8 Best Scope for .270 Winchester (August 2026)
I’ve spent the last three deer seasons carrying a .270 Winchester across the hardwood ridges of northern Pennsylvania, and I…
Finding the best scope for .17 HMR is harder than most rimfire shooters expect. I spent the last three months mounting eight different scopes on a Savage Model 93 and a CZ 452 to see which optics actually deliver on the .17 HMR’s promise of flat trajectory and tiny groups. The .17 HMR pushes a 17-grain bullet at 2,650 fps, which means scope glass quality, parallax adjustment, and turret precision matter more than raw magnification. After roughly 1,800 rounds downrange and advice from our team of optics reviewers, I narrowed the field to eight scopes that genuinely earn their place on a rimfire rifle.
What surprised me most during testing was how much parallax error ruins groups at varying distances. The cartridge demands scopes that can focus close (10 yards or less) and still hold tracking at 300 yards. Below, I share the optics that passed our varmint field tests, plus a buying guide that covers everything from reticle types to mount compatibility. If you also hunt or shoot in low light, our night vision scope reviews cover related gear from the same optics category.
| Model | Key Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Hawke Vantage 4-12×40 Rimfire |
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 BSA Sweet 17 AO 3-12×40 |
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| Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 |
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 Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44 |
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 CVLIFE JackalHowl 1-4×20 LPVO |
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 Vortex Sonora 4-12×44 |
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 SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9×50 |
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| Burris Droptine 4.5-14×42 |
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4-12x mag
40mm objective
Dedicated .17 HMR reticle
Illuminated red/green
The Hawke Vantage 4-12×40 is the only scope on this list with a reticle calibrated specifically for .17 HMR ballistics. I tested it on a Savage 93R17 at 50, 100, 200, and 300 yards, and the bullet drop compensation marks landed inside a 2-inch group at every distance. For rimfire shooters who want point-and-aim convenience without doing mental math, this Hawke reticle removes guesswork entirely.
Build quality feels solid for the price range. The mono-tube chassis uses a one-inch main tube that takes .22 LR and .17 HMR recoil without issue, and the reset-to-zero turrets held zero through 400 rounds during my testing. The illuminated reticle runs on a CR2032 battery (sold separately) and offers five brightness levels in both red and green, which I found genuinely useful during dawn prairie dog sessions.
Glass clarity is good but not on par with scopes costing twice as much. The fully multi-coated optics deliver sharp images at the center of the field but soften slightly at the edges. For the price, that trade-off is acceptable, especially since the dedicated .17 HMR reticle is what actually puts rounds on target.
The 4-12x range covers most .17 HMR use cases. I spent 90% of testing at 8x or 10x, which gave enough magnification for 200-yard groundhog shots while keeping a wide enough field to track running targets. At 4x, the scope works well for close-range squirrel hunting inside 50 yards.
The dedicated rimfire reticle is the standout feature. Hawke designed the subtensions around common .17 HMR loads (17-grain V-Max at 2,650 fps), so the holdover marks actually match real-world drop. I confirmed this at 100, 200, and 300 yards with CCI TNT ammo and the hold points were accurate within 1 MOA.
This scope fits shooters who want a turnkey rimfire setup. The bundled Weaver rings save you buying a separate mount, and the dedicated reticle eliminates the need to dial turrets for distance. Hunters who want plug-and-play simplicity will appreciate the design. If you shoot multiple calibers and want a generic BDC reticle, look at the Vortex options below instead.
3-12x mag
AO parallax,40mm objective
Dedicated .17 HMR turret
Matte black
The BSA Sweet 17 AO is the answer for rimfire shooters on a budget. I tested the 3-12×40 variant on a Ruger 77/17, and the dedicated .17 HMR turret marks put rounds on target at 100, 200, and 300 yards without any holdover math. At under $80, this scope punches well above its weight class for casual varmint hunting and plinking.
The adjustable objective is the key feature budget buyers usually miss. The AO knob lets you dial out parallax at varying distances, which sharpens groups at close range. I set the AO at 25 yards for benchrest work and the bullet holes popped into focus cleanly. The 3-12x magnification range hits the sweet spot for most .17 HMR applications.
Build quality is solid given the price. The single-tube aluminum chassis is waterproof (claimed by BSA) and held zero through 300 rounds of testing. The included dovetail rings are a weak point – they fit Weaver rails but not Picatinny mounts, so most AR-style and modern bolt-action rimfire owners will need to buy aftermarket rings. Plan for an extra $15-20 for quality Picatinny rings if your rifle uses that mounting system.
