The 6 Best Scopes for 264 Win Mag is a versatile, high-velocity cartridge known for its flat trajectory, long-range capabilities, and effectiveness on medium to large game. To harness its full potential, selecting the right riflescope is crucial.
The 6 Best Scopes for 264 Win Mag combine optical clarity, precise reticles, rugged construction, and reliable long-range features.
This guide explores the top options, factors to consider, and essential features that make each scope a standout choice for maximizing the performance of this powerful cartridge.
Advantages of 264 Win Mag
Flat Trajectory-The .264 Win Mag is renowned for its flat shooting performance, meaning the bullet drops very little over long distances. This reduces the need for extensive holdover adjustments and allows hunters and long-range shooters to engage targets more accurately at extended ranges.
High Velocity- With muzzle velocities typically around 3,000 feet per second (fps) or higher, the .264 Win Mag delivers fast bullet flight, minimizing the effect of wind drift and target movement. This makes it effective for precision shooting and hunting game at long distances.
Long-Range Performance- The combination of high velocity and flat trajectory gives the .264 Win Mag excellent long-range capabilities, allowing hunters to take precise shots on game animals at distances of 300–500 yards or more, depending on skill and environmental conditions.
Versatile Game Cartridge- The .264 Win Mag is effective on a wide range of game, from medium-sized animals like deer and antelope to larger game such as elk and moose, when paired with appropriate bullets. Its energy and velocity make it a versatile choice for many hunting applications.
High Sectional Density Options- The cartridge supports bullets with high sectional density, which enhances penetration and ensures effective energy transfer on game animals. This improves ethical hunting outcomes by increasing the likelihood of clean, humane kills
6 Best Scopes for 264 Win Mag
1. Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm is a top-tier riflescope that combines precision engineering, advanced optics, and rugged durability, making it an excellent choice for hunters and long-range shooters using the .264 Winchester Magnum.
This scope stands out for its innovative features that enhance both accuracy and speed in target acquisition, ensuring shooters can make the most of the flat trajectory and high velocity of the .264 Win Mag cartridge.
One of the defining features of this scope is the Illuminated Firedot Twilight Hunter reticle. The FireDot technology instantly brings your eye to the center of the reticle, allowing for quick and precise target acquisition, even in challenging lighting conditions. This makes it particularly useful for hunting scenarios at dawn or dusk, where speed and clarity are critical.
The ZeroLock CDS-ZL system simplifies longer shots by eliminating the need for complex holdovers or ballistic calculations. By using a dial that is customized to your ammunition and rifle setup, shooters can confidently engage targets at extended distances.
This feature is particularly valuable for the .264 Win Mag, which is capable of high-velocity, flat-shooting performance at medium to long ranges.
Leupold’s Elite Optical System ensures unparalleled optical performance. With superior light transmission, glare reduction, and high-resolution clarity, this riflescope delivers crisp, bright images across all lighting conditions. This allows shooters to detect subtle movements and fine details at various distances, enhancing both hunting and tactical precision.
Pros
- Quick target acquisition with Illuminated Firedot Twilight Hunter reticle
- Simplifies long-range shooting with ZeroLock CDS-ZL system
- Exceptional clarity and brightness from Elite Optical System
- Rugged, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction
Cons
-
Limited magnification range
2. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane (FFP) 4-16×44 riflescope is a remarkable blend of precision, durability, and value, making it an excellent choice for shooters using the .264 Winchester Magnum.
Built for long-range applications, this scope combines advanced optics with robust construction, ensuring consistent performance in demanding hunting and tactical scenarios.
The precision-glide erector system utilizes premium components to ensure smooth and reliable magnification changes, even under harsh conditions. Coupled with a fast-focus eyepiece, shooters can quickly adjust the reticle to achieve sharp focus, improving reaction time and target acquisition.
For long-range applications, the Diamondback Tactical includes exposed turrets and a side parallax adjustment knob, giving shooters the tools to fine-tune their shots at extended distances. These features make it easier to compensate for bullet drop, windage, and parallax error, which is crucial for maximizing the performance of the .264 Win Mag.
