Are you on the market for the best 30-06 hunting scope? We will review some of the best options to help you narrow down your search.
If you are an avid hunter, whether a deer, hog or elk, you need a quality optical sight that will help make your hunting expedition more effective. A good scope will improve your visibility and help you hunt deer even at long ranges.
In this post, we will take you through the best scope for hunting with 30-06 available on the market today. These scopes differ in many aspects, but all provide the essential features every hunter requires for a successful hunting trip.
What magnification for 30-06?
For hunting the most common magnification range for a 30-06 scope is 3-9x or 4-12x. This range allows you to have a wider field of view at lower magnifications for quick target acquisition at shorter distances, and the ability to zoom in for more precise shots at longer distances.
For long-range target shooting or precision shooting, you might opt for higher magnification, such as 6-24x or even higher, depending on the shooting distance and your skill level.
Best 30-06 Rifle Hunting Scopes
Without further ado, let’s take a look.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Riflescope is the best 30-06 hunting scope, this riflescope configuration combines versatile magnification capabilities with a 40mm objective lens, harmonizing precision and light-gathering prowess for a truly exceptional hunting experience.
At its core, the Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Riflescope boasts the Dead-Hold BDC reticle—a masterpiece tailored to the intricacies of hunting and shooting at varying distances. When the art of estimating holdover becomes pivotal, the Dead-Hold BDC steps forward as a steadfast ally, facilitating confident shots across the spectrum of ranges.
With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you are assured of precision and accuracy in sighting targets. Thanks to the fast-focus eyepiece, reticle focusing becomes second nature, empowering seamless adjustments on the fly.
With anti-reflective and fully multi-coated lenses the scope is known for remarkable clarity and brilliance. These turrets, meticulously engineered, offer ease of adjustment with MOA clicks that align with your intentions.
Assembled with unwavering dedication, the single-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum embodies resilience, strength, and impact resistance. For a waterproof and fog proof performance, the scope features O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging.
Pros
- Hard Anodized Finish for reduced glare and durability
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum Construction
- Fully Multi-Coated and anti-reflective optics
- Rugged construction for recoil and impact
- Finger adjustable capped reset turrets
- Waterproof and fogproof performance.
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope is made to cater to diverse shooting and hunting scenarios. Ideal for pursuits ranging from big game and predator/varmint hunting to muzzleloader, slug shotgun, and long-range applications, this riflescope stands as a testament to versatility and precision.
The lenses are fully multi-coated for crystal-clear, vivid images that are persistent from the first glimmer of dawn to the fading light of dusk. The metal-on-metal precision turrets make it easy to reset your zero after sighting in, but they also stand as sentinels of meticulous tracking and repeatability.
The Diamondback scope further elevates its stature with a precision glide erector system. This system ensures that your scope’s adjustments translate seamlessly into real-world accuracy, cementing your status as a master of your craft.
Robustness takes center stage through a solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish. This construction will make sure the scope is shockproof and durable.
Pros
- Hard Anodized finish for durability, camouflage, and reduced glare
- Durable and strong Aircraft Grade Aluminum Construction
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Easy to read MOA elevation and windage graduations
- Matching MOA reticle and turrets
- Fog-proof and waterproof performance
- Fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
3) BSA Sweet 30-06 AO Rifle Scope
The BSA Sweet 30-06 AO Rifle Scope is one of the best 30-06 hunting scopes. The scope is specially designed for the .30-06 rifle ammunition, and it has 3 ballistically calibrated turrets for 180gr, 165gr, and 150gr rounds.
The scope is made for both short and long-range hunting. It has a variable 4x to 12x magnification and a 40mm objective lens which offers the perfect balance of power and size. At 4x magnification, the scope provides a large field of view and rich image detail at 12x magnification.
Furthermore, the scope is built to stand rough handling. It is shockproof to withstand impacts and falls and fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather performance. It also features fully coated lenses, providing a crisp, clear field of view and an adjustable objective for parallax removal and image focusing.
Moreover, the scope has a lightweight design for easy portability, and it comes with two-piece weaver-style rings, so you don’t have to purchase them separately.
