. “.30” refers to the caliber of the bullet in inches while “06” r is the year the cartridge was adopted ie,1906.

30-06 cartridge is designed for shots of 1,000 yards, and for accuracy and precision, you need a 30-06 scope.

We have earlier looked at General All Brands 30-06 scopes but today we specifically focus on Vortex scopes for 30-06.

Vortex Scopes are known for:

  • Optical Convenience with image sharpness and brightness from edge to edge
  • HD Lens Elements such as extra-low dispersion glass  for color fidelity and resolution
  • Plasma Tech with unparalleled coating durability and performance.
  • Fast Focus Eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
  • A friction Reduction System with Heat-treated and hardened-steel pad floats on the end of the turret screw, ring, and erector tube
  • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Construction for strength and rigidity.
  • Hard-Anodized finish for  durability and a low glare matte surface for camouflage t
  • Large Diameter Turrets for  fast, accurate and easily read elevation and windage adjustments
  • Caps for provision of external protection for turret.

What is a Good Scope for a 30-06?

When choosing a good scope for your .30-06 rifle its important to consider the following:

Magnification

The magnification range of the scope should match your shooting needs. For hunting, a variable scope with a 3-9x magnification range is often sufficient. For long-range shooting, you might prefer a scope with higher magnification, such as 4-16x or 6-24x.

Objective Lens Size

The size of the objective lens affects the amount of light that enters the scope, which is crucial in low-light conditions. A larger objective lens (e.g., 50mm) can gather more light, making it suitable for dawn or dusk hunting.

Durability

Look for scopes that are built to withstand recoil, weather conditions, and rough handling. High-quality scopes often have features like waterproofing, fog resistance, and shockproof construction.

Brand and Quality

Trusted brands in the optics industry include Leupold, Vortex, Nikon, Zeiss, and Swarovski, among others. Investing in a reputable brand c

 

What is the range of a 30-06?

The .30-06 cartridge has an effective range of around 800 to 1,000 yards (730 to 910 meters) when fired from a typical bolt-action rifle.

Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06

Here are the top 5 best Vortex scope for 30-06 recommendations

 

1) Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Eye Relief: 4 in
  • Magnification: 6 – 24 x
  • Field of View, Linear: 5.1 – 17.8 ft at 100 yds
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm

 

 

2) Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope

 

 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.6 in
  • Magnification: 3.5 – 10 x
  • Field of View, Linear: 13.5 – 35.8 ft at 100 yds
  • Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 5 – 14.29 mm

 

 

3) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope

 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.7 in
  • Magnification: 2 – 7 x
  • Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 42 ft at 100 yds
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 4.57 – 16 mm

 

 

4) Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

 

Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.4 in
  • Magnification: 4 – 12 x
  • Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
  • Field of View, Linear: 8.4 – 24.7 ft at 100 yds
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)

 

5) Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope

 

 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
  • Eye Relief: 4 in
  • Magnification: 1 – 6 x
  • Field of View, Linear: 115.2 – 20.5 ft at 100 yds
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
  • Battery Type: CR2032

 

Now, Let’s look at each comprehensively.

 

1) Vortex Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescope

 

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Available in different Sizes

  • HS-T 4-16×44
  • HS-T 6-24×50

 

The Viper HS-T is one of the most popular scopes in the multiple configurations of the Viper Hunting and Shooting Tactical line.

This scope features the VMR-1 Reticle I (MOA) known for accuracy at extended ranges.

This rifle scope is known for optical convenience using the MAG-View Fiber Optic which provides a highly visible reference point for the magnification setting.

Turret rotation provides a visible and tactile point of reference for the rotations.

With this scope, you enjoy smooth magnification changes even in the harshest of conditions. You get an Aircraft-Grade Aluminum for rigidity and strength.

It’s shockproof for withstanding recoil and impact and has a hard Anodized Finish for durability and good looks. Definitely one of the best vortex scopes for 30-06.

Pros      

  • Precision-Force Spring System for maximum repeatability and ease of adjustment
  • O-ring sealed and argon purged
  • Precision-Glide Erector System for smooth magnification changes under the harshest conditions.
  • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum for strength and rigidity
  • Fully multi-coated and extra-low dispersion lenses
  • Shockproof for recoil and impact resistance
  • Hard-Anodized Finish
  • Highly effective VMR-1 reticle
  • Second focal plane (SFP) reticles
  • Hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications

Cons

  • Non-Illuminated

 

2) Vortex Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Vortex Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope

 

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Available in different sizes

  • 3-9×40
  • 3.5-10×50
  • 4-12×40

The Diamondback SFP riflescope is ideal for big game, muzzleloader, brush hunting, and slug shotgun applications.

Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle is suitable for any hunting or shooting at different ranges where Hold Overestimation would be a concern.

The lenses are fully multi-coated thus ensuring crystal clear, bright images from dawn till dusk.

The fast-focus eyepiece is very effective in allowing for quick and easy reticle focusing.

Pros

  • Fogproof and waterproof performance thanks to the Argon purging and o-ring seals
  • Hard anodized finish solid tube
  • Shockproof and durable
  • Metal on metal precision turrets for easy zero reset after sighting-in
  • Precision glide erector system for accurate tracking and repeatability
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • Fast focus eyepiece for easy quick reticle focusing

Cons

Non-illuminated

 

3) Vortex Crossfire II SFP 1-inch Tube RifleScope

Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP 1-inch Tube RifleScope

 

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Available in different sizes

  • 2-7×32
  • 3-9×40
  • 3-9×50
  • 4-12×44

 

This Crossfire II riflescope as one of the best vortex scopes for 30-06 has a long eye relief and ultra forgiving eye box for quick picture sighting and target acquisition.

