I bought a new Vortex Viper HS for a varmint rifle and I absolutely love it, got a great deal from Doug and the scope is super clear and has a large field of view. Already looking at getting another for a 223. My ? is I have been reading some reviews and am thinking about a 2.5x10x44 viper hs for my 338-06. Are they tough enough? Probably be shooting 225 gr bullets on a trip to Botswana for plains game next july

NO idea if they are tough enough but you've done the right thing, ask first and buy later.

My suggestion with any modern scope of high magnification multiples is: remember what the bore sight should look like and try not to bump the rifle. And if you do, whip the bolt out and check the bore sight straight away, not after you've missed the next animal.

I have a couple different Zeiss Conquest laying around here. one is a 3x9, other is a 3.5x10. i am going to run some lead with those for a bit and see how they work out, they have a heavier reticle which might be better also

Go with a proven commodity that is known to be tough. I reliability and great glass is the criteria, get a Leupoold FX3 6x42. I've read mixed reviews on Vortex stuff on various other forums.