Best vortex scope for 30-06
You are obviously aware of the benefits of a 30-06 cartridge now that you are here. But, to recap, one of the advantages is the relatively flat trajectory, which favors accurate hits on targets.
The 30-06 cartridge is also known for having enough power to take down medium and large game, so it can be used for hunting. This also makes it effective for hunting medium to long-range targets effectively
Finally, because this cartridge is widely available, you will never have to worry about replacing it.
The 30-06, on the other hand, can only be effective if paired with the best rifle and scope, and one of the brands that have stood out is the Vortex brand of scopes.
This article, therefore, looks at the best Vortex scope that you can use with a 30-06 cartridge for the best results.
Best Vortex Scope for 30-06 Rifle-Top Picks
- Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm
- Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm
- Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm
- Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm
- Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44mm
- Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm scope
1. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm
This is the best rifle scope you can spend your money on and even when comparing it with other brands of scopes, not just the Vortex brand.
It stands out for its optimal clarity that’s aided by the good quality optics that you get from Vortex. See Vortex is renowned for having good optics and this is no different.
The lens of this particular one uses an Apochromatic system that uses index-matched lenses to correct color across the entire visual spectrum. This lens clarity allows you to effectively use it in twilight conditions
The scope is also best for having the option of different reticles each designed to give you the ultimate precision and ease of use.
Not to forget the reticle exists on the first focal plane which means that you get true adjustments no matter the level of magnification.
Talking about the magnification it’s a variable 3-18x which combined with excellent optics, a powerful 30-06 round and advanced turrets will comfortably take out a target at long range.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 18 x
- Reticle: (4 options)
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.78 – 16.67 mm
- Field of View: 6.25 – 37.8 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in
- Weight: 46.5 oz
Pros
- Apochromatic lens
- First focal plane gives accurate magnification
- Sleek finish
- Many (4) reticle options
2. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm
The Vortex diamondback 6-24x is the perfect balance between price and performance, it isn’t overly expensive, at just over $400, but delivers one of the best performances with a 30-06 cartridge.
It carries on the great optical clarity from Vortex that is complemented by the wide 50mm objective lens.
The exposed turret provides the shooter with a great ability to adjust for a target regardless of the surrounding conditions. Another noteworthy feature is the availability of a magnification quadrupler, which is a throw lever on the eyepiece that quickly changes the magnification to adapt to the target.
The scope comes with two reticles, each with a simple design that is a theme of the rifle scope. All of the reticles are of the first focal plane and have hash marks that can be used to accurately estimate holdover for distance and windage.
Lastly, you’ll take note of the high (24x) magnification that helps you zoom in on long-distance targets which would otherwise appear small.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.33 mm
- Field of View: 4.5 – 18 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.9 in
- Weight: 24.6 oz
Pros
- Budget friendly price
- Excellent low light performance
- Tactical windage and elevation turret
- Solid construction
Cons
- The reticle isn’t illuminated
3. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
This is probably the cheapest on this list and that’s one of the things that makes it appealing. The scope is durable enough to withstand the harshness of the outdoors and exceeds its price when it comes to performance.
The Crossfire II, with its 3-9x magnification, is ideal for mid-range targets. For starters, it comes with a decent lens, a fast-focus eyepiece, and a fully resettable turret.
It also has one of the longest eye reliefs, allowing the shooter to position the rifle in a variety of positions to be comfortable while shooting.
Additionally, the scope comes with the option of 3 reticles, all of which are customized crosshairs. The crosshair design means that the reticles are simplified which makes it easy to use. Besides that, they have extra hash marks that help to estimate holdover and windage correction.
Overall, if you’re on a tight budget, this is the best scope you can get. It costs slightly less than $200 and is of good enough quality to be used effectively for mid-range targets with a 30-06 cartridge.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 34.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 in
- Weight: 15 oz
Pros
- Excellent value price
- stripped down and easy to use
- Maintains a low profile
- Delivers bright images
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Has a rather small 9x magnification
4. Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Scope
The AO is an acronym that stands for the adjustable objective lens, which is a distinct standard feature of this rifle scope. The AO allows you to easily move across the versatile magnification range of 6-24x and adjust the scope to the distance of the target.
Another notable feature is its long eye relief (4 inches) and its high durability, which allows it to withstand even the most powerful recoil.
The scope is ideal for long-range shots and would pair well with a 30-06 cartridge. It comes with only one reticle option, which is probably one of the simplest reticles in the Vortex lineup. The simplicity promotes the accuracy and makes it simple to use even for inexperienced shooters.
