ZeroTech Trace X 5-25x56 Review | Premium Hunting Scope Tested on the Weatherby Model 307 Alpine CT
When ZeroTech announced the new Trace X 5-25x56, I was keen to see whether it could live up to the reputation of the original Trace and Trace Advanced series. On paper, it promises premium features, superior glass, a hunting-focused design, and precision rifle performance, all without reaching the eye-watering prices of many European optics.
To find out if it really delivers, I mounted the ZeroTech Trace X 5-25x56 onto my Weatherby Model 307 Alpine CT chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, headed to the range, and put it through a proper field test.
After spending a day behind the rifle engaging targets from 100 to 500 metres, here's what I found.
First Impressions
The first thing that stood out was the build quality.
The Trace X immediately feels like a premium optic. The machining is excellent, the anodised finish is smooth and consistent, and the oversized 34mm main tube gives the scope a solid, confidence-inspiring feel.
The packaging is also a noticeable step up, giving the impression that you're opening a genuinely premium product rather than just another hunting scope.
Mounted on the carbon-fibre Weatherby Model 307 Alpine CT, I initially wondered if a 5-25x56 optic might feel oversized.
Instead, it looks perfectly at home.
The balance is surprisingly good, and the larger objective lens suits a rifle designed for longer-range hunting.
ZeroTech Trace X 5-25x56 Specifications
The Trace X ticks nearly every box you'd expect in a premium long-range hunting optic.
Key Features
-
5-25x magnification
-
56mm objective lens
-
34mm main tube
-
German Schott glass element
-
0.1 MRAD turret adjustments
-
34 MRAD internal elevation adjustment range
-
ZeroStop elevation turret
-
Push-button illumination
-
Capped windage turret
-
Side parallax adjustment (20m to infinity)
-
IPX7 waterproof construction
-
Available in multiple illuminated reticles including RMG-H
For hunters chasing deer, goats or pigs in Australia's varied terrain, the specification sheet is extremely well thought out.
The combination of high magnification, generous internal adjustment and large objective lens makes it equally capable for close mountain valleys or longer paddock shots.
Turrets and ZeroStop
One area that genuinely impressed me was the turret system.
The clicks are positive and tactile without being overly stiff.
They're easy to read, easy to feel, and inspire confidence when dialing corrections.
Setting the ZeroStop is also straightforward.
Once my rifle was zeroed at 100 metres, the process took only a few minutes, leaving me with a reliable mechanical stop that always returned to my hunting zero.
For anyone who regularly dials elevation on longer shots, this is a feature you'll quickly appreciate.
The RMG-H Reticle
I selected the RMG-H illuminated reticle for my review.
This ended up being one of my favourite features.
I'm already very familiar with ZeroTech's RMG3 reticle found in some of my precision rifles, but the RMG-H simplifies the design considerably.
Instead of a busy Christmas Tree layout, the RMG-H provides clean elevation references while keeping the sight picture uncluttered.
For hunting, that's exactly what I want.
Fast target acquisition.
Simple holdovers.
Minimal distraction.
The illumination is also crisp without excessive bloom, making it particularly useful during those first and last shooting hours of the day.
Range Testing
Specifications only tell half the story.
The real test comes once rounds start going downrange.
After zeroing at 100 metres, I engaged steel targets at:
-
200 metres
-
300 metres
-
500 metres
Tracking proved consistent throughout the session.
Dialling elevation matched my ballistic data, while returning to zero was repeatable every time.
Once I reached 500 metres, I began alternating between dialing elevation and using the RMG-H holdovers.
Both methods worked exceptionally well.
Using the reticle's 3 MRAD hold line, I was consistently ringing steel while still maintaining an uncluttered sight picture.
Even on smaller targets, the glass remained sharp enough to spot impacts and bullet splash without difficulty.
That level of visibility becomes especially valuable when hunting alone.
The Perfect Match for the Weatherby Model 307 Alpine CT
This combination simply works.
The lightweight carbon-fibre Weatherby remains extremely portable, while the Trace X gives it genuine long-range capability.
Despite the larger optic, the rifle never felt cumbersome.
Instead, it feels like a purpose-built mountain hunting setup capable of stretching distances whenever conditions allow.
It's a combination I'll be confidently taking into the field this deer season.
Who Is the ZeroTech Trace X For?
I think ZeroTech has positioned this scope perfectly.
It fills the gap between traditional hunting optics and dedicated long-range competition scopes.
It's ideal for hunters wanting:
-
Longer-range capability
-
Premium glass
-
Reliable tracking
-
Practical hunting reticles
-
Excellent low-light performance
-
A true ZeroStop system
-
Premium construction without European pricing
If your shooting regularly extends beyond 300 metres—or you simply want confidence that your optic will perform when it matters—the Trace X deserves serious consideration.
Final Verdict
After spending quality time behind the ZeroTech Trace X 5-25x56, I came away genuinely impressed.
Everything about the scope feels refined.
The glass is excellent.
The turrets are crisp.
The ZeroStop works exactly as it should.
The simplified RMG-H reticle is outstanding for practical hunting, and the overall fit and finish easily match its premium positioning.
Most importantly, it gave me confidence behind the rifle.
When you're preparing for a hunt where every opportunity counts, that's arguably the most important quality any riflescope can offer.
Mounted on the Weatherby Model 307 Alpine CT, this setup feels ready for everything from close bush stalking through to extended-range deer hunting across open country.
If you're shopping for a premium hunting scope that offers serious long-range performance without venturing into ultra-premium pricing, the ZeroTech Trace X 5-25x56 should absolutely be on your shortlist.
Watch the Full Review
In this video I take an in-depth look at the NEW ZeroTech Trace X 5-25x56 riflescope, mount it to my Weatherby Model 307 Alpine CT, walk through all of the key features, and then head to the range to see how it performs in the real world.
