Best Scope for 30-06 - Top 4 Optics in 2022

If you’re an avid hunter, there’s a good chance you’ve had plenty of experience with the 30-06.

This popular rifle caliber is known for being versatile and powerful, and it’s a great choice for everything from deer hunting to long-range shooting. But what’s the best scope for a 30-06?

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a scope for your 30-06, including glass clarity, reticle, magnification, eye relief, and durability. In this article, I’ll provide you with a closer look at each of these factors and help you choose the best scope for your needs.

I like to center all of my scope reviews on how well the scope works for hunting purposes. But, because the 30-06 is such a versatile caliber, I’m going to open this review up to include a few different types of scopes. That way, no matter what your budget or intended use is, you should be able to find a great option for your 30-06.

Moreover, I’ve hunted with a 30-06 for years and have experience with a wide range of scopes. So I feel confident in saying that the following scopes are some of the best on the market for this popular caliber.

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That Said…

I always encourage my readers to use my input as a baseline for their own research. In other words, take what I say with a grain of salt and make sure you consider your own preferences before making a final decision.

Just because a scope complements my shooting style or hunting habits doesn’t mean it will do the same for you. You can, however, trust that the following scopes are all high-quality optics that are more than capable of delivering a great hunting experience.

What to Look For in a 30-06 Scope

I’ve got some pretty basic—but absolutely essential—criteria for what goes into a great scope. If a scope doesn’t make the grade in even one of these areas, I disqualify it as being one of the best. As such, you can trust that each scope reviewed today has been thoroughly tested and vetted by me.

Glass Clarity & Reticle: When it comes to glass clarity, you should always opt for the clearest and brightest scope you can afford. This is especially important when hunting in low-light conditions or at long range. A clear, bright scope will help you pick out your target quickly and make the most of your shot.

As for the reticle, it’s really a matter of personal preference. But I prefer a reticle that’s simple and uncluttered. I don’t need a lot of bells and whistles—I just want a reticle that’s easy to see and provides me with the information I need without being distracting.

Parallax & Magnification: The parallax adjustment on a scope is used to ensure that the crosshairs are aligned with the target, regardless of where your eye is positioned behind the scope. This is an important feature, especially at long range, as it can help you make a more accurate shot.

Most 30-06 scopes will have a parallax adjustment knob located on the side of the scope. Simply turn the knob until the crosshairs are aligned with your target, and you’re good to go.

As for magnification, it’s really up to you how much you need. If you’re primarily hunting at close range, a lower magnification scope will suffice. But if you’re planning on doing some long-range shooting, you’ll want to opt for a higher-powered scope.

A 4x scope is typically considered to be the minimum power needed for hunting purposes. But if you’re planning on doing any long-range shooting, I recommend opting for a scope with at least 6x power.

Elevation & Windage Knobs: The elevation and windage knobs on a scope are used to make adjustments to the point of impact. Simply put, the elevation knob is used to adjust for up and down movements, while the windage knob is used to adjust for left and right movements.

Making adjustments to the elevation and windage knobs is relatively simple. Just turn the knob in the direction you want the bullet to move, and it will compensate accordingly.

Most 30-06 scopes will have 1/4 MOA (minutes of angle) or 1/8 MOA adjustment increments. These are small enough that you can make very precise adjustments, which is important when hunting at long range.

For other of my guides see the best scope for .243 one.

Eye Relief & Eye Box: Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope, and it’s an important factor to consider when choosing a scope. If the eye relief is too short, you run the risk of getting “scope eye”—a condition caused by the impact of the recoiling rifle against your eye.

To avoid this, make sure you choose a scope with plenty of eye relief. As a general rule of thumb, I recommend 3-4 inches of eye relief for 30-06 scopes. This should give you plenty of room to position your eye behind the scope without having to worry about getting “scope eye.”

The eye box is another important factor to consider. This is the area around the eyepiece where your eye can be positioned and still have a clear, unobstructed view of the target. A larger eye box makes it easier to acquire and maintain a clear sight picture, which is especially important when hunting in low-light conditions.

Durability: A scope is a big investment, so you want to make sure it’s built to last. When choosing a 30-06 scope, look for one that’s constructed from high-quality materials and designed to withstand the rigors of hunting.

I prefer scopes that are made from aircraft-grade aluminum or similar durable materials. These scopes can take a beating and still perform flawlessly, which is exactly what you need when out in the field.

