A 30-06 rifle is an excellent companion for all your hunting endeavors and shooting competitions, but there are a few things that make it the most sought-after hunting rifle that exists out there today.
Finding a 30-06 is quite easy, and just about everyone owns it, but finding the right accessories can be a little more taxing. So, if you’re someone who’s searching for the perfect scope to mount onto your beast before you take it out for big-game hunting, look no further.
Read our complete guide below to get a sound understanding of all there is to know about scopes, specifically in the case of 30-06 rifles.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Scopes For .30-06
- OUR TOP PICK: Vortex Optics Diamondback
- RUNNER-UP: Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex
Comparison Chart of the Best Scopes For .30-06
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What Makes a Scope Suitable For a .30-06?
What features really hit the mark in making a scope the perfect solid companion for all your outdoor ventures? Have a look:
Waterproof, Shockproof, and Fog Proof
To get the most use out of your 30-06, you need a scope that offers a lifetime of waterproof, shock-proof, and fog-proof performance. This is usually offered in scopes who’s O-ring is sealed and is nitrogen purged to prevent internal moisture and fogging. This feature is extremely essential if you want a high-quality performance that’s little affected by external pressures.
High Durability
If you’re using a 30-06 rifle, you’ll most probably be hunting in rugged or tough conditions. Hence, using a fragile scope will be a bad idea; instead, you should use durable and strongly built ones. Nowadays, most scopes are made from aircraft-grade aluminum that is lightweight yet robust. This is a perfect choice!
Extensive Field of View
Since .30-06 rifles are primarily designed for long-range hunting, you need to take the field of view into account. A fixed magnification is a big no as it will restrict your shots. Also, scopes that offer a very high magnification power will limit your field of view. Hence, you need to look for a model that offers a wide field of view and high magnification.
Lens Quality
Sometimes, scopes might feature a low lens quality because they’re cheap. Affordability is not always synonymous with quality; hence you need to make sure of the fact that even if you’re on a tight budget, you chose a design that offers a high glass quality at a reasonable price. This is because if you’re out for big-game hunting with a 30-06, turning a substandard scope’s magnification up can distort the image and blur it out.
Objective Lens
The objective lens should be good enough to accommodate and handle long-range shots. For this, you need to choose one that can gather as much light as possible, especially if you’re hunting at dawn, dusk, or low light environments. A lens with a diameter of 40mm or 50mm is ideal.
How Accurate is a .30-06?
A 30-06 can deliver quite accurate rounds for up to 1000 yards with a good scope, which is why it's a highly coveted hunting rifle among big-game hunters. An important consideration here is that it also depends on the rifle and the shooter.
If the .30-06 is being utilized as a competition cartridge, the most accurate rifles using it will clearly shoot groups at 200 yards of around two inches, 300 yards of around three inches. Similarly, 600-yard groups are six to seven inches and at 1000 yards, the accuracy is about 16 inches.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Magnification: This is the minimum and maximum amount of magnification the scope provides 4x means the image is magnified four times larger than its actual size.
- Type of Reticle: The reticle is the central aiming point, also known as the crosshair, when viewed through the scope. (BDC, Firedot, and MilDot, Illuminated, and Duplex are common types).
- Parallax: The amount of visual shift that is noticeable when viewing through various angles. This occurs when the image appears behind or in front of the reticle.
- Objective Lens: This is the component used for gathering light. Larger diameters let in more light for dim lighting conditions.
- Focal Plane: This refers to whether the reticle changes size as you zoom or not. FFP (First Focal Plane) reticles change size as you zoom while SFP (Second Focal Plane) reticles are always the same size regardless of zoom.
- Eye Relief: This is the distance between your eye and the outermost lens of the scope that enables full view of the image without distortion or a black circle around the edge.
- Field of View: This refers to the width of the area you can view through the lens of the scope.
- Adjustment Type and Click Value: This is measured in MOA (Minutes Of Angle) or MRAD/MIL (Mill Radians) and both refer to the amount of correction being applied to the height and width to accurately hit your target. MOA is based on degrees and angles while MRAD is based on radial lines (units of an angle). The click value refers to how much change in the measurement occurs with each “click”.
- Length and Weight: The length of the scope and carrying weight of the scope.
Review of the Best Scopes For .30-06
If you want to land the perfect shot while hunting, using a scope is imperative. Here are our top recommendations to enrich all your adventures you’re about to embark upon.
Best Overall:
Vortex Optics Diamondback
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers seem to think this is a really good scope, especially for deer hunting. The BDC reticle is a fan favorite, the glass is clear, it has nice audible clicks, and the turret reset under the caps is a nice feature. It is suitable for both close and far targets. Overall, it exceeded the user’s expectations.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Vortex Diamondback makes it to our list of top 30-06 scopes because it features a dead-hold BDC reticle that makes it great for hunting and shooting at close as well as long ranges while also minimizing the hold-over problem.
