Deer hunting with 308 is very popular, If you are looking for the best 308 scope for deer hunting, Read on for a detailed review.
When it comes to deer hunting, having a reliable and accurate scope is essential. A good scope can make all the difference in ensuring that you are able to take the perfect shot, especially when dealing with a larger caliber like the .308. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine the best 308 scope for deer hunting.
In this article, we will explore some of the top contenders and provide insight into what makes them great choices for your next hunting trip. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just starting out, finding the right scope can help you achieve greater accuracy, confidence, and success in the field.
What Makes a Good 308 Scope
A good 308 scope should have the following features:
First, the scope should have a Variable Magnification with a range of at least 3-9x for accurate shooting at medium to long-range distances. The Objective Lens Size should be large enough to allow more light into the scope which in turn translates into bright and clear images, the objective lens diameter should be around 40-50mm. In matters of Reticle, an easy-to-see and aligned reticle with the target is crucial for accuracy. For the 308, the duplex reticle is very popular.
Durability, build, and weatherproof performance are very important when choosing a 308 scope, the riflescope should be able to withstand impacts and the recoil of the 308 rifles without losing zero. The best scopes are made of aircraft-grade aluminum and are nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging.
Adjustability, a good 308 riflescope should allow for easy and precise adjustments to windage and elevation, allowing you to fine-tune your aim for accurate shots finally Brand Reputation: It’s important to choose a reputable brand known for making quality scopes. Do your research and read reviews from other shooters to ensure you’re getting a reliable and accurate scope.
What Makes a Good Deer Hunting Scope
A good deer hunting scope should be designed with the specific needs of hunters in mind. One of the most important features is the ability to quickly acquire targets and make accurate shots, especially in low-light conditions. This means that the scope should have a high-quality lens system, with good light transmission and clarity, and a reticle that is easy to read and adjust.
Additionally, it should be durable and able to withstand the elements, including rain, snow, and harsh temperatures. Another important consideration is the magnification range, which should be appropriate for the distances you will be shooting at.
Finally, the scope should be easy to mount and adjust, with intuitive controls and clear markings. By finding a scope that meets these criteria, you can improve your accuracy, confidence, and overall success as a deer hunter.
If you are an avid deer hunter, a quality scope is often a life-saving tool for hunters. It will change the way you see your targets and make your hunting trip more competitive.
Today, we are going to take you through the best scopes for deer hunting with 308 available on the market. These scopes will suit this hard-hitting cartridge and help you get the most out of your hunting expedition. Let’s take a look.
Best 308 Scope for Deer Hunting-Our Top Picks
Let’s look at the Best Scopes for Deer Hunting with 308
1) Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
Vortex has a reputation for making high-quality optical instruments and the Crossfire II 4-16X50 AO Riflescope is not any different. The scope is designed to offer the highest levels of performance that most deer hunters will like.
It has an adjustable 4x to 16x magnification suitable for hunting at both short and long ranges. It also features a large 50mm objective lens which provides a wide field of view and optimum light collection. This objective is adjustable for range estimation, image focusing and parallax corrections. Furthermore, the scope has fully multi-coated lenses which provide bright and crisp image views from sunrise to sunset.
Vortex made this riflescope with hunters in mind. It is lightweight for easy portability and well-constructed to stand rough use. It has a hard-anodized single-piece tube that is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum for ultimate durability.
Besides, the tube is sealed with O-rings and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog proof performance. The scope also brings to the table a long eye relief, fast focus eyepiece, and resettable MOA turrets.
Specifications
- Length: 14.2 in
- Weight: 23.6 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Pros
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Variable 4-16x magnification
- Adequate eye relief
- Adjustable objective
- Resettable MOA turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Hard-anodized finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
Cons
- 150 hours of battery life could be better
2) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Deer hunting with 308 requires a premium scope such as the diamondback 3-9×40 Riflescope. The scope offers high image quality and a wide range of high-end features to help make your hunting trip a success.
First, the scope is crafted for maximum durability. It has a 1-inch main tube crafted from premium-grade aluminum. It is shockproof to stand harsh impacts and falls and anodized with a hard finish to prevent rust and corrosion. Also, the scope is fully waterproof and fog-resistant for all-weather performance.
Weighing less than a pound, the scope is light enough to be easy to carry as you look for game. Its lenses are fully multi-coated to provide bright and crystal-clear images from dawn to dusk. Furthermore, it features a precision-glide erector system which ensures accurate tracking and repeatability, and a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and simple reticle focusing.
