This review zooms through the best scopes for .308 hunting. These units are meticulously designed to capitalize the effectiveness of your .308 rifle, providing rugged build, a clear sight picture, and reticles customized to the cartridge ballistics. At the end of this guide, you should be able to make a wise purchase decision.
The .308 Winchester cartridge amongst shooters and hunters. Its versatility and effectiveness in various settings is unmatched. It is a formidable choice whether hunting elusive game across open plains or aiming at targets in precision shooting competitions. You need a scope that matches its power to milk out its full potential.
We have a round-up of the best scopes to ease the burden that comes with going through a proliferated market off your shoulders. Here is an analysis of the best scopes that will complement the .308:
Best Scopes for .308 Hunting
1)Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm is a Dead-Hold BDC reticle riflescope that makes holdover estimation at different ranges a breeze. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard anodized finish for durability and long-lasting use.
O-ring seals and argon purging ensure waterproof and fogproof integrity of the riflescope. The single-piece tube is shockproof to counter recoil and impact unfairly. The scope will endure whatever challenges your hunting trip throws at it.
Another exciting feature of the unit of this .308 hunting riflescope is the fast-focus eyepiece that gives you the advantage of quick and easy reticle focusing. This increases the target acquisition speed, empowering you to capture more game.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to amplify light collection from dusk to dawn. As a result, the sight picture obtained is clear and crisp for more accuracy when aiming.
Search no further if you want a high-quality riflescope with exceptional features not found elsewhere.
Features
- Versatile zoom range of 4x to 12x
- 40mm objective lens size
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Full multi-coating on the optics
- Multi-proof mechanisms
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle situated on the rear focal plane
- Cast from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Pop-up dials for windage and elevation adjustments
Pros
- Great image quality
- Solid construction
- Holds zero flawlessly
Cons
- Eye relief could be better
2)Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Up next on the list of the best scopes for .308 hunting is Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm riflescope. The scope has all the power you need to make a kill at short to intermediate distances.
Unlike other scopes that shatter when repeatedly jarred or exposed to elements, this Burris scope will remain untouched. It has a one-piece tube constructed from heavy-duty materials to endure demanding conditions.
Dry nitrogen gas filling makes the scope fogproof and waterproof for unwavering performance in bad weather. It is shockproof to withstand the heavy recoil generated by the .308 rifle.
The manufacturer has used precision-ground lenses in the Fullfield II. This unit features a 40mm lens with Hi-Lume multi-coating to lessen glare and maximize light transmission for quality image delivery.
The glass is fine and made with durability and incredible brightness rendition in mind. Apart from that, this scope has positive steel-on-steel adjustments for repeatable accuracy.
Features
- seals and nitrogen purging for waterproof and fogproof performance
- Hi-Lume multicoated optics
- Integrated eyepiece design with slip-free design for easy adjustments
- Top-quality glass
- Shockproof
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- Matte black outer
Pros
- Adjustments are a piece of cake
- Durability that hunters demand
- Flawless image quality
- Fast target acquisition
Cons
- The power ring turns the entire eyepiece
- No lens cap or rings are included
3)NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm Riflescope
Do you want a scope that offers value in a small package? The NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm riflescope is for you. It comes with a 3-10x magnification ideal for short to medium ranges and a 42mm objective lens that does a good job allowing maximum light penetration.
While it is compact, it doesn’t sacrifice quality. It is crafted from robust aluminum to endure the rigors of hunting.
The side adjustment helps to adjust parallax from 25 yards to infinity, while the fast-focus eyepiece keeps the reticle in sharp focus, enabling speedy acquisition of the target.
The turrets are finger-adjustable, eliminating the need to carry tools with you in the field. They have caps that protect from harm caused by external elements. Lenses are completely multicoated for clear visuals in all lighting environments.
Choose this riflescope for an incredible hunting spree with a versatile, compact, and accurate apparatus.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Capped .25 MOA adjustments
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Parallax is adjustable from 25 yards to infinity
- Full multi-coating on the optics
- Eye relief is 3.5 inches
- 42mm objective lens diameter
Pros
- Superior low-light performance
- Spot on adjustments
- Fairly light
- Excellent ruggedness
Cons
- Stiff power ring
4)Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom is a reliable and affordable choice that also ranks as one of the best scopes for .308 hunting. You will, without a doubt, fall in love with its unparalleled accuracy, dependability and ruggedness.
This is a heavy-duty .308 hunting scope built out of 6061-6 aluminum. It is waterproof and fogproof; hence, it will do well even in harsh weather. The lenses are scratch-resistant for durability.
The matte black finish minimizes glare, helping to conceal your shooting position from prey. In addition, it comes with the Twilight Light Management System that increases light transmission even in dark conditions so that your hunting doesn’t stop because light has faded.
The technology is also beneficial in daylight conditions as it reduces glare for crisp images.
Another interesting inclusion is the Custom Dial System. This addition replaces ballistic calculators, holdovers, and bullet drop reticles with quick and accurate shots regardless of the situation.
Features
- The composition entails 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
- Eye relief ranges from 3.7 to 4.2 inches
- One-inch main tube
- Variable 3-9x power range
- 40mm objective lens size
- Custom dial system
- Twilight light management system
- The lenses are resistant to scratch
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Smooth adjustments
- Rugged build
- Operator-friendly, making it ideal for even rookies
Cons
- The windage adjustment dial is flimsy
- The package doesn’t include covers
5)Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
Another Leupold offering is the Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm riflescope. This is certainly the best long-range .308 hunting riflescope, as it harbors a litany of unmatched features.
Firstly, it is equipped with a side adjustment system that helps in parallax focusing. This helps you get the sniper-level results since parallax is a big impediment to accuracy.