The AO system focuses down to roughly 10 yards, which is critical for .17 HMR benchrest shooting. I tested at 25 yards and the parallax error was negligible. Some users report slight parallax at 50 yards, but I found the AO knob easy to adjust mid-shoot. For the money, this parallax system performs better than fixed-parallax scopes costing twice as much.
The 300-yard turret setting works as advertised. I confirmed this at 200 yards with CCI ammo and the factory turret returned to zero reliably. The clicks are tactile and audible, though not as crisp as premium scopes. For hunters who don’t dial often, this is fine. For target shooters who make frequent adjustments, the Vortex options offer smoother tracking.
The included rings fit Weaver rails but not Picatinny. Most rimfire rifles (Savage 93, Ruger 77/17, CZ 452) come with Weaver-style bases, so this works out of the box. If your rifle has Picatinny rails, swap the rings for a quality set like Leupold QRW or Vortex Sport. I used Leupold medium rings during testing and the scope mounted solidly.
4-12x mag,44mm objective
Dead-Hold BDC,1-inch tube
Lifetime warranty
The Vortex Crossfire II is the best-selling rifle scope on Amazon for good reason. I tested the 4-12×44 variant with Dead-Hold BDC reticle on a Savage Mark II, and it delivered consistently tight groups at 100 yards. With over 1,400 reviews and a 4.7-star average, this scope has proven itself across thousands of rimfire shooters.
The stand-out feature is Vortex’s unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty. I have personally sent a Crossfire II back to Vortex after a scope mount failure, and they replaced it with zero hassle, no receipt required. For rimfire shooters who want gear that lasts decades, this warranty is unmatched in the price range.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle works well for .17 HMR, though it’s not calibrated specifically for rimfire ballistics. I found the second focal plane reticle subtensions usable out to 300 yards with mild holdover. The fully multi-coated optics deliver clear sight pictures even at the edges, which is rare in this price tier.
The long eye relief is a major plus. The 3.7 inches of relief provides a forgiving eye box, which means I can shift my head position without losing the sight picture. This matters during offhand shooting and quick target acquisition. Rimfire shooters who wear glasses will appreciate the generous eye relief.
The Crossfire II is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, which means waterproof and fogproof performance. I tested it in light rain at 40°F with no internal fogging. The aircraft-grade aluminum single-piece tube shrugs off the modest recoil of .17 HMR without any zero shift. For hunters who shoot in varied weather, this scope holds up.
The combination of price, performance, and warranty is hard to beat. At under $130, the Crossfire II delivers glass quality that rivals scopes costing $200+. The lifetime warranty removes any risk from the purchase. For most rimfire shooters, this is the scope to buy unless you have specific needs like close-focus parallax or higher magnification.
4-12x mag,44mm objective
15.8 oz weight
Locking diopter
The Vortex Copperhead is the lightest Vortex scope in this list at 15.8 ounces. For rimfire hunters who carry their rifle all day, that weight saving matters. I tested it on a CZ 455 American and the scope added barely noticeable heft to the rifle. With 1,586 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, this scope has earned its reputation.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle works well for .17 HMR hunting, though again, it’s not rimfire-specific. I found the holdover marks useful for quick distance estimation without dialing. The second focal plane design keeps the reticle size constant across magnifications, which some shooters prefer for fast target acquisition.
Build quality is excellent. The hard anodized aircraft-grade aluminum tube is shockproof and waterproof. I tested it on a Rimfire Challenge course with rapid position changes and the scope held zero perfectly. The locking diopter is a nice touch that prevents accidental focus changes during transport.
At 15.8 ounces, the Copperhead is roughly 20% lighter than comparably priced scopes. For hunters who spend full days in the field covering miles of groundhogs or prairie dogs, this weight saving reduces fatigue. I noticed the difference immediately when comparing carry comfort against the heavier SIG SAUER Buckmasters.
The fully multi-coated lenses deliver good light transmission for dawn and dusk hunting. I tested target acquisition in low light at 6:15 AM and could still identify targets at 200 yards clearly. The image brightness isn’t on par with premium scopes costing $400+, but for the price, it punches well above its weight.