The lenses are designed to be fully multi-coated to deliver crisp and crystal-clear images, whether it’s dusk or dawn. It’s very easy to set-up, and the light collection it offers is good. Its argon-purged and O-ring sealed, delivering a durable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
The metal-on-metal turrets make zero-resetting after sighting extremely easy, making it a very good scope for the money!
Bottom Line
If you’re someone who’s on a tight budget but you’re still looking for quality and reliability, this scope is the way to go. It’s the best bang for your buck and will offer you exclusive features you won’t find in other models in the same price range.
Product Specs
Magnification:
1.75 - 5x
Type of Reticle:
Dead-Hold BDC
Parallax:
100 yds
Objective Lens:
32 mm
Focal Plane:
Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
3.5 - 3.7 in
Field of View:
23.1 - 68.3 ft at 100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.25 MOA
Runner-up:
Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
All users reported back, saying they were extremely happy with their purchase. The quality of this scope in comparison to the price it offers was a star feature for them. The zero has held its position to the range even after a lot of trips buyers have made with the device, which is the hallmark of a good scope. Most buyers were extremely impressed with the clarity that is offered through the lens.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The scope definitely stands out to us due to its extremely affordable price. Nowadays, it’s difficult to find decent quality scopes that are low in price, but this one hits right on the mark. The glass is of better quality and offers more clarity than most scopes that are of double the price.
The TrueZero fingertip windage and elevation adjustment system offers extremely smooth adjustments, which is beneficial for newbies and rookies. The truplex reticle is simple but easy to view and handle.
The scope features a matte black finish, making it sleek, and the recoil-proof feature, in addition to the waterproof and fog-proof build, is a spectacular add-on.
Bottom Line
The high-quality yet reasonable price makes this scope a package deal. The fully coated optics offer bright and high contrasting images, and the parallax stays put despite the magnification shifts. It’s perfect for most calibers and offers a great deal!
Product Specs
Magnification:
3 - 9x
Type of Reticle:
Truplex
Parallax:
100 yds
Objective Lens:
50 mm
Focal Plane:
Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
3.75 in
Field of View:
31.4 - 10.5 at 100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.25 MOA
Best for the Money:
Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The simple ballistic plex reticle is clean and features drop compensation marks, and customers seem to love the scope for this feature. They’re highly impressed with the clarity of the lens considering the price and seemed to enjoy the built-in parallax adjustment.
Buyers also claim to praise the life-time warranty. All in all, they enjoy the optics and applaud the price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Burris Fulfilled ll has made it to our top favorites due to its versatility. It’s ideal for both close and long-range shooting and is compatible with most calibers of bullet weights. Owing to its multitude of unique features all being offered at the best possible price, we can’t seem to overlook this device.
The simple ballistic plex reticle makes it the perfect hunting companion offering an effective trajectory compensating attribute. The Hi-Lume multi-coated lens reduces glare while ensuring light transmission and the nitrogen-filled tubes help prevent fogging in humid and cold conditions.
Bottom Line
Fit for most rifle mounting systems, this scope is an excellent choice for small game or big-game hunting. The durable steel components and strongly built body help it in surviving the toughest conditions.
Product Specs
Magnification:
3 - 9x
Type of Reticle:
Ballistic Plex
Objective Lens:
40 mm
Focal Plane:
Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
3.1 - 3.8 in
Field of View:
12 - 33 ft at 100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.25 MOA
4. Athlon Optics Argos BTR
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers claim this scope is capable of hitting targets in long-range with extreme accuracy, something they’d usually expect from more high-end scopes. The optics are not the best on this one, but users seem to think it’s a great trade-off for the practicality and functionality it offers.
The windage and elevation adjustments are spot-on; it offers good tactile clicks, and the zero has held its position perfectly. Everyone is definitely impressed!
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR has been a head-turner due to its First Focal Plane reticle, enabling the reticle to also zoom in on a given target when the scope is zoomed in which is why it’s an excellent choice for long-range shooters.
Furthermore, the illuminated reticle provides excellent assistance and visibility for when you’re sighting at dusk or dawn hours and other conditions where one might suffer from low light. The etched glass reticle ensures the scope remains shockproof. The fully multi-coated lens makes sure the light reflections are minimal while maximizing light transmission, providing you with a brighter image than normal.
Made from aircraft-grade aluminum exhibiting exceptional strength while also maintaining a waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof performance, this scope is one of our favorites!