The Fast focus eyepiece ensures reticle focusing is easy and quick. The lenses are multi-coated and anti-reflective for enhanced views.

Pros

  • O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged
  • The scope delivers a waterproof and fog-proof performance
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum tube
  • Strong and shockproof performance
  • Finger adjustable Capped reset turrets
  • Easily resets to zero after sighting in
  • Anti-reflective and fully multi-coated lenses
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Long eye relief 
  • Ultra-forgiving eye box
  • Great scope for Hunting

Cons

  • Not Recommended for long-range applications
  • Non-Illuminated

 

 

4) Vortex Crossfire II AO SFP 1-inch Tube Riflescope

Vortex Optics Crossfire II AO SFP 1-inch Tube Riflescope

 

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Available in different sizes

  • 4-12×40
  • 4-12×50

This scope is good for hunting and shooting at different ranges even where the estimation of the holdover is a concern.

The Anti-reflective and fully coated lenses are effective in the provision of clear and bright views.

The long eye relief and ultra forgiving eye box ensure that sighting in is fast and that it’s easy to acquire the target.

It’s waterproof and shockproof.

Pros 

  • Waterproof and fog-proof performance
  • Single piece aircraft grade aluminum constructed tube
  • Fast focus eyepiece for easy and quick reticle focus
  • Finger adjustable Capped reset turrets
  • Long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box
  • Anti-reflective and fully multi-coated lenses

Cons

  • Non -illuminated

 

5) Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E 6X24 SFP Riflescope

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 6X24 SFP Riflescope

 

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The Razor HD Gen II-E as one of the best vortex scopes for 30-06 is feature-rich, It’s very accurate for short to medium applications of up to  600 yards.

This cope features the APO optical system for quality images and amazing brightness.

The low-profile locking illumination dial on this scope has 11 levels of brightness with off positions between each setting.

Pros

  • Single piece 30mm tube
  • Heavy recoil and impact resistance
  • Waterproof and fog-proof performance that’s to the fact that it’s O-ring sealed and argon purged
  • Armortek coatings from dirt, scratches, and oil
  • Streamlined zero resettable turrets for precision and adjustment
  • Ultra-forgiving eye box with generous eye relief
  • 11 levels of brightness
  • APO optical system
  • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
  • Hard-Anodized Finish
  • Large Diameter Turrets
  • Optically Indexed Lenses
  • Friction Reduction System
  • Erector Tube System

Cons

  • Expensive

 

 

Read Also

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best vortex scopes for 30-06

  • Field of view

It is important to take note that the .30-06 cartridges are designed and meant for long-range, so you have to look into the field of view when trying to compare your options and decide which one to get.

  • Scope rings

Consider the rings when finding a scope. Some of the scopes available already come with rings, but some do not. Because of this, it is best that you compare your options if you don’t want to hassle yourself in finding suitable rings for the rifle.

If you’re buying a scope that has no rings included, you must be sure that you’re buying properly sized ones. In short, be informed on how to find the correct rings for your .30-06 scope.

  • Adjustment knobs

Keep in mind the adjustment knob’s quality. It has to do with the ease of adjustment and effective focus you can get when you are in the field or range.

  • Durability

The scope that you choose must be durable and heavy-duty for a lifetime of use. It should handle harsh and extreme outdoor conditions. A tip is to find a scope that is made of aluminum alloy or aircraft-grade aluminum.

Speaking of heavy-duty, you can also have peace of mind if you for one that is O-ring sealed and nitrogen/argon purged to ensure that it delivers waterproof and fog-proof performance.

  • Objective lens

A high-quality scope for .30-06 should be one that can accommodate and handle long-range shots well. Also, ensure that you get a scope with an objective lens that has the ability to collect or gather as much light.

It is advisable to get a scope that has an objective lens of at least 40mm/50mm.

  • Eye relief

At a minimum, you will want to have a minimum of 3 inches to ensure your eyebrow will be safe, especially from heavy recoils and light weapons. More than 3 inches for eye relief is even better, but perhaps one with at least four inches if your rifle has more recoil.

Magnifying power

It is important that you select a scope with a high magnification

 

Advantages of Vortex scopes for .30-06           

  • Durable-Vortex scopes are made with excellent materials that include waterproofing and fog proofing designs. This way, you can rest assured that you have purchased a scope that will function well for a long time.
  • Multi-coated lenses-These special coatings increase light transmission which provides a clear sight picture and protects the lenses from being scratched.
  • Fog proof and water proof-This is due to the O-ring seals present in the scopes. Therefore, they are reliable in all weather conditions.
  • Durable-These .30-06 scopes are made from excellent materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum ensuring that they will last for a long time while still functioning properly.
  • Easy to adjust-These scopes are made in a way that they can be easily adjusted even from a shooting position. In this case, they let you modify the settings even when you are hunting.

Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06 FAQs

  1. What size scope rings are suitable for a scope on .30-06?

It is commonly an inch in diameter. But, you must know the scope’s tube diameter so as to figure out the correct rings for it.

  1. How should I sight in a .30-06 rifle scope?

You can sight in a .30-06 scope with bullet drop compensator or any other reticle 180-grain to be at 3 inches high at 100 yards, putting it at the point of sight at 225 yards and 4 inches low at 250 yards.

However, the very first step in order to hit your target is to remember bore sight it. Next, you can adjust the scope to the same target, and then you can become confident to hit the paper at 25 yards on the first shot before moving out to 100 yards.

Conclusion

We hope our listed Vortex will be one of your choices for your 30-06 rifle. The scopes promise shockproof, waterproof,fog-proof, durable, strong, and unrivaled performance.