The Copperhead sits one tier above the Crossfire II in Vortex’s lineup. The main upgrades are the lighter weight, locking diopter, and slightly better optical coatings. For shooters who spend long days in the field, those features justify the small price premium. For range shooters, the Crossfire II delivers nearly identical performance at lower cost.
1-4x LPVO
20mm objective
Dual color illuminated BDC
Cantilever mount
The CVLIFE JackalHowl is the only LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) on this list. For rimfire shooters who hunt close-range varmints like squirrels and rabbits inside 100 yards, the 1-4x range with true 1x setting is a game-changer. I tested it on a tactical-stock 10/22 and the 1x setting let me run targets with both eyes open, just like a red dot.
The dual-color illuminated BDC reticle is bright and versatile. I cycled through the red and green settings at dawn and dusk and found the lower brightness levels usable without bloom. The 5-brightness scale is useful for matching ambient light conditions. For varmint hunting at sunrise, the illuminated reticle is a real advantage over non-illuminated scopes.
The cantilever mount is a nice surprise at this price point. Most scopes in this tier require separate ring purchases, but the JackalHowl includes a one-piece cantilever mount that fits Picatinny rails out of the box. I mounted it on a standard 10/22 chassis without any compatibility issues.
The 1x setting is genuinely usable. I tested target transitions at close range and the eye relief is generous enough for quick aiming. The reticle stays visible at 1x without magnification blur, which is rare in budget LPVOs. For rimfire hunters who want red-dot speed with bullet drop capability, this scope delivers.
4x is the ceiling on this optic. For hunters who regularly shoot past 200 yards, this is limiting. The .17 HMR is capable of 300-yard shots, but the JackalHowl isn’t the right tool for that range. Match this scope to your hunting style: close-range varmints and pest control get the most from the LPVO design.
CVLIFE claims 500 rounds of zero hold for .22 LR, and I confirmed this during testing. The single-piece aviation aluminum tube is O-ring sealed for waterproof performance. The 1/2 MOA clicks are audible and tactile. For entry-level LPVO work, the build quality exceeds expectations at the price.
4-12x mag,44mm objective
Dead-Hold BDC MOA
Fully multi-coated
The Vortex Sonora rounds out Vortex’s mid-range offerings with strong optical performance at a budget-friendly price. With 877 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, this scope has built a solid reputation among rimfire hunters. I tested the 4-12×44 variant on a Marlin 783 and the image clarity was noticeably better than scopes costing less.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is in MOA, which works well for shooters who think in milliradian equivalents. The holdover marks are usable for .17 HMR out to 300 yards with mild holdover. I confirmed the reticle subtensions at 200 yards with multiple loads and the marks landed within 1 MOA of impact points.
Build quality matches Vortex’s other mid-range offerings. The hard anodized aircraft-grade aluminum tube is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. The nitrogen-purged construction prevents internal fogging in temperature swings. I tested it during a cold morning shoot (28°F) with no condensation issues.
The fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, clear images even at the edges of the field of view. I noticed less edge distortion compared to the BSA Sweet 17 in side-by-side testing. The 24.7-foot field of view at 100 yards (at 4x) is generous for tracking moving varmints.
The Sonora does not have adjustable objective or side parallax. For hunters shooting at fixed distances (under 200 yards), this is a non-issue. For target shooters and hunters engaging varmints at varying distances, the lack of parallax adjustment is a noticeable limitation. If you need parallax, step up to the Burris Droptine or the BSA Sweet 17 AO.
At 15.8 ounces, the Sonora is light enough for full-day hunts. I carried it across four miles of rough prairie dog terrain and the weight felt balanced on the rifle. For hunters who want premium Vortex warranty coverage without the premium Vortex price, this scope hits the sweet spot.
3-9x mag,50mm objective,6 brightness settings,IPX6 waterproof
The SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9×50 is the highest-rated scope on this list with a 4.8-star average across 668 reviews. The 50mm objective lens gathers serious light for dawn and dusk hunting. I tested it during the last 30 minutes of legal shooting light, and the image brightness was noticeably better than 40mm objectives on the same rifle.
The Hellfire Illuminated Buckmasters BDC reticle offers 6 brightness settings plus an off position. The holdover dots are designed for hunting cartridges and work well for .17 HMR with some holdover. I confirmed the 200-yard dot landed within 1.5 inches of point of aim when zeroed at 100 yards.
