In the thrilling world of hog hunting, reliable gear is a must-have on your radar. Today’s focus is on the best 308 Scope for Hog Hunting recommendations. These riflescopes meet the demands of dense foliage, low lighting, and the fast-moving nature of these creatures. We explore the features and performance of these scopes so that you can better understand what to look for in an optic.
Hog hunting demands accuracy, precision, and reliable tools to be rewarding. A quality scope is among the vital tools in a hunter’s arsenal that determines whether your pursuit is a missed opportunity or a fruitful mission.
When it comes to the 308 round, famous for its versatility and stopping power, selecting the right scope is an important decision.
What Is the Best Time for Hog Hunting?
The best time for hog hunting mostly depends on different factors, including:
- Nocturnal Activity
Hogs are usually more active during the night, making nighttime hog hunting popular. Many hunters employ night vision equipment, spotlights, or thermal scopes to locate and pursue hogs, even in environments with weak lighting.
- Dusk And Dawn
Although hogs are primarily nocturnal, they can also be active during early morning or late evening hours. Temperatures are cooler during these hours, hence more chances of increased hog activity as they look for food.
- Weather Conditions
Rain can be beneficial for hog hunters. Hogs have a keen sense of smell, and rain can aid in masking human scent. In addition, wet conditions make it easier to track hogs by following their prints.
- Cooler Seasons
Hogs tend to be active during the cooler weather, especially in the fall and winter months. They often become nocturnal to run away from the heat during the hot summer months.
Why Do I Need a Scope for Hog Hunting?
There are several advantages to using a scope when hog hunting, such as:
- Better Target Identification
Hogs are often active in low-light conditions or dense foliage, making identifying them with the naked eye complicated. A scope with good low-light ability or night vision features helps you differentiate hogs from their surroundings, thus enhancing target identification.
- Low-Light Performance
Hogs are usually more active during dusk, dawn, and night. A top-notch scope with excellent low-light performance or the ability to attach night vision gear prolongs your hunting hours, increasing your success rates.
- Improved Safety
A scope enables you to observe your surroundings more closely, helping eliminate the risk of unwanted shots at non-target animals or other hunters. Clear visibility through a scope guarantees a safer hunting experience.
- Increases Accuracy
A scope ensures more precise shot placement even at longer distances. Hogs are elusive targets, and a magnified view through a scope enables you to aim accurately, heightening your chances of a clean, ethical shot.
Best 308 Scope for Hog Hunting
1)Vortex Viper HST 4-16x44mm Riflescope
The first product on this guide of the best 308 scope for hog hunting recommendations is the Vortex Viper HST 4-16x44mm riflescope. The riflescope is an ideal companion for hog hunters as it amalgamates advanced features and a sturdy build to excel in hog hunting.
Made from a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the riflescope is resilient and stable. The hard anodized exterior ensures protection from scratches and abrasion.
Along with that, the Viper HST is built for the elements as it is 100% waterproof and fogproof. It is shockproof to withstand recoil and impact.
The precision glide erector system and the precision force spring system enhance the scope’s reliability and consistency, promising seamless adjustments and retaining zero even in harsh environments.
The external lenses have an Armortek coating that repels scratches, dirt, and oil for clarity throughout your mission. XR fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission, leading to excellent brightness and clarity. The XD glass optimizes resolution and color fidelity providing good images no matter the lighting situation.
The exposed tactical-style turrets combined with the CRS Zero Stop enable swift and accurate adjustments, allowing you to adapt to varying hunting conditions swiftly.
As shown by these impressive features, the Viper HST stands as a testament to Vortex’s commitment to giving hunters the best tools to enrich their pursuits.
Features
- The reticle is placed on the second focal plane
- Radius bar for tracking turret rotations
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Hard anodized construction
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Exposed tactical-style turrets
- CRS Zero Stop
- XD glass elements
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Side focus
Pros
- Solid feel
- Clear and bright image rendition
- Clarity from edge to edge
- Great tunability
Cons
- Blurs at maximum power
2)Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44mm Riflescope
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44mm riflescope is the ultimate hog hunting riflescope, epitomizing precision and performance with the 308 rifle. It boasts high-performance HD optics that yield unmatched color reproduction and contrast.
