Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×40 CDS-ZL MOA Review
Table of Contents
Real-World Test Scenarios
🦌 Whitetail Hunt (.30-06)
Set at 4.5×, the field of view was wide enough to track moving deer at 60 yards. At dawn, the Twilight Max system kept the reticle visible where cheaper glass gave up.
🏔️ Western Mule Deer (6.5 Creedmoor)
At 480 yards across a canyon, dialing with the CDS turret was fast and intuitive. No counting clicks — just “dial to 480” and send.
🐗 Hog Night Hunt (.308 Win)
Even without illumination, the scope’s coatings picked up enough light to identify targets under moonlight.
🎯 Range Testing (.223 trainer)
Turrets tracked repeatably through a box test — return to zero was flawless.
Ballistic Examples (MOA in Action)
.308 Win (165 gr)
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200 yds: +1.8 MOA
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400 yds: +9.5 MOA
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600 yds: +20.0 MOA
6.5 Creedmoor (140 gr)
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200 yds: +1.5 MOA
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400 yds: +7.8 MOA
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600 yds: +17.0 MOA
👉 With a custom CDS dial, these MOA adjustments become engraved yardage marks — just dial to “4” for 400 yards.
Competitor Comparisons
🔹 Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50
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Pros: More magnification, FFP reticle, 30mm tube.
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Cons: Heavier, pricier.
👉 VX-3HD wins for hunters prioritizing light weight.
🔹 Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44
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Pros: Better glass, more adjustment.
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Cons: Costs $400–$500 more.
👉 VX-3HD is the budget-friendly alternative.
🔹 Burris Signature HD 3-15×44
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Pros: Great glass, similar price.
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Cons: Heavier, bulkier.
👉 VX-3HD wins on weight and CDS turret system.
Durability & Warranty
Leupold scopes are torture-tested: recoil simulation up to .375 H&H, waterproof immersion, and 5,000 impacts on their “Punisher” recoil rig. The VX-3HD shrugged off repeated .300 Win Mag testing with no shift.
Warranty: Lifetime, transferable, no receipt. If it breaks, Leupold fixes it. Period.
Training & Zeroing Tips
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Zero at 200 yards → matches most CDS dials.
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Order your CDS turret → provide load data (caliber, bullet, velocity, elevation).
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Range practice → verify CDS matches actual drops; minor corrections may be needed.
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Record wind holds → CDS only adjusts elevation.
Best Use Cases
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Whitetail/Mule Deer Hunting (prime market)
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Elk hunters needing 400–600 yard capability
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Backcountry hunters valuing weight savings
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New long-range shooters learning MOA dialing with CDS
Amazon Pricing & Buying Guide
👉 On Amazon, the Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×40 CDS-ZL MOA runs $650–$800 depending on reticle and promotions.
FAQ
Q: Is the CDS system worth it?
Yes — it makes dialing idiot-proof, especially for hunters under pressure.
Q: Can this handle magnums?
Yes. Tested on .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua.
Q: Is 14× enough magnification?
For hunting — absolutely. For 1,000-yard PRS — you’ll want more.
Q: How does it compare to VX-5HD?
VX-5HD has brighter glass and more travel; VX-3HD is lighter and cheaper.
Final Verdict
The Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×40 CDS-ZL MOA is the ultimate hunting scope under $800 in 2025.
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Lightweight and pack-friendly.
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Bright glass in low light.
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Simple, rugged turrets.
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Lifetime warranty peace of mind.
For hunters who want a trusted Leupold optic without dropping $1,200+, this scope hits the sweet spot.
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