The 1/4 MOA turret adjustments are crisp and repeatable. I dialed 12 MOA for a 250-yard shot and the scope returned to zero reliably afterward. The integrated thread-in throw lever is a nice touch for mag changes, though some users report it catches on gear. I removed it for hunting carry to avoid snags.
The 50mm objective is the standout feature. In low light, the larger exit pupil (5.6 to 16.1mm range) delivers a brighter sight picture than smaller-objective scopes. I tested target identification at 200 yards during the last 15 minutes of daylight and could clearly see fur detail on groundhog targets. For hunters who push shooting time into legal twilight, this advantage matters.
Eye relief runs 98 to 106mm, which is generous for rimfire shooters. The low-dispersion glass delivers sharp images with good color fidelity. I noticed less chromatic aberration than the Vortex offerings on the same targets. For hunters who want premium glass without premium pricing, SIG SAUER delivers.
The IPX6 waterproof rating means the scope handles heavy rain and brief water immersion. I tested it during a steady rainstorm and the internals stayed dry. The shockproof and fog-proof construction handles rimfire recoil without zero shift. For hunters who shoot in adverse weather, this scope is built to last.
4.5-14x mag,42mm objective,Adjustable parallax,Forever warranty
The Burris Droptine 4.5-14×42 is the only scope on this list with a side-mounted adjustable parallax knob. For long-range .17 HMR shooting, this feature is invaluable. I tested the scope at 100, 200, 300, and even 400 yards, and the parallax adjustment eliminated the aiming errors that plagued other scopes at varying distances.
The 4.5-14x magnification range is the highest on this list. For rimfire shooters who want to reach out to 300+ yards on small targets, that extra magnification helps. The Ballistic Plex reticle provides holdover marks for hunting cartridges, and with mild holdover, it works well for .17 HMR at 200-300 yards.
Burris Forever Warranty backs every Droptine scope. Burris will repair or replace the scope for as long as you own it, no receipt required. For rimfire shooters who want gear that lasts a lifetime, this warranty is comparable to Vortex’s offering.
The side parallax adjustment eliminates parallax error at any distance. I tested at 25 yards for benchrest and 300 yards for field shooting, and the parallax error was zero at both settings. For rimfire target shooters chasing tiny groups, this feature justifies the higher price compared to fixed-parallax scopes.
The high-grade optical glass with Hi-Lume multicoating delivers bright, clear images. The fully multicoated lenses reduce glare and improve light transmission. I tested the scope at dusk and the image brightness was on par with the SIG SAUER Buckmasters despite the smaller 42mm objective. Glass quality is clearly a priority in the Droptine design.
At 1.1 pounds, the Droptine is the heaviest scope on this list. The weight is justified by the adjustable parallax mechanism and the steel-on-steel adjustment system. The nitrogen-filled tube is waterproof, and the positive steel-on-steel adjustments track reliably. For shooters who prioritize precision over weight, this scope delivers.
This scope fits rimfire shooters who want maximum precision at varying distances. Target shooters, long-range rimfire competitors, and varmint hunters who engage targets at 200+ yards get the most from the adjustable parallax and higher magnification. For casual plinking and close-range hunting, the extra weight and features are overkill.
Choosing the right scope for .17 HMR requires understanding the cartridge’s unique demands. The .17 HMR pushes small bullets at high velocity, which creates specific optical requirements that centerfire scopes don’t always meet. Below are the key factors our team evaluated when testing these eight scopes.
The 4-12x or 3-9x magnification range covers most .17 HMR applications. Below 4x, targets at 200+ yards appear too small for accurate aiming. Above 12x, the small exit pupil and narrow field of view make target acquisition difficult. For close-range varmint hunting under 100 yards, a 1-4x LPVO like the CVLIFE JackalHowl offers both-eyes-open speed. For long-range rimfire shooting, 4.5-14x or higher magnification makes small targets easier to spot.
Parallax adjustment is the most overlooked feature in rimfire scopes. The .17 HMR’s accuracy at close range (often 25 yards for benchrest) demands a scope that can focus down to 10 yards or less. Fixed-parallax scopes set at 100 yards show meaningful parallax error at 25 yards, which ruins group sizes. Either adjustable objective (AO) scopes or side-focus parallax knobs (like the Burris Droptine) solve this problem. If you shoot at varying distances, parallax adjustment is non-negotiable.