Pros
- Robust aluminum housing
- Waterproof, proof, and shockproof
- Adjustable objective
- 3 inches of eye relief
- 30/30 reticle
- 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Fully coated lens
- Lightweight design
- Two-piece weaver-style rings included
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
4) Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm Rifle Scope
If you want a long-range scope for deer hunting with your 30-06, the Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm Rifle Scope suits you. The scope has a high 20x magnification, providing exceptional image detail even at long ranges.
This rifle scope is built to last. It has a durable 30mm tube crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum. Moreover, the scope is impact tested to be shockproof and recoil resistant. It is also fully waterproof and argon purged to prevent internal fog buildup.
The scope also features extra-low dispersion glass, which maximizes resolution and color fidelity. Additionally, all air-to-glass surfaces are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission and reduce glare and light loss via reflection. This results in the production of bright, crisp, and sharp images from dawn to dusk.
For added convenience, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and straightforward reticle focusing, a MAG-Bar for rapid and simple magnification adjustments, and capped reset turrets allowing rapid re-indexing of the turret to zero after sighting in the scope.
Pros
- SFP reticle
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Armortek coating
- Capped reset turrets
- Precision-force spring system
- MAG-Bar
- 30mm main tube
- XR fully multi-coated optics
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
5) Sightmark 1-6x24FFP Rifle Scope
Another best scope for deer hunting with 30-06 on our list is the Sightmark 1-6x24FFP Rifle Scope. It is precision with premium-grade optics and top-tier Japanese glass to offer high resolution and superior edge-to-edge clarity.
The scope brings to the table a first focal plane ballistically-matched CDC-300 reticle. The reticle has dual illumination for precise shooting in low-light settings. Since it is placed on the first focal plane, it stays true at every magnification setting for precision shooting, especially at long ranges. It also features true 1x, which provides both-eyes-open usage, and 6x power, which brings distant targets closer.
Regarding construction, the scope is made from high-grade aluminum, which maximizes its strength and rigidity. Additionally, the scope is IP67 water-resistant and fog-resistant for all-weather reliability. Other additional features in the scope are a constant 4.06” eye relief, fully multi-coated optics, and scratch-resistant lenses, which provide additional protection from impact.
Pros
- High-definition optics
- IP67 water-resistant and fog-resistant
- FFP ballistically-matched CDC-300 reticle
- Long and constant eye relief
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Robust aluminum housing
- True 1x magnification
Cons
- Weaver attachment only
6) ATN ThOR 4 4-40x75mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
Next on our list is the ATN ThOR 4 4-40x75mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope. This top-performing thermal scope brings you, Gen, 4 dual-core thermal sensor technology at a competitively affordable cost.
The ultra-sensitive HD thermal sensor lets you view and record your deer hunting trip simultaneously. You can also share your hunting trip with your family and friends thanks to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 compatibility with Android and iOS.
Furthermore, the scope has a Smart Mil-Dot reticle that is simple to use and aims a ballistic calculator that helps you hunt responsibly and a smart range finder that shows you how far away your targets are. This 30mm tube scope is also light as a feather, so you will be comfortable carrying it in the field.
Pros
- Ultra-sensitive Gen 4 640×480 Thermal sensor
- Smart Mil-Dot reticle
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 compatibility
- Recoil activated video
- 30mm main tube
- E-compass
- Lightweight design
- Smart rangefinder
- Ballistic calculator
- Weather resistant
Cons
- Expensive
7) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Riflescope
As one of the best scopes for hunting with 30-06, the 2-7×32 Crossfire II riflescope offers a wide range of user-friendly and high-quality features at a cost-effective price.
The scope has a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which is good for hunting deer at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern. It has fully multi-coated lenses, which provide bright and clear views and a long eye relief that aids in quick target acquisition. It also boasts a fast-focus eyepiece for rapid and simple reticle focusing.
Like any other Vortex optic, this Crossfire II riflescope is waterproof and fog-resistant, providing reliable performance in any weather condition. It is also crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, guaranteeing strength and shockproof performance.
Pros
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box
- Resettable MOA turrets
- Durable and shockproof construction
- 1-inch main tube
Cons
- None
8) Primary Arms Orion 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope
Primary Arms Orion 4-14×44 is your best scope for deer hunting with 30-06 for the money. It is highly versatile and suitable for hunting varmints and any other mid-sized game, not just deer hunting. It also has a variable 4x to 14x magnification, making it suitable for hunting at short and long ranges.
