Best Muzzleloader Scopes for 2023

In recent years, there has been an increasing number of muzzleloader scope options so we are here to give you our list of the best muzzleloader scopes for 2023. Most major optics manufacturers are producing a scope that is either muzzleloader-specific or compatible with muzzleloaders. It is always nice to have more options, however, it does make it more difficult to decide which muzzleloader scope is right for you. Our list is broken down into five categories so you can easily decide which scope is best for your budget and muzzleloading needs.

Best Long Range Muzzleloader Scope

Long-range muzzleloading is a topic that we have covered at length in both our articles and podcast. In the challenging environment of long-range muzzleloading, a high-quality and trustworthy optic is crucial. In this category, we are looking for optics that have top-notch tracking, premier glass quality, and precise reticles. Most muzzleloader optics are designed for a maximum range of 300 yards, however, there are a few models that offer supreme performance at long ranges of 400+ yards. The Burris Veracity PH is our winner for 2023.

The Burris Veracity PH rifle scope is cutting edge and quite possibly the most exciting scope to hit the market in 2023. This scope is loaded, but not overly cluttered, with premium features including but not limited to: the new Burris PEK (Programable Elevation Knob) system, HUD (Heads Up Display), and, Wind MOA FFP (First Focal Plane) Reticle.

One of the most exciting features on the new Veracity PH scope is the new Burris PEK system. The PEK provides unmatched dialing precision when used in conjunction with the app. Once you have entered the information into the app, the PEK system will allow you to easily dial in the elevation. The system utilizes a digital sensor coupled with the clickless mechanical elevation turret providing supreme accuracy down to 1/10 MOA. When using the ballistics calculator on the app in combination with the digital elevation turret, dialing to distance has never been faster or easier.

Another fantastic feature of the new Veracity PH is the integrated and informative heads-up-display. When paired up with the BurrisConnect app via Bluetooth® the Veracity PH HUD shows all of the information you need in one uncluttered sight picture. The HUD shows the elevation turret position in yards, meters or MOA, rifle cant, rifle angle, distance-accurate wind holdover and battery level. Providing this information in one clear and concise view provides you with an additional advantage putting you in the best position to capitalize when opportunity strikes. 

If you are looking for an incredible optic to put on your long range muzzleloader look no further than the Burris Veracity PH!

Best Scope Under $2000

This category is for the top-tier muzzleloader scopes. Premium glass quality, components, and reliability are expected from any scope in this price range. The Leupold VX-6HD and NightForce NX8 are the two muzzleloader scopes that are truly supreme and either would be an excellent choice for any muzzleloader, however, we give this one to the NightForce NX8.

Though the NightForce NX8 is not a muzzleloader-specific scope, it is compatible with most modern inline muzzleloaders. The NX8 features an extremely wide magnification range of 2.5-20x making it one of the most versatile options on the market. The NX8 also features superb glass clarity and a first focal plane reticle allowing for clear and unchanging holdovers at any magnification. It also boasts a tremendous amount of customization with regard to reticle choice, with reticles like the TREMOR3 being available for a moderate price increase. The NX8 is perfect for hunting as it weighs in at only 28.3 ounces and still offers a 50mm objective and 30mm main tube allowing for increased adjustment capability and low-light performance. If you are looking for a muzzleloader scope in this price range, the NightForce NX8 is the way to go. 

Best Scope Under $500

Now, we move on to a more moderate price range of $500. In this category, you will not find the same level of quality as with NightForce NX8, however, there are many excellent options that will perform at an extremely high level. The Vortex Viper HS, Leupold VX-3HD, and Burris Signature HD are the best scopes in this category, however,  with all things considered, the Vortex Viper HS takes the prize. 

Like the NightForce NX8, the Vortex Viper HS is not muzzleloader specific, however, it is compatible with muzzleloaders. The Vortex Viper HS is versatile in both its reticle and magnification options making it the perfect option for any muzzleloader hunter or competition shooter. The Viper HS features a 30mm main tube and is available with a 50mm objective lens which provides the shooter with more adjustment and better performance in low light conditions. Vortex also boasts one of the best warranties in the world so if anything happens to your scope, Vortex will replace it with no questions asked. If you're looking for a high-quality optic for your muzzleloader in the $500 price range, the Vortex Viper HS is the way to go. 

Best Scope under $150

Muzzleloader scopes in this category are perfect for anyone who is new to muzzleloading or looking to hunt on a budget. There are several good options in this price range that offer good accuracy and glass quality. The Konus Pro Muzzleloader Scope, Muzzle-Loaders.com Genesis, and Vortex Crossfire are all excellent options that are available for under $150 dollars. Our winner for this category is the Muzzle-Loaders.com Genesis.

The budget price point is very important to our team because we know it can be difficult to justify spending thousands of dollars on muzzleloading and that is why we introduced our own muzzleloader scope. Glass clarity, component quality, and feature abundance were our focus when developing this scope and we are very pleased with the result. The Genesis is a 3-9x40mm scope with a standard duplex reticle as we have found this configuration to be very popular with our community. This scope offers glass quality that is comparable to that featured in scopes of a much higher price point and as an added bonus, it includes a set of flip caps. If you are new to muzzleloading or looking to hunt on a budget, the Muzzle-Loaders.com Genesis is our recommendation. 

Most Versatile Muzzleloader Scope

We added this category because many black powder enthusiasts are looking for a scope that can do everything and there is one scope that rises to the top in this category, the Leupold VX-Freedom UltimateSlam. The UltimateSlam is one of the few muzzleloader scopes on our list that is designed specifically for muzzleloaders. This scope is offered in a 3-9x40mm configuration with a muzzleloader-specific S.A.B.R. reticle. The S.A.B.R. reticle is designed with muzzleloading ballistics and allows muzzleloader hunters to take accurate shots at 300 yards.

It also features Leupold's VX-Feedom level glass which is excellent value for the price. Leupold is known for very strict quality control so you can trust this scope will hold zero and be accurate even in the harshest conditions. If you are looking for a muzzleloader scope that can do anything, the Leupold VX-Freedom UltimateSlam is the scope for you.

Honorable Mention

One muzzleloader scope that did not win any of the categories but we still want to mention is the Burris Fullfield E1 Muzzleloader Scope. The Fullfield E1 is an affordable option for muzzleloader shooters who are looking for a mid-range option that provides high-end features. Being available for $199, the Burris Fullfield E1 is within the price range of most muzzleloader hunters. The Fullfield E1 also features a muzzleloader-specific BDC style reticle that is designed to improve accuracy out to 300 yards.

With its quality glass, reticle, and components, we think that the Burris FullField E1 Muzzleloader Scope is deserving of a spot on our list. 

Conclusion

Optics are an extremely nuanced aspect of muzzleloading and there are many variables that will play into your decision. We hope that this article helps you in your search for the perfect muzzleloader scope and please let us know if you have any questions. You can contact our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team via phone at 1-855-236-5000 or you can send us an email at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.