Looking for the best Leupold Scope for 400 Yards? Read on as we go through Leupold 400 yards scopes, their features, pros, cons, and the considerations when choosing one.
Best Leupold Scope for 400 Yards-Our Top Picks
| 1. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
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| 2. Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope
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| 3. Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope
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| 4. Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope
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| 5. Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm Rifle Scope
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Now let’s look at each comprehensively
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
The 35 mm tube is strong, long-lasting, and provides an additional adjustment range, with a maximum elevation of 34.9 mils. To hit your target within the 10 rings, you can make it extremely precise.1/10th mil adjustments to elevation and windage. Each scope withstands 5,000 impacts on the Punisher, Leupold’s recoil simulation machine that generates three times the force of a.308 rifles. With each trigger pull, you can be sure that your glass is built to last and can withstand the powerful blasts from your rifle. Leupold offers a variety of reticles, and the Mark 5HD is available in different reticles to suit a variety of user preferences. When choosing a reticle, keep in mind that if the optic is being used for hunting, a less ‘busy’ reticle can make it easier to identify the game. Because of Leupold’s patented Twilight Max HD Light Management System and DiamondCoat 2 external lens coatings, the Mark 5 has a fast-focus eyepiece. With the side adjustment, you can easily focus the parallax and quickly acquire the reticle with the fast-focus eyepiece. Scratch-resistant lenses help to preserve the quality of your optics so you can enjoy the benefits of owning a top-of-the-line scope for years to come. Specifications
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Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope is a lightweight scope with a large objective lens, a wide field of view, and a versatile magnification range of 2-12x which makes it an effective Leupold Scope for 400 Yards. With the one-button design, you can easily control the reticle or let the Motion Sensor Technology(MST) deactivate illumination after 5 minutes of inactivity to save battery life. This scope has a 42mm objective lens with a Guard-Ion coating that protects the lens surfaces from scratches and other abrasions.It is also waterproof and fog proof. The Twilight Light Management System adds up to 30 minutes of additional shooting light and eliminates 90% more glare than the competition, allowing you to see more with even less light. It features a ZeroLock system that prevents accidental adjustments, as well as an electronic leveling system that causes the reticle to blink when the scope is not level. It also has a reversible throw lever for quick magnification changes and a fast-focusing eyepiece for quick reticle focus. Specifications
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Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope
Leupold designed the VX-6HD to do something no other scope can. The Twilight Max Light Management System offers unrivaled low-light performance, giving hunters an advantage at dawn and dusk when the biggest game is active. With a single button press, the user can adjust elevation up to 38 MOA (80cm) if necessary. They enhanced its capabilities by including an electronic reticle level for precise installation, a throw lever for quick magnification changes, and a stronger erector system. Lens covers made of alumina that flip back is also included. The Twin Bias Spring Erector System includes beryllium/copper alloy leaf springs and 30 percent more holding force to withstand the most intense recoil and abuse. The powerful 6:1 zoom ratio provides crystal clear images from edge to edge across the magnification range. You can shoot your VX-6HD more accurately at longer ranges using the simple electronic reticle level. The level is turned on and off by holding down the illumination push-button for 15 seconds. The level feature temporarily disables illumination when you rotate the scope more than 30 degrees, allowing you to lay the rifle on its side and conserve battery power. Even at higher magnifications, the longer eye relief and a generous eye box provide incredible head position latitude, edge-to-edge brightness, and a full clear sight picture that fills the eyepiece completely. The 30mm main tube is made of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum and provides incredible strength while allowing for more windage and elevation adjustment. Specifications
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Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope
This Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope is designed with an incredibly wide field of view for your hunting needs, allowing you to easily acquire targets and land long-range shots with pinpoint accuracy. The 2-10x magnification range of the Leupold VX-5HD gives you a super-wide field of view while also allowing for clear, long-range shots. Water, dirt, and fingerprints are repelled by the Guard-Ion rain shedding coating. The covered pop-up windage and elevation dials allow for quick and accurate sighting in as well as simple rezero. The 30mm main tube provides incredible strength while also allowing for more windage and elevation adjustment. It’s completely waterproof and fog proof. Specifications
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Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm Rifle Scope
The VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm delivers legendary performance and exceptional optical clarity in an incredibly tough, lightweight package. Its large objective lens and popular magnification range make it ideal for hunting in the woods or for western hunting. The VX-3HD has exceptional dawn-to-dusk light transmission for a bright image when it counts, as well as elite-level glare reduction in harsh light, resolution, and clarity. The zoom ratio of this scope is 3:1 meaning you get 3 times more power than at low magnification, so you can dial it down for close encounters or all the way up for long-range shots. The Custom Dial System on this scope allows you to tailor the turret (adjustment dial) to your specific ballistics and environmental conditions. After you’ve installed your new custom dial, simply range the target, set the dial to that number, and aim dead on. Specifications
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Choosing the Best Leupold Scope for 400 Yards
Magnification
A minimum magnification of 4x is recommended for 400-yard shots, with a maximum magnification of 15x recommended. Magnification can be adjusted to help you focus on a target at different distances.