Finally, the scope has a lens that produces a high-quality image thanks to the presence of high-quality coatings that reduce glare and reflective loss.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 4.4 – 17.3 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Weight: 23.6 oz
Pros
- Rugged construction
- O ring sealed and nitrogen purged
- Generous eye relief
- BDC reticle suitable for varying distance
- High 24x magnification
Cons
- Hefty and unwieldy
5. Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44mm
The Vortex Viper HS is a perfect alternative that’s suitable for mid to long-range targets using a 30-06 cartridge. It stands out for great image clarity, and one of the best color fidelities. This is helped by the XD extra-low dispersion glass on the lens and the high-quality multi-coating that allows optimal light transmission.
Another great feature is the simplified reticle with hash marks for wind holds and holdovers for elevation. It is also fairly lightweight and has generous eye relief that makes this a comfortable option for the shooter.
Lastly, more ruggedness has been added to this rifle scope compared to the others on the Vortex line-up. Apart from the great build quality using tough aluminum, it’s waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. The shockproof characteristic allows it to fair well with high recoil rifles, even with the 30-06 cartridge.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Magnification: 4 – 16 x
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.75 – 11 mm
- Field of View: 7.4 – 27.4 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Weight: 18.4 oz
Pros
- Advanced optical system
- Gives one of the best eye box
- BDC reticle
- Generous windage and elevation travel
- One of the most ergonomic.
Cons
- Not the brightest images under low light
6. Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm scope
This is a rifle scope that has been made easy to operate with the inclusion of a ton of user friendly features. One of them is the easily adjustable turret with a generous amount of travel and an easy return to zero feature.
Next, the scope comes with a throw lever that makes changes across the magnification range easy and fast.
This scope has the option of two first focal plane reticles, both with fine and accurate details that aid in ranging and wind holding. However, the reticle may be too detailed for some shooters who prefer something straightforward.
Lastly, this scope delivers one of the finest images of the target this is greatly helped by the high quality glass and the wide objective lens that lets in an enormous amount of light inside.
These features complement the high magnification range and aid in the identification of targets as well as the placement of an accurate shot.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.24 – 11.2 mm
- Field of View: 4.71 – 21.21 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
- Weight: 35 oz
Pros
- FFP gives accurate magnification readings
- Effective ranging reticle
- High 25x magnification
- Excellent light transmission
Cons
- Bulky
- Short eye relief
FAQs
Is Vortex a good brand?
Yes, Vortex is a good brand that specializes in optics; some of its products include binoculars, spotting scopes, and rifle scopes. Vortex has a reputation for producing high-quality, dependable products. Another reason why Vortex is popular is that they provide excellent customer service and warranties on their products.
Who makes Vortex?
Vortex is a company based in the United States that was founded in 2004. The majority of Vortex products are designed and manufactured in the United States, but some are manufactured elsewhere.
How far can a 30-06 Cartridge shoot?
The distance that a 30-06 cartridge can reliably and accurately shoot at a target depends on various factors such as, weather conditions barrel length, and shooters skills. The average distance however ranges from 800 to 1000 yards.
Is Leupold better than Vortex?
Both the Vortex and Leupold are of good quality and can be paired with the 30-06 cartridge. The Vortex however is renowned for its durable construction while the Leupold is known for its excellent glass. The Leupold VX-Freedom CDS 3-9x50mm for example would work perfectly with the 30-06 on medium targets at distances ranging from 600 to 800 yards even under low-lighting.
Buying a Scope for 30-06 Rifle
These are some of the characteristics that you look for when buying a rifle scope to use with a 30-06 cartridge.
Magnification– When deciding which rifle scope to buy for your gun, the magnification of the scope is always an important consideration. Long-range targets benefit from high magnification, while mid-range and short-range targets benefit from lower magnification.
The 30-06 scope is typically used for mid-range to long-range targets, so magnification should be medium to high when considering your options. A magnification of at least 9x is recommended for mid-range targets, but it can be increased to more than 15x for long-range targets.
Lens clarity-This is another important consideration but fortunately, it isn’t an issue when it comes to the Vortex rifle scopes. Vortex scopes are renowned to have excellent optics and this is why they are one of the most popular preferred options.
Durability-The vortex scopes also stand out for decent build quality. The quality is shown by the type of material used in construction and how well it has been put together. A durable scope should also be waterproof, fog proof, and able to withstand a reasonable amount of recoil.
Price- Sadly more advanced rifle scopes come at a higher price. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that affordable options are of poor quality, no. We have perfect alternatives for every budget, the value is estimated by the type of performance and features compared to the price. The Crossfire II for example is a line of scopes that are very affordable yet will give excellent performance.
Warranty– A good warranty ensures dependability; the Vortex brand has a lifetime warranty, and it’s worth checking to see if the scope you’re getting for your 30-06 is covered by it.
CONCLUSION
Vortex brand is a renowned option when it comes to rifle scopes and this article is an in-depth review of the best Vortex scopes for a 30-06 cartridge. What we have listed will appeal to a variety of budgets and we guarantee that each of the scopes will give you significant value as a shooter. The buying guide provided will also be of huge help if you don’t miss it. Now enjoy your shooting!
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