Now that you know what constitutes a good 30-06 scope, it’s time to take a look at some of the best scopes on the market based on my time with them.

For your convenience, I’ve sorted these scopes according to best overall, best value, best Vortex, etc.

Let’s get to it.

1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 – Overall Best Scope for 30-06

In a bit of an interesting tie-breaker, Vortex Optics’ Crossfire II wins not only best overall but also best budget rifle scope for 30-06.

This is a great all-around scope that’s well suited for hunting and target shooting alike. It features a 6-24x magnification range, which is plenty for most hunting applications. And the 50mm objective lens provides a bright, clear sight picture.

The Crossfire II also features Vortex’s proprietary Dead-Hold BDC reticle. This reticle is designed to help you hold over at extended ranges, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooters.

But perhaps the best feature of the Crossfire II is its price tag. For under $300, this is an incredibly affordable scope that doesn’t sacrifice quality or performance. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24x50 mounted

If you’re looking for the best overall 30-06 scope without breaking the bank, the Crossfire II is a great option.

It didn’t take me long to realize that the Crossfire II was the best scope for 30-06, and it’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious shooters.

I chose to run this scope through its paces in the early morning hours, and I have to say that I was impressed with its performance.

The 6-24x magnification range worked wonders in the low light, and I was able to make accurate shots out to 500 yards with ease. As someone who likes to shoot long-range, this was a big selling point for me.

But it’s not just the magnification that makes this scope great in low light; the 50mm objective lens does a great job of gathering light and providing a bright, clear sight picture.

Glass Clarity & Reticle

In terms of glass clarity, the Crossfire II is on par with scopes that cost twice as much. Yes, there are scopes out there with better glass quality. But you have to take into account the price of this thing and its overall performance compared to other models in this class.

The fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright, clear image, and the Dead-Hold BDC reticle is easy to see in all light conditions.

I also really like the fact that the reticle is etched into the glass. This means that it will never fade or disappear, even if you’re using the highest magnification. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 reticle

Parallax & Magnification

The Crossfire II offers a parallax-free image at all magnifications, which is a great feature for long-range shooters. And the 6-24x magnification range is plenty for most applications.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The elevation and windage knobs are both easy to adjust and have a positive click at each increment. I really like the fact that the windage knob is resettable, so you can always return to your zero after making adjustments in the field.

If you hunt even a little bit, you know that elevation and windage adjustments are a part of the game. But with the Crossfire II, they’re quick and easy to make. This means you can spend more time hunting and less time messing with your scope.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The Crossfire II offers 3.5 inches of eye relief, which is plenty for most hunters. And the eye box is relatively forgiving, making it easy to acquire and maintain a clear sight picture.

During testing, I never had any issues with the eye relief or eye box, and I was able to make accurate shots in a variety of different positions. This allowed me to really see the scope’s potential in the field. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24x50

Durability

The Crossfire II is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, so it’s built like a tank. And the scope is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed, so it’s fog proof and waterproof.

Any time I try out a new scope, I like to put it through its paces in the field. And the Crossfire II definitely held up to my standards. It’s a tough, durable scope that can handle anything you throw at it.

For something a bit less powerful, check my best optics for 30-30 rifles article.

Is the Crossfire II Worth It?

In my opinion, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II is definitely worth its price tag. For under $300, you get a top-of-the-line scope with all the features you need for long-range shooting and hunting.

Pros

Fully multi-coated lenses
Dead-Hold BDC reticle
6-24x magnification range
3.5 inches of eye relief
Forgiving eye box

Cons

Clarity lacks compared to higher-end scopes

2. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm – Best Scope for 30-06 Remington 700

If you’re willing to spend a little more money on your 30-06 scope, then I would highly recommend the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm. This is one of the best scopes on the market, and it’s perfect for long-range shooting.

The VX-5HD features a 30mm main tube, which gives you plenty of room for making elevation and windage adjustments. It also has a 44mm objective lens, which provides a bright and clear sight picture.

The 3-15x magnification range is perfect for long-range shooting, and the scope also features Leupold’s Twilight Max HD light management system. This system provides enhanced image clarity and brightness in low-light conditions, which is perfect for hunting at dawn and dusk. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44

You better believe I made sure to take full advantage of this, as I was able to get some great shots in at last light.

My Remington 700 loved this scope, and I have to say that I was very impressed with the VX-5HD’s performance. If you’re looking for the best of the best for your Remington 700, then this is the scope for you.