You can zoom in on the target without having to worry about blurry vision if you use the correct magnification. The way you acquire the target when shooting from a distance determines the success of your shot.
Higher magnification, on the other hand, would result in a smaller field of view. However, you should keep in mind that you won’t always be shooting at 400 yards when selecting your scope. In the end, it comes down to what you want to do with it. Always remember to think about your scope’s overall capability.
Quality lenses
If you want a scope that will help you achieve consistent performance on the hunting field, a fully multi-coated lens is the way to go. You can target out to 400 yards with a clear image when shooting.
Image clarity can be improved with lens coatings as well. Make sure your lens is anti-reflective and scratch-resistant if you want a clear view from edge to edge.
Sturdiness
A long-lasting rifle scope is an excellent investment. Choose a scope that is built to last. Make sure your scope is o-ring sealed, nitrogen purged, and constructed of sturdy materials. Look for scopes that are waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof, as this will save you money and prevent you from having to buy scopes on a regular basis.
Eye relief
Eye relief that is consistent and generous is essential and practical. It guards against impact and recoil on your brow. Eye relief also reduces eye strain, which is especially important when working in the field for long periods of time.
Warranty
A good warranty is extremely beneficial. It might be able to assist you in getting the most out of your product and ensuring that your money is well spent. Before making a purchase, check the warranty details and read the description thoroughly. In addition, Brands that provide lifetime warranties provide better optics.
Why Leupold Scopes
- Leupold scopes are completely waterproof, fog-proof
- Durable construction and toughness
- With their reticles, Leupold has been a trailblazer and innovator, and there are plenty of high-quality options to choose from.
- Leupold offers a full lifetime warranty on their scopes.
Types of Leupold Reticles
Leupold has plenty of reticle designs to pick from and they include:
- Long-distance reticles: Bone and Crockett reticle, Windplex reticle, and TMOA reticle are examples of reticles that can help you deliver a bullet on target from a long, long distance.
- Tactical reticles: The FFP PR2-MOA reticle, FFP PR2-MIL reticle, and AR BALLISTIC reticle all have hash marks such as a mildot so the shooter can hold over for wind/drop or estimate the range on their target.
- Low-light reticles: These reticles, which include the well-known Duplex reticle, hunt-plex reticle, and fire dot reticle, are ideal for dusk to dawn hunting.
How To Focus Your Leupold Reticle
- Secure the scope and firearm in a firm rest. To keep the scope safe, aim it at a light-colored background.
- If the eyepiece has a lockring, turn it counterclockwise until the lock is released.
- Look through the scope while pointing it at a light-colored background. Take a few steps back between focus checks to relax your eye. Continue rotating the eyepiece and rechecking focus until the reticle is sharp.
- If your eyepiece has a lockring, tighten it against the eyepiece.
Choosing The Right Scope Mount for Your Leupold Scope
Standard (STD) mounts
These are traditional hunting mounts with steel 1- and 2-piece bases and windage adjustment. While bore sighting, the front dovetail pivots to allow the rear windage adjustment to secure the base.
Standard bases and rings are recommended for rifles with standard calibers less than 300 Win Mag, but not for magnum or rifles with large, heavy scopes.
Dual Dovetail (DD) mounts
Steel 1- and 2-piece bases are included, as well as Dovetail features on the front and back of the mount. DD mounts are well-known for handgun and dangerous big game rifle applications, making them an excellent choice for calibers ranging from standard to magnum.
Quick Release (QR) mounts
Muzzle loaders and dangerous game rifles have one-piece and two-piece bases with QR rings. The QR mounts allow you to quickly remove and replace your optic while maintaining zero (+/-14 MOA).
Cross-Slot mounts
For a variety of popular rifles, these are available in 1-piece and 2-piece bases. These weaver-style rings fit both Weaver and Picatinny rails and are suitable for calibers ranging from standard to magnum.