Specifications
- Length: 11.6 in
- Weight: 14.5 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.5 in
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Rugged construction to withstand recoil and impact
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Lightweight design
- Metal-on-metal prevision turrets
- Precision-glide erector system
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
3) Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm Rifle Scope has virtually every feature that you need to take your deer hunting skills to the next big level. It is feather-light and big on features to help you get the best out of your .308 cartridge.
The scope has a fast focus eyepiece to help you acquire your targets quickly and a Twilight Max HD Light Management System which provides incredibly bright sight pictures even in poor light settings.
It also has a throw lever for simple magnification adjustments and a side focus parallax adjustment for quick, easy parallax focusing from any shooting position.
When it comes to construction, the scope is built and ready for any field conditions. It is fully waterproof and fog proof so you can hunt confidently even when it’s raining. It also has scratch-resistant lenses for added protection and punisher tested to stand impacts and heavy .308 rifle recoil.
To top it all, the scope has a 35mm main tube which provides plenty of room for windage and elevation adjustment.
Specifications
- Length: 12.1 in
- Weight: 26 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 3.8 in
- Tube Diameter: 35 mm
Pros
- Waterproof and fog proof
- First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Versatile 5:1 zoom ratio
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Front focal plane reticle
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
Cons
- Quite expensive
4) Burris Scout 2-7×32 mm Rifle Scope
Next on our 308 scope for deer hunting list is the Burris Scout 2-7×32 mm Rifle Scope. This scope is designed for short and medium-range shooting. With the 2x magnification, it provides a wide field of view and rich image detail with the 7x magnification.
This rifle scope is built ready for hunting. It is filled and purged with dry nitrogen to prevent fogging of the internal lens. It is also sealed to prevent the entry of moisture and dust. Furthermore, the scope is subjected to extreme recoil tests to stand the recoil the .308 rifle produces.
When it comes to construction, the scope is crafted with aircraft-grade aluminum which is durable and lightweight. It also features Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses which provide bright and clear sight pictures even in low light settings.
Specifications
- Length: 9.7 in
- Weight: 13 oz
- Eye Relief: 9.2 – 12 in
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Steel on-steel adjustment system
- Compact and lightweight
- Waterproof, fog proof and recoil resistant
- 2-7x variable magnification
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
- Lightweight design
- Robust aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Double internal spring force
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
5) Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50mm FFP Riflescope
Another best scope for deer hunting with 308 is the Argos BTR GEN2 riflescope. This riflescope brings to the table a wide array of high-end features at a competitively affordable price. It is simple to use and ideal for multiple shooting applications.
The scope provides exceptional low-light performance. It has a large 50mm objective which gathers optimum light and advanced fully-multi-coated optics which provide bright and crisp images in poor light settings.
The scope also has an XPL coating which shields the lenses from scratches, dirt, oil, and harsh weather conditions.
Furthermore, the scope has a precision zero-stop system to help you return to your zero position with ease. In terms of construction, it is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum for ultimate durability. It is also argon purged to deliver better waterproofness and thermal stability.
Specifications
- Length: 14.1 in
- Weight: 30.3 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.3 in
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Pros
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and argon purged
- XPL lens coating
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Wide 6-24x magnification
- First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Precision zero-stop system
Cons
- Quite heavy
6) Primary Arms Orion 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope
If you are on the hunt for the best scope for deer hunting with 308 for the money, this is it. It makes an excellent scope for hunting deer, varmints, and any other mid-sized game. It has a variable 4x to 14x magnification suitable for hunting at short and long ranges.
This rifle scope has a user-friendly ACSS Orion reticle for easy range estimation of how far the targets are. This will help you plan your shot.
Additionally, it has a side-mounted parallax adjustment knob for easy parallax correction and finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets that are capped for added protection.
Another strength of the scope is that it offers unbeatable durability. It has robust aluminum housing which is also shockproof. It is also water resistant for all-weather performance and nitrogen purged to prevent the buildup of fog on the lenses.
Above all, this optic has fully multi-coated lenses which provide a bright and clear field of view from sunrise to sunset.
Specifications
- Length: 12.9in
- Weight: 13 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.14 – 3.22 in
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
Pros
- Capped, low profile, finger-adjustable turrets
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof, shockproof and fog-resistant
- User-friendly ACSS Orion reticle
- 4-14x adjustable magnification
- Robust aluminum housing
- First Focal Plane (FFP)
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
7) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope
Next up we have the Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope. This fixed power scope is ideal for deer hunting, even among numerous moving targets. It is very simple to use and a great addition to every hunter’s toolkit regardless of their hunting skills or experience.