Constructed with a single-piece 30mm tube, this scope is shockproof and built to withstand recoil and rough handling. Strong O-ring seals and nitrogen purging guarantee the scope is waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Pros
- First focal plane glass-etched reticle
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide bright, crisp images
- Smooth magnification adjustments via precision-glide erector system
- Exposed turrets and side parallax knob
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof
Cons
-
Slightly heavy
3. SIGHTRON S1 4-12X40 AO G2 RIFLESCOPE
The Sightron S1 4-12×40 AO G2 riflescope offers an excellent combination of classic design, modern precision, and lightweight portability, making it a strong contender for .264 Winchester Magnum owners seeking a versatile hunting scope.
Designed with simplicity and performance in mind, this scope delivers reliable accuracy without compromising on durability or optical clarity.
The S1 series revives the classic hunting riflescope design with modern updates, offering a scope that feels familiar yet performs at contemporary standards.
The Duplex reticle provides a clear and simple aiming point, ideal for hunters looking for fast target acquisition and consistent accuracy in various hunting scenarios.
Built on a 1-inch aircraft aluminum tube, the S1 4-12×40 AO G2 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry on long hunts without adding unnecessary bulk to your rifle. This makes it particularly suited for hunting with the .264 Win Mag, where mobility in the field can be as important as long-range performance.
The scope features an Adjustable Objective (AO) focus down to 10 yards, allowing precise parallax correction and sharp imaging at a variety of distances. This ensures that both close-range and extended shots remain accurate, taking full advantage of the flat trajectory offered by the .264 Winchester Magnum.
Pros
- Classic Duplex reticle for fast target acquisition and consistent aiming
- Compact, lightweight 1-inch aircraft aluminum tube
- Adjustable Objective allows precision parallax correction down to 10 yards
- Reliable, durable construction suitable for hunting in diverse conditions
- Backed by Sightron’s Lifetime Performance Guarantee
Cons
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Smaller tube diameter may reduce light-gathering
4. ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24×50 Riflescope
The ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24×50 riflescope is a premium optic designed for hunters and long-range shooters seeking exceptional clarity, precision, and reliability.
Perfectly suited for the .264 Winchester Magnum, this scope delivers outstanding performance in a variety of environments and lighting conditions, making it one of the best options for both big-game hunting and long-range precision shooting.
The Conquest V4 is designed for all-weather performance. LotuTec coating ensures a clear and unhindered view in wet or adverse conditions, allowing hunters to maintain visibility during rain, fog, or snow. This feature is especially valuable for outdoor hunters who may encounter unpredictable weather while pursuing game.
ZEISS’s Ballistic Stop feature provides absolute confirmation of zero, while the external, multi-turn elevation turret offers precise .25 MOA per-click adjustments. These features make long-range shooting more precise and repeatable, allowing the .264 Win Mag to reach its full potential at extended distances.
Pros
- High-definition glass
- LotuTec coating ensures clear visibility in all weather conditions
- Ballistic Stop and .25 MOA precision turrets
- Reticle #89 illuminated
- Excellent magnification range (6-24x)
Cons
-
Premium price point
5. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus riflescope is a premium hunting and long-range optic designed to maximize precision and clarity for shooters using the .264 Winchester Magnum. Combining advanced optical technology with rugged construction, this scope ensures shooters can confidently engage targets at medium to extended ranges.
The VX-5HD incorporates high-definition lenses paired with Guard-ion hydrophobic coating, which sheds dirt and water for a maintenance-free, crisp, and clear image. This combination enhances target visibility in all lighting conditions, whether hunting in bright daylight or low-light scenarios, allowing shooters to take full advantage of the .264 Win Mag’s performance.
Equipped with a side focus parallax knob, this scope allows fast, easy parallax correction from any shooting position. This feature ensures that the reticle stays aligned with the target, particularly at long distances, improving accuracy for extended-range shots.
The VX-5HD is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, and built to withstand harsh hunting conditions. It is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, guaranteeing reliable performance even in adverse environments.
Pros
- CDS-ZL2 with ZeroLock
- Custom Dial System (CDS)
- High-definition lenses
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Rugged, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction
Cons
- Pricey
6. Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm riflescope combines affordable performance, reliability, and proven optical quality, making it an excellent choice for hunters using the .264 Winchester Magnum.