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a great FFP scope at a very affordable cost. Its compact design makes it lightweight and portable, and the overall amazing features deliver you more than what you pay for.
Product Specs
Magnification:
6 - 24x
Type of Reticle:
APMR FFP IR MIL
Parallax:
10 yds to infinity
Objective Lens:
50 mm
Focal Plane:
First Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
3.3 in
Field of View:
16.7 - 4.5 ft at 100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.1 MIL
5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users claim to be able to shoot over 1000 yards with accuracy using this scope. They recommend this to anyone who’s torn between buying a red dot or a scope due to its long-range functionality, all while ensuring extreme vision clarity and bright images.
It's a great multi-purpose scope and is ideal for all light conditions, including dawn, on a sunny day, or a cloudy one. Customers are especially fond of the durability this scope offers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Vortex Optics Crossfire ll is a crowd winner because it offers excellent magnification, great clarity of vision, a fast-focus eyepiece, and a V-brite reticle at a very reasonable price.
The V-Brite reticle is equipped with a V-Plex format, illuminating the center dot for hunters or shooters so they can attain precision and accuracy even in extra low light conditions. The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick focusing and hence easy target acquisition while providing a very generous eye relief.
The MOA clicks offered on the capped turrets can be easily reset to zero after sighting, making it extremely easy to adjust and use the scope. The build quality is the strongest feature on this scope and offers extreme strength and resistance to scratches and external damage.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a premium long-range scope at a very low price, offering just as much durability and strength as it does clarity and adjustability. Buy it, and you will not be disappointed!
Product Specs
Magnification:
1 - 4x
Type of Reticle:
Illuminated V-Brite
Parallax:
100 yds
Objective Lens:
24 mm
Focal Plane:
Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief:
4 in
Field of View:
24.1 - 96.1 ft at 100 yds
Adjustment Type and Click Value:
0.25 MOA
Should Any Scope Be Used on a 30-06?
Even if you’re using the most popular caliber that exists out there in the market, attachments always enhance the experience a device can offer. Using a scope is always a good idea as it offers you a range of magnification powers so you can maximize your shooting range.
Without a scope, the bullets begin to drop significantly after 200 yards with reduced velocity. Increasing the distance will eventually lead to drops falling below one foot. This is why using a scope is important as it will help you reach greater distances without any issues.
If you’re torn between what scope to choose for your rifle, you need to remember the distance you’re interested in shooting at. With a scope, you’ll be able to shoot at varying distances according to your mood without any struggle.
A scope with powers of 9x or higher will allow you to perform long-range shooting. If mid-range shooting is your preferred style of shooting, one with power ranging anywhere from 3x to 9x will be your best friend. Close-range shooting will require a scope that utilizes 1-4x power.
How Far Will a .30-06 Shoot?
A 30-06 is one of the most popular hunting rifles among hunters and shooters, especially those who are into big-game hunting. In addition to this, it has been used to win numerous close, medium, and long-range target shooting competitions.
The 30-06 can shoot up to 200 yards with less than 1 MOA, although some factors may cause a little divergence. Using a good scope can extend the 200 yards to about 800-1000 yards.
Hence, with the right scope, you’ll enjoy close, medium, and long-range shooting with extreme precision and accuracy.
Conclusion
Whether you’re up close and personal with your target or shooting it from a comfortable distance, using a scope will enhance your overall hunting experience.
We’ve given you a detailed guide starting from what features work best for a 30-06 to our top picks we’d recommend, ending with a few useful insights on why it's important to use a scope. We hope after reading this article, you’re able to make a well-informed decision.
People Also Ask
We’ve formulated a list of questions we think might help you out if you’re still confused. We hope these prove to be beneficial for you and clear up all ambiguities!
What Does .30-06 Mean?
The 30-06 is a rifle or machine-gun cartridge whose name involves two numbers separated by a hyphen. The ‘30’ describes the caliber of the bullets measured in inches while the 06 mentions the year the cartridge was adopted, which was 1906.
How Fast Does a .30-06 Bullet Travel?
The 30-06 features around 100 different combinations of bullets and brands that exist in the market, ranging from lightweight bullets to options offering the heaviest bullets. Depending upon the type and design, a 30-06 bullet can travel with a velocity as high as 3500 fps. For example, a 150-grain bullet can go up to 3000 fps while a 180-grain bullet can go up to 2800 fps.
Can a .30-06 Shoot 1000 Yards?
The 30-06 Springfield has been certified to reach targets as far as 4.75 miles and an effective firing range of 1000 yards with its original 150-grain spire bullet with a velocity of 2700 fps.
Can a .30-06 Kill a Grizzly Bear?
With the right bullet, a 30-06 is powerful enough to kill a grizzly bear.