This sighting system is virtually indestructible. It has a military-grade aluminum alloy housing which stands any punishment you subject it to.
It is also waterproof to 100ft/50m and filled with dry nitrogen to prevent the build of fog when there is a rapid change in humidity and temperature.
Furthermore, the scope has multi-coated lenses which enhance light transmission to provide bright, clear, and sharp razor images. It also offers a long eye relief for comfortable observation, a large exit pupil for rapid target acquisition, and a Bindon Aiming Concept which allows for both-eyes open aiming. The scope also has Trijicon Fiber Optics which automatically adjusts the reticle brightness level to suit the situation at hand.
Specifications
- Length: 8 in
- Weight: 14 oz
- Eye Relief: 10 in
Pros
- Multi-coated lenses
- Reticle Calibration .223 / .308 / M193 / 300 BLK
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Long eye relief and large exit pupil
- Fiber optics
- Bindon Aiming Concept
- Military-grade aluminum alloy housing
- Lightweight and small in size
- Day and night functionality
Cons
- Fixed 3.5x magnification
8) NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
The SHV provides exceptional accuracy at long ranges thanks to the high 5-20x magnification. It also offers superior clarity, crispness, and color fidelity throughout the whole magnification range, from minimum to maximum.
With the large 56mm objective lens, the scope provides a massive field of view which is what most hunters require.
It also has a ZeroSet system for rapid and easy return to your chosen zero even after several elevation adjustments. Additionally, the scope has a center illuminated reticle for easy aiming in poor light settings.
To top it all, the scope is rugged, reliable, and tough enough to stand the recoil .308 caliber produces.
Specifications
- Length: 15.2 in
- Weight: 29.1 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Pros
- Versatile 5x-20x magnification
- Large 56mm objective lens for ample light transmission
- ZeroSet system
- Center illuminated reticle
- Rugged housing
- Superior clarity, crispness, and color fidelity
Cons
- Quite pricey
Related
- 8 Best Deer Feeders(Gravity,Pail,Tripod)
- 10 Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
- 7 Best AR 15 Deer Hunting Scopes
- 8 Best Scopes for Deer Hunting
- 6 Best Scopes for 308 Ruger Precision Rifle
- 7 Best 308 Scopes(Long Range,Bolt Action & Hunting)
How to Choose the Best Scope for Deer Hunting with 308
You need to get the best scope for deer hunting which will suit your .308 caliber round. Here is a guide on what you should look for in a scope for deer hunting with 308.
Magnification
Magnification is arguably the most important feature in a scope. For hunting deer, you will need a scope that allows you to track them from a distance as they tend to get spooked when you get too close. The scope you pick should have at least 9x magnification. If you intend to be hunting deer at varying ranges, go for a scope that offers a wide magnification range.
Objective Lens
The larger the objective lens a scope has, the more light it will gather for brighter and more vivid image views. If you will be hunting deer at long ranges with very high zoom, make sure that you get a scope with a large objective so it will gather as much light as possible. A tip is to get a scope with at least a 40mm objective lens.
Durability
A durable scope will last you a long time and give you great value for money. Scopes made from aluminum or magnesium alloy offer the best durability. You also need to get a scope that fog proof, dustproof, and waterproof for all-weather performance.
Eye Relief
With the amount of eye relief that the 308 produces, you should get a scope with long eye relief so it will keep your eyes safe. A scope with a long eye relief will also help you glass comfortably in any shooting position. Go for a model that offers eye relief that is more than 3.5 inches long.
Quality Lenses
You need your scope to generate bright, clear, and sharp images so you can plan your shot. Regardless of what time you prefer to hunt, you’ll need a scope that provides perfect images and a clear field of view even in poor lighting conditions. Go for a scope that has high-quality glass and fully multi-coated/multi-coated lenses.
FAQs
- How much magnification do you need?
Your ideal magnification will depend on how far your targets will be. In most deer hunting applications, a 3x to 9x will be sufficient for both close and long-range use. However, you can get a scope with more than 10x magnification if you are planning to shoot at extremely long ranges.
- What is the best scope for a 308 rifle?
The best scope for a 308 rifle is one that meets your needs and hunting/shooting style. The scope you choose should have decent optical power, high-quality lenses, long eye relief, and durable housing to stand rough handling.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found the information in this post enlightening and you are now able to pick the right scope for deer hunting with your .308 rifle. As you can see, you have so many scopes to choose from. Consider all your necessities then focus on finding a high-performance scope that suits your needs.