This scope is designed to provide clear, bright images, durable construction, and dependable performance in the field, making it ideal for both recreational and serious hunting applications.
The VX-Freedom incorporates Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, which delivers excellent light transmission, glare reduction, and high-resolution clarity.
This ensures extended glassing sessions without eye strain and provides superior target visibility in varying light conditions, from bright daylight to the low-light hours of dawn and dusk.
As a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle remains the same size while the target grows or shrinks with magnification adjustments. This design is particularly useful for low-light hunting situations, where a consistent aiming point is critical.
While the reticle does not provide hash marks for range estimation, it is perfect for hunters relying on point-of-aim shooting with the flat-shooting .264 Win Mag cartridge.
The VX-Freedom is equipped with hardened surface coatings that meet extreme military standards, providing scratch resistance and added lens protection. This ensures durability even during rigorous hunting trips and frequent handling in rugged environments.
Pros
- Advanced Optical System
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle i
- Hardened lens coatings for scratch resistance and durability
- Rugged, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction
- Affordable option for hunters without sacrificing optical performance
Cons
-
SFP reticle does not allow range estimation using hash marks
Also Read:
Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06 Rifles
Factors to consider when choosing the 6 Best Scopes for 264 Win Mag
Magnification
The magnification range of a riflescope determines how closely you can view distant targets and how versatile the scope is for different hunting or shooting situations. For the .264 Winchester Magnum, which is capable of long-range precision, a scope with a moderate to high magnification range (e.g., 4-16x, 6-24x) is often ideal.
Durability
Hunting or shooting with a .264 Win Mag often involves exposure to rugged terrain, recoil, and unpredictable weather. A quality scope must be shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, with strong O-ring seals and durable housing, typically made from aircraft-grade aluminum. Scopes like the Leupold VX-3HD or Vortex Diamondback Tactical are designed to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring long-term reliability in the field without compromising optical performance.
Adjustments
Scopes for the .264 Win Mag should include features that facilitate accurate long-range shooting. This includes exposed turrets, side parallax adjustments, and ballistic dial systems (CDS or ZeroLock), which allow for precise elevation and windage corrections. These tools simplify target engagement at extended distances, reducing the need for mental holdovers and helping hunters or shooters maintain consistent accuracy with a flat-shooting cartridge.
Size and Weight
The physical dimensions and weight of a scope affect rifle balance, handling, and portability. Lightweight scopes like the Sightron S1 4-12×40 or Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 are easier to carry during long hunts, while larger scopes with wider tubes and higher magnification provide more optical performance but may add bulk
FAQs of the 6 Best Scopes for 264 Win Mag
- How important are optical clarity and lens coatings?
Optical clarity is critical for precise target identification, especially at long distances. High-quality glass with fully multi-coated lenses, low-dispersion elements, or proprietary coatings provides bright, crisp images and reduces glare. This ensures reliable performance in low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk, or dense brush, which is particularly important when hunting with the .264 Win Mag.
- What features should I look for to optimize long-range accuracy?
Scopes for the .264 Win Mag should include features that facilitate long-range precision, such as exposed elevation and windage turrets, side parallax adjustment, ballistic or custom dials (CDS or ZeroLock systems), and precise click adjustments (e.g., .25 MOA per click). These tools simplify range compensation, wind correction, and holdovers, allowing shooters to make accurate shots at extended distances with minimal guesswork.
- Should I choose a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) reticle?
The choice depends on your shooting style and intended use. FFP reticles scale with the target, allowing accurate holdovers and range estimation at any magnification, making them excellent for long-range shooting. SFP reticles stay the same size regardless of zoom, which can be ideal for low-light hunting or shooters who prefer a simple aiming point without relying on hash marks for calculations
Conclusion
Choosing the 6 Best Scopes for 264 Win Mag is a balance of clarity, precision, durability, and usability. Whether you prioritize advanced ballistic features, illuminated reticles for low-light hunting, or rugged, weatherproof construction, there is a scope suited to your shooting style and environment. By carefully considering the above factors can confidently pair their .264 Win Mag with a scope that enhances performance and provides reliability for years to come.