The T* six-layer lens multi-coating optimizes light collection, enabling hunters to discern even the minute details in unsteady lighting. This is beneficial for the nocturnal hunting of wild hogs.
The Lotutec hydrophobic coating empowers the scope to cope with the challenges of unpredictable weather conditions. The coatings counter water, ensuring a clear image even in rainy conditions.
Additionally, the V4 is nitrogen purged to prevent internal lens fogging as changing temperatures are inevitable when pursuing game. These dope additions collectively contribute to the scope’s reliability, enabling hunters to focus on their target without fretting about the impact of the elements.
A sturdy 30m tube provides improved stability and durability. This formation ensures the riflescope can remain durable in the face of the recoil produced by the caliber.
Thanks to these stunning features, Zeiss Conquest V4 is a top-level option for hunters who demand nothing but the best for making the hunting process hassle-free.
The windage and elevation turrets are capped, providing hunters with a system that is fast and easy to use at long distances. They have 1/4 MOA clicks, and the caps offer protection from damage.
Features
- The objective lens is 44mm
- Second focal plane
- Black matte finish
- High-performance optical glass
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 30mm tube diameter
- Nitrogen purged lens
- Special multi-coating that boosts light transmission
- The windage and elevation turrets are capped
Pros
- High-quality hunting tool
- Excellent value for money
- Superior image quality
- Pleasant user experience
Cons
- Price
3)Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm is a fine riflescope and is a jack of all trades loved by many hunters. As one of the winners for the best 308 scope for hog hunting recommendations, the riflescope features a winning combination of precision, optical finesse, and durability that lasts decades.
It is versatile as it comes with a second focal plane reticle that provides a consistent sight picture across all power levels. This enables hog hunters to adjust to varying environments quickly.
The scope is made with durability in mind, without a doubt. It is forged from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum. The rigid anodized construction is another plus to the durability as it prevents damage caused by scratches and corrosion.
Further, the scope features capped reset turrets that offer smooth adjustments to windage and elevation, enabling you to stay on target without any issues.
The adjustable objective is a game-changer, facilitating precise parallax correction, which is essential for maintaining accuracy at different distances.
The fully multi-coated optics are a great addition. They funnel maximum light from the surroundings to the scope, allowing a bright and clear image. This attribute is instrumental for hog hunting, especially in the early morning or late evening when lighting is inadequate.
The fast-focusing eyepiece enhances target acquisition by ensuring the reticle is always in focus. This is handy in dynamic hunting scenarios where speed and precision are pivotal.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum formation
- Turrets are capped and are quickly zero-resettable
- Adjustable objective
- Fast focus eyepiece
- The optics are fully multi-coated
- The reticle remains the same across all magnification levels
- Shockproof
- Built to withstand harsh weather elements
- Generous eye relief of 3.8 to 4.4 inches
- One-inch tube
Pros
- The eye box is very forgiving
- Easy on your pocket
- Easy-to-use adjustment knobs
- Exceptionally clear view
Cons
- No reticle illumination
4)NightForce SHV 4-14x56mm Riflescope
NightForce SHV 4-14x56mm riflescope has a superior optical design and premium glass, leading to lovely views across the entire magnification range. This enables hog hunters who need to accurately and swiftly identify targets in different lighting conditions.
It is machined from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, ensuring recoil and extreme shock. It ensures the scope maintains zero precision even in the midst of powerful shots.
NightForce SHV 4-14x56mm riflescope has a zero-tolerance lens for securing methods that inhibit any movement of the optical elements in any direction, no matter the circumstance.
The unit is waterproof and fogproof, ensuring clarity even in extreme weather conditions. The gigantic 56mm objective lens leads to phenomenal light transmission capabilities. The 4-14x magnification complements it, ensuring hog hunters achieve a clear and detailed sight picture even in dismal light when the elusive creatures are more likely to be found.
The reticle is situated on the second focal plane, meaning it stays the same size even with changes in magnification.
Features
- Zero-tolerance lens
- 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- A magnification of 4x to 14x
- Eye relief ranges from 3.1 to 3.5 inches
- You can adjust the parallax from 25 yards to infinity
- Second focal plane
- 30mm tube
Pros
- Supreme build quality
- Crystal clear
- Well-priced
Cons
- Quality of the lens cover
5)Vortex Crossfire II 3-12x56mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 3-12x56mm riflescope is a superb piece of equipment that boasts everything anyone could ever want in a hunting sight. It is built to thrive in the weakest lighting conditions, making it a valuable tool for hunters seeking the thrill of the hunt from first to last light.