Backcountry mounts
Both cross-slot and ringmount configurations are available for these series. It’s made of ultralight 7075-T6 aluminum, with a recoil lug milled in and a low-profile keeper screw.
The Backcountry ringmount has traditional styling and details, as well as an integrated base and ring that fits specific rifle receivers. The Picatinny rail base on the Backcountry cross-slot mount is one piece, and the low-profile rings are compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver-style bases.
Tactical (MARK 4 AND IMS) mounts
Mark 4 and Integrated Mount System (IMS) mounts are part of the Tactical series. With steel 1-piece and 2-piece bases and rings in steel or 7075-T6 aluminum, the Mark 4 series is our most rugged mount yet. Leupold’s IMS series is a Picatinny rail integrated mount system.
These mounts are designed to be used with AR-15 rifles.
Deltapoint Pro mounts
For a wide range of handgun brands and firearm applications, Leupold offers a variety of mounting options. Any firearm with a Picatinny or Weaver-style rail can use the DeltaPoint Pro cross-slot mount.
Difference between Front and Rear Focal Plane
The reticle on SFP is only valid at one point across the entire magnification range, which is usually the highest level. The reticle in an SFP scope will appear to be the same size throughout the magnification range.
Ballistic and distance measurement increments on the reticle are correct at all magnifications with FFP, making it ideal for long-range competitive shooters and hunters.
How To Establish Eye Relief
- Because of the safety concerns associated with proper eye relief, Leupold strongly recommends mounting your scope as far forward as possible. After that, take the following steps:
- Maintain your normal shooting position, with the scope as far forward as possible in the mounts. (Variable power scopes should be set to the highest magnification when performing this procedure.)
- Slowly pull the scope back until the entire field of view is visible.
- Place your scope here to get the most out of it.
Fixed and Adjustable Parallax
When you move your eye away from the center point of the eyepiece, parallax is the apparent movement of the target relative to the reticle.
Fixed Parallax
Any fixed focus optical system can be adjusted to be parallax free at a single distance. At 150 yards, most Leupold scopes are factory-adjusted to be parallax-free. However, there are some exceptions:
- Leupold rimfire scopes have no parallax at 60 yards.
- Leupold Shotgun/Muzzleloader scopes are parallax-free at 75 yards. The UltimateSlam LR models have no parallax at 150 yards.
- The Leupold Handgun and Ultralight 2.5x scopes are parallax-free at 100 yards.
Adjustable parallax
Target shooting and varmint hunting necessitate a high level of precision. For precise shooting at various ranges, you’ll need a scope with a parallax adjustment dial.
The parallax adjustment can be found on the side of the adjustment turret housing or at the objective end of the scope. Follow these steps to eliminate parallax inside focus or adjustable objective scopes:
- Before adjusting the parallax, make sure the reticle is clear (focused). If it isn’t, proceed to the “Focusing the Reticle” section for instructions.
- Look through the scope with the firearm in a stable position, concentrating on the reticle’s center aiming point.
- While turning the side parallax or adjustable objective ring, move your head slightly up and down until the reticle does not move in relation to the target.
How to Sight-In A Leupold scope
- Make any necessary parallax corrections before proceeding if you’re using an adjustable objective or side focus model scope.
- First, bore-sight your weapon. After that, it’s off to the range for a final target sight-in. Always fire from a rested position when performing these steps to ensure consistent results.
- Then you fire a shot or two to get things started.
- Make the necessary adjustments to bring the reticle to the target’s center if you’re a few inches off.
- Carefully fire a three-shot group.
- For final windage and elevation adjustments, use the group’s center as a reference point.
FAQS
What does AO mean on a scope?
Adjustable Objective (AO) is what it stands for. An adjustable objective ring around the scope’s objective bell is found on some Leupold riflescopes.
What is parallax adjustment in a rifle scope?
Most modern rifle scopes have a parallax correction system with a dial on the side of the main tube, also known as a “side focus.” These systems allow a shooter to move the target’s image backward or forward to match the reticle’s focal plane.
Are Leupold scopes durable?
The scopes from Leupold are extremely long-lasting and will last you a lifetime. The bodies are made of strong, sturdy materials. They have a high-quality coating that prevents scratches and other abrasions on the lens surfaces, as well as being waterproof and fog proof.
Final Thoughts
With the above list of Leupold scopes, making a decision will be much easier when looking for the best Leupold scope for 400 yards. These scopes will meet your needs whether you’re hunting, practicing target shooting, or competing.
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