This rifle scope has a user-friendly ACSS Orion reticle that makes it easy for the hunter to estimate the range of how far the targets are for greater accuracy. Additionally, it has a side-mounted parallax adjustment knob for simple parallax adjustment and finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets that are capped to stand against impacts and rough handling.
Another good thing about the scope is that it is virtually indestructible. It has a robust aluminum housing, which is ultra-sturdy and shockproof. It is also water resistant for all-weather performance and nitrogen purged to prevent fog formation when there is a rapid change in humidity and temperature.
Above all, the scope has a lightweight design that makes it easy to mount and has its optics fully multi-coated to optimize light transmission for bright and clear sight pictures from dawn until the sun sets.
Pros
- Capped, low profile, finger-adjustable turrets
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Lightweight design
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog-resistant
- User-friendly ACSS Orion reticle
- 4-14x adjustable magnification
- Robust aluminum housing
- 30 MOA adjustment range
Cons
- Fogs up sometimes
See Also
Criteria for Choosing the Best 30-06 Hunting Scope
Magnification Power
The higher the magnification a scope has, the more detail you will see of targets, even at long ranges. However, magnification is not always the best for deer hunting with the 30-06. With high magnification, you get less field of view and lower image clarity. For the best performance, pick a scope with not more than 9x for short and medium-range hunting and at least 10x for long-range hunting.
Objective Lens
Pick a scope with a large objective lens with a high magnification power. The larger the objective lens, the more light the scope collects for bright image views. A large objective lens will also provide a massive field of view that will help you easily locate deer. A tip is to get a scope with at least a 40mm objective lens.
Glass and Lens Coating
For a successful hunting trip, you must clearly understand your targets to know where to place the shot. A scope worth buying should have good-quality glass and proper lens coating. Pick scopes with ED or HD glass and fully multi-coated lenses if you can afford it.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the maximum space between your eye and the scope’s lens. Generally, the bigger the eye relief, the better. The 30-06 produces high recoil, so having generous eye relief will keep you safe and allow you to glass comfortably in any shooting position.
Reticle
There are three main types of reticle patterns available on the market today. They are BDC, Mi-Dot MOA, and Simple duplex. Typically, your ideal reticle depends on your preference, hunting distance, and shooting skills. Simple reticles are ideal for beginners hunting at close and mid-quarters, while BDC and Mi-Dot are ideal for seasoned long-range hunters.
Durability
The quality of construction of any hunting scope is very important. A good scope must be able to stand rough handling and harsh field environments such as extreme temperature and humidity change, water submersion, and a large amount of force. Choose a waterproof, fog-resistant, and shockproof scope for unmatched durability and all-weather reliability.
FAQs on the Best 30-06 Hunting Scope
1) Is a 30-06 good for deer hunting?
Yes, it is. The 30-06 is one of the most versatile calibers for deer hunting. With a good 150-grain bullet and a powerful rifle, you can shoot a deer even at long ranges and make an ethical kill.
2) What do the numbers on a scope mean?
A rifle scope specification has two numbers. The first number represents the magnification power, while the second number shows the diameter of the objective lens. For instance, a 3-9×40 scope has 3-9x magnification and an objective lens 40mm in diameter.
3) What makes a great deer hunting scope?
A great deer hunting scope is made of several things. First, the scope should have a proper magnification depending on your hunting range. Magnification will help bring the distant targets closer for accurate shooting. In addition, great scope for deer hunting will have proper lens coatings, long eye relief, and durable and weatherproof housing.
4) What is the effective range of a 30-06 rifle?
Realistically, the effective range of a 30-06 rifle for hunting is between 400 to 500 yards. The round however can achieve a distance of up to 800-1000 yards but hitting a target from that range without mastery abilities may be impractical.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what you need in the best 30-06 hunting scope will help make your purchasing exercise pleasant and less time-consuming. Look at each scope listed above’s features, then pick the scope that suits your needs and preferences. Whatever you need, there is a top-performing scope out there for you.