Hardcore hog hunters will appreciate the illuminated V-Brite reticle that enhances shot placement and quickens target acquisition. This attribute comes in handy when stalking through various foliage during challenging light, giving hunters the utmost confidence in their ability to make a kill.
The tube of the Crossfire II is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, is nitrogen-purged, and is o-ring sealed, enhancing the durability levels. You can have peace of mind when hunting in cold or rainy weather as there are zero chances of the riflescope being at the risk of damage.
The scope is not only a performer in harsh climatic conditions; it does the same in low-light areas. It is fully multi-coated with anti-reflective coatings. This optical finesse maximizes light collection, generating clear and sharp images in the dimmest lighting. The substantial 56mm objective lens further bolsters light-gathering power, maintaining peak visibility during critical hours when hogs are roaming around.
With this riflescope as a partner, you can confidently wade through the challenges of insufficient light, ensuring a terrific and rewarding hunting experience.
Features
- Formed from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Rugged to endure the face of recoil and impact
- Fully multi-coated
- 5 inches of eye relief
- V-Brite reticle
- 56mm objective lens
- O-ring seals and nitrogen purging protect against severe weather
- Hard anodized finish
- 30mm tube
Pros
- Easy to use
- Price
- Controls are convenient for access
Cons
- Heavy
Also Read,
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-elk-hunting-binoculars/
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-salt-water-fishing-scissors/
Choosing The Best 308 Scope for Hog Hunting
Consider the following aspects to guide you in making a wise decision:
Lens Coating
Lens coatings provide all sorts of benefits, like increased light transmission, brightness, and glass protection. They minimize glare, giving you a clear view of the target. Fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings are vital for optimizing light collection and maintaining a clear sight picture, even in challenging light.
Durability
The best scope for hog hunting should be crafted from high-quality materials that stand the test of time. It should be shockproof to endure the recoil of the 308. Besides that, it should withstand the elements by having waterproof and fogproof inclusions.
Windage And Elevation Adjustments
Each scope comes with these adjustments, but they are all made differently. A lot of cheaper and unreliable brand scopes are designed with adjustment knobs that aren’t exact and end up zeroing your firearm to an off measurement, leading to you missing your target by a few inches over a distance.
Ensure your scope has knobs that are proven precise and make clean, distinct clicks once turned. This way, you can count each adjustment you make and depend on the fact that your zero remains spot on.
Reticle Illumination
An illuminated reticle can be advantageous in low-light areas, enabling you to see your target clearly and acquire it in the blink of an eye.
Magnification
It is best to have a variable magnification range for versatility in various hunting scenarios. For hog hunting, a scope with a medium magnification range like 3-9x or 4-16x is often advisable, empowering you to engage targets at multiple distances.
Cost
Scopes come in various budgets. Set a realistic budget depending on your requirements. Although there are high-rack scopes with state-of-the-art features, reliable options come at prices that are not bank-breaking.
Also Read
Best 308 Scope for Hog Hunting FAQs
What Reticle Type Is Advised for Hog Hunting?
A simple and quick reticle like a Duplex or V-Brite reticle is recommended for hog hunting for fast target acquisition. While not mandatory, an illuminated reticle option is beneficial in areas with inadequate light, increasing the speed of target acquisition. Choose a reticle that suits your preference and hunting style.
Should I Prioritize a Single-Piece Tube Design in A Scope?
Yes, a single-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum is preferred because it is robust and stable. This gives it the ability to stand up to the recoil of the 308 rifle.
Do I Need a Scope for My 308?
Yes. A scope on any rifle heightens accuracy and performance. This is particularly beneficial when hunting, which is the 308 is famous for.
Final Thoughts
The scopes in this review will undoubtedly hit the mark for you. They are built with a litany of incredible features to make your hog hunting expedition memorable. The right scope should provide a balance of durability, reliability, light transmission capabilities, and user-friendly features, and the units tick all these boxes. Grab the best one that suits your needs, and your hunting experience will improve.