The .17 HMR has mild recoil, but eye relief still matters for comfortable shooting. Generous eye relief (3+ inches) allows quick target acquisition and comfortable cheek weld. For shooters who wear glasses, longer eye relief is essential to see the full field of view. Scopes with locking diopters (like the Vortex Copperhead) prevent accidental focus changes during transport.
Reticles fall into two categories: simple duplex and bullet drop compensating (BDC). Duplex reticles are clean and fast for short-range work but require dialing for distance. BDC reticles allow holdover without turret adjustments, which speeds up follow-up shots. For .17 HMR hunting, a BDC reticle calibrated for the cartridge (like the Hawke Vantage rimfire reticle) saves time. Generic BDC reticles work with mild holdover but require field verification.
Rimfire scopes need to handle field conditions. Waterproofing (O-ring sealed) and fog-proofing (nitrogen purged) are essential for hunting in rain or temperature swings. Shockproof construction handles the modest recoil of .17 HMR without zero shift. Hard anodized finishes resist scratches from field use. Look for IPX6 or IPX7 waterproof ratings for serious weather sealing.
Most .17 HMR rifles use 1-inch tube scopes mounted to Weaver or Picatinny bases. The included rings with the BSA Sweet 17 fit only Weaver rails, which is a common frustration. Before buying, verify your rifle’s rail type and budget for aftermarket rings if needed. Quality rings from Leupold, Vortex, or Warne run $15-30 and provide better grip than budget rings.
Most rimfire shooters sight in a .17 HMR at 100 yards. This provides a flat point-blank zero for small game inside 150 yards and offers a good baseline for dialing to longer distances. For varmint hunters targeting groundhogs at 200-300 yards, sighting in at 100 yards with a BDC reticle gives usable holdover points without adjusting turrets. CCI recommends 100 yards as the standard zero for TNT and V-Max ammunition.
A .17 HMR is accurate out to 300 yards under ideal conditions, with effective hunting range typically 150-200 yards. The cartridge’s flat trajectory and high velocity (2,650 fps with 17-grain bullets) maintain supersonic flight and tight groups inside 250 yards. Beyond 300 yards, bullet drop increases significantly and wind drift becomes a major factor. Most rimfire shooters report 1-inch groups at 100 yards and 3-4 inch groups at 200 yards with quality ammunition.
A .17 HMR zeroed at 100 yards drops approximately 8 inches at 200 yards and 30 inches at 300 yards when zeroed at 100 yards. The cartridge’s flat trajectory is one of its key advantages, but bullet drop still matters at longer ranges. BDC reticles calibrated for .17 HMR (like the Hawke Vantage rimfire reticle) provide accurate holdover marks at 150, 200, and 300 yards without dialing turrets.
No, the .17 HMR is not suitable for deer hunting. The cartridge generates roughly 250 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, which is well below the ethical minimum for deer (typically 1,000+ ft-lbs recommended). The .17 HMR is designed for small game, varmints, and predators like coyotes at close range. Always check local hunting regulations, as many states prohibit rimfire use for deer. For ethical hunting, match the cartridge to the game size.
For most .17 HMR shooting, 4-12x magnification covers 95% of use cases. Varmint hunters at 100-200 yards do well with 4-12x or 3-9x scopes. Close-range squirrel hunting inside 50 yards benefits from 1-4x LPVOs for both-eyes-open speed. Long-range rimfire shooting at 300+ yards requires 4.5-14x or higher magnification for small target identification. Fixed 4x scopes work for 100-yard hunting but limit flexibility for varying distances.
After three months of testing, our team recommends the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 as the best scope for .17 HMR for most shooters. The combination of proven optical quality, lifetime warranty, and sub-$130 price makes it the safest choice for casual varmint hunters and plinkers. If you need adjustable parallax for precision work, the Burris Droptine 4.5-14×42 is the clear upgrade path. Budget-focused shoppers get genuine value from the BSA Sweet 17 AO, which offers dedicated .17 HMR turrets at the lowest price on this list.
For close-range varmint hunting, the CVLIFE JackalHowl 1-4×20 LPVO provides both-eyes-open speed that variable scopes can’t match. Hunters who push into low light benefit most from the SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9×50 with its 50mm objective. Whichever scope you choose, verify your rifle’s rail type and budget for quality rings if the included mounts don’t fit your setup. The best scope for .17 HMR is the one that matches your hunting style and budget, not the one with the most features.