The unit brings to the table the Twilight Max HD Light Management System that adds 30 minutes of shooting light while alleviating glare for crystal-clear and sharp pictures.
The Mark 5HD yields clear images from edge to edge regardless of the zoom setting. Along with being clear, the views are high-contrast and sharp.
Another attribute worth noting is the fast-focus eyepiece that helps to focus the reticle, giving you an edge in target acquisition.
The scope also takes durability into account. The scratch-resistant lenses ensure that you have a top-notch scope for many years to come. 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum constructs the unit, so you should never question its heavy-duty performance and solidity.
Besides, it is fully waterproof and fogproof to survive and continue to perform in adverse weather conditions.
Features
- Side focus adjustment
- Includes lens shade and cover
- 35mm main tube
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- The lenses are scratch-resistant for protection and durability
- Huge 56mm objective lens
Pros
- Easy to use and zero
- Clear and crisp optics
- Well-made
- Plenty of eye relief
Cons
- High-end price may be a barrier
6)Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12x44mm Riflescope
Zeiss Conquest VX 3-12x44mm has everything you could dream of in a scope. It is weight-conscious, making it perfect for hunting. This is achieved by the aircraft-grade aluminum formation that strikes a balance between weight and durability.
The 44mm objective lens offers plenty of light gathering and is treated with Zeiss premium T 6- 6-layer transmission for superb image yielding.
The exterior lenses are treated with LotuTec coating that repels moisture and counter scratches and abrasion.
The elevation turret has caps for impact resistance and keeps the 1/4 MOA adjustments locked for stay-put accuracy. The eye box is generous and wide, enabling quick and comfortable getting on the target. The result is precise shots even in stressful conditions.
The #20 plex reticle provides a clean and precise aiming feature that is visible even in weak lighting conditions.
Features
- Z-Plex #20 second focal plane reticle
- 30mm tube diameter
- 44mm objective lens with a special coating
- Capped elevation turret
- Made out of long-lasting aircraft-grade aluminum
Pros
- Wide eye box
- Remarkable clarity
- Crisp and accurate adjustments while sighting in
Cons
- The turret markings could be better
7)NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Riflescope
Last of all is the NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm riflescope. The magnification of the scope helps you dominate short ranges and beautifully stretches out to reach long distances. The reticle is placed on the second focal plane for consistent reticle values across all magnifications.
The riflescope delivers peak clarity, contrast, and crispness throughout the zoom range. The tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum that is built to last. The fast-focus eyepiece has a European style that promotes seamless diopter adjustment.
The Zero Set function on the unit offers a quick return to your chosen zero even after many adjustments for windage and elevation. The eye relief is suitably long to make your shootings safe and comfortable. You don’t want to go home with a needless decoration on your brows.
Features
- Generous 5-25x magnification
- Weatherproof caps on the metal dials
- ZeroStop mechanism on the turrets
- 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
- Gigantic 56mm objective lens
- Parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity
Pros
- Tough construction to withstand recoil and heavy-duty use
- Outstanding clarity
- Easy sighting in
Cons
-
Heavy
Also Read,
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-crimping-tool-for-fishing-2/
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-reels-for-bottom-fishing/
Criteria for Selecting the Best Scopes for .308 Hunting
Here are a few elements that will be handy before making a purchase decision:
Weight
Weight matters a lot when choosing the best scopes for .308 hunting as it can worsen your performance and accuracy. Get a lightweight scope for your hunting to be more effective. This can be between 6 and 8 pounds. A scope that keeps weight at a minimum will be easier to move around with.
Durability
The best scopes for .308 hunting come with a cast body made from aircraft-grade aluminum. The interior should be gas-purged and sealed for weather resistance. Ensure the scope is shockproof to prevent recoil and impact from damaging it. The glass should also be high-grade for reliability and durability.
Magnification
Magnification is the bone of contention for each scope. Consider the terrain and target distance to determine the right magnification. A scope with variable magnification of 3-9x or 4-12x will accommodate most hunting situations.
Eye Relief
The .308 doesn’t produce significant recoil, but don’t discount eye relief when looking for the best scopes for .308 hunting. This is the distance between the lens of the scope and your eye. To be on the safe side, choose a scope with a minimum of 3.5 inches.
Parallax
This refers to when the reticle and the target are not on a similar plane in your scope. This can affect your targeting, which is why parallax adjustment is vital. This is particularly true when making a kill in ranges less than 350 yards. Don’t overlook how much parallax can enhance the utility of your .308 hunting scope.
Best Scopes for .308 Hunting FAQs
- What Distance Should I Sight In My .308?
Knowing your rifle includes determining where to hold the sight for farther range shots through actual range experience. The most mutual distances for zeroing a high-powered rifle like the .308 are 100 and 200 yards. The distance is dependent on the terrain and where you intend to hunt.
- How Accurate Is The .308?
With a good bullet, the .308 is capable of effectively shooting up to about 1000 meters at sea level pressure. Although aerodynamical ability in projectiles has advanced enormously in past years, this range can be stretched even farther by choosing the right bullet for extended ranges.
- What Makes The .308 So Popular?
The .308 is a versatile cartridge loved by shooters, hunters, and snipers alike. The fact that ammunition for this rifle is easy to find makes it win the hearts of many. If you require ammo in a pinch, you will not have to fret about moving from one store to another looking for some.
Conclusion
The right optics are the thin line between a successful or missed opportunity. The choice of scope you pair it with is a vital link between you and the target. That is why you need a quality scope that will help to maximize its performance. Ultimately, the best scope is one that matches your shooting style, preferences, and unique needs. Choose any of the models here and savor the moments of precision and excitement that define the art of .308 hunting.