In this article, we will explore the best scope for deer hunting with 308 rifle options.
Deer hunting is a popular pastime for many hunters, and finding the right scope for your rifle can make all the difference when it comes to a successful and enjoyable hunt. When using a .308 rifle for deer hunting, it’s important to choose a scope that can handle the specific characteristics of this caliber.
When it comes to deer hunting with a .308 rifle, you need a scope that can withstand the recoil and provide clear and accurate shots. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to pick the best one.
We will be considering factors such as magnification, durability, and overall quality. Sit tight and go through our top picks with us.
What Makes The Best Scope For Deer Hunting With 308?
Reticle Type
The reticle, or crosshairs, in a scope can vary greatly and impact accuracy. For deer hunting, a simple duplex or crosshair reticle is often preferred as it allows for quick target acquisition and easy aiming.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between the eyepiece of the scope and the eye of the shooter. A scope with good eye relief will prevent eye strain and allow for comfortable shooting over extended periods. Look for scopes with at least 3-4 inches of eye relief.
Weight
The weight and size of the scope can impact the balance and handling of the rifle. A lighter and compact scope can be easier to maneuver in the field, but a larger and heavier scope may offer greater stability and durability.
Focal Plane
Scopes can have either a first or second focal plane, which affects the size of the reticle at different magnifications. For deer hunting, a second focal plane scope is often preferred as the reticle remains a consistent size and doesn’t become too thick or thin at different magnifications.
Price
Finally, price is an important factor to consider. While high-end scopes can offer superior features and performance, they may not be necessary for all hunters. Look for a scope that offers a good balance of features and affordability within your budget.
Best Scope for Deer Hunting With 308
Now let’s look at some of the options available on the market
Summary |
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm |
Primary Arms SLx 5x36mm |
Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm |
Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 |
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm |
NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm |
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope features a 3-9x magnification range and a 40mm objective lens. This ensures a clear and bright image even in low-light conditions, while Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Light Management System optimizes the transmission of light through the scope for optimal visibility in low-light situations.
The scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum for durability and features a scratch-resistant lens coating for added protection. It is also waterproof and fog-proof, hence suitable for use in a variety of weather conditions.
The scope is designed for easy mounting and is compatible with most rifles. It comes with a fast-focus eyepiece that provides quick target acquisition and a simple and intuitive reticle for accurate aiming.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 inches
- Weight: 12.2 oz.
- Length: 39 inches
- Parallax: Fixed
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 60/60 MOA
Pros
- High-quality optics
- Versatile magnification range
- Durable construction
- Waterproof and fog-proof
- Easy to mount
Cons
- None
2) Primary Arms SLx 5x36mm Gen III Prism Scope
The Primary Arms SLx 5x36mm Gen III Prism Scope features a 5x magnification range and a 36mm objective lens, ensuring reliable use even in low light conditions. The scope is built with rugged aluminum housing for added durability and has a waterproof and fog-proof design which is ideal for use in a variety of weather conditions.
The scope is designed with a reticle that combines an illuminated horseshoe and a center dot, allowing for quick target acquisition and accurate aiming. The reticle is also etched onto the prism, providing excellent visibility even if the illumination is turned off.
Additionally, the scope includes a removable Picatinny rail mount for easy installation on most rifles.
Specifications
- Magnification: 5 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 36 mm
- Eye Relief: 2.5 – 3 inches
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.333 MOA
- Field of View, Linear: 18.8 ft. at 100 yds.
- Weight: 18.4 oz.
Pros
- Waterproof and fog-proof design
- Quick target acquisition and accurate aiming
- The etched reticle provides excellent visibility even without illumination
- Easy installation on most rifles
Cons
- Fixed magnification
3) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm Rifle Scope is a high-end scope that features a 4.5-27x magnification range and a 56mm objective lens. The large lens provides exceptional light transmission ensuring a clear and bright image.
The Razor scope is built with durable aluminum construction and features a waterproof and fog-proof design that ensures reliable use in all weather conditions. It comes with a zero-stop elevation turret and a fast-focus eyepiece for quick target acquisition.
The scope features a first focal plane reticle, which means that the reticle’s size changes in proportion to the magnification level, allowing for accurate aiming at all magnification ranges. The reticle is also illuminated for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4.5 – 27 x
- Exit Pupil: 2.07 – 12.4 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 25.3 – 4.4 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
- Weight: 48.5 oz.
- Length: 4 inches
- Parallax: 32 yds. to infinity
- Battery Life: 150 hours
Pros
- Versatile magnification range
- Durable construction
- Waterproof and fog-proof design
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Relatively heavy weight
4) Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
The Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Rifle Scope is designed to offer a 1-6x magnification range and a 24mm objective lens for a clear and bright image. The scope is built with a rugged aluminum construction that has a waterproof and fog-proof design, ideal for harsh weather conditions.
The scope features a first focal plane reticle that combines an illuminated crosshair with a horseshoe, allowing for quick target acquisition and accurate aiming. The reticle is etched onto the glass, for excellent visibility even without illumination.
Additionally, the scope comes with a quick-release mount for easy installation and removal from most rifles.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Exit Pupil: 3.81 – 10.41 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 15.9 – 95 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Weight: 23.2 oz.
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Length: 10.05 inches
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 90/90 MOA
Pros
- High-quality optics
- Rugged aluminum construction
- Weatherproof
- Illuminated crosshair and horseshoe reticle
- Quick-release mount for easy installation and removal
Cons
- Not ideal for long range
5) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope features a 3-9x magnification range and a 40mm objective lens, making it ideal for a variety of shooting applications. The scope is built with a durable construction and features a waterproof and fog-proof design.
The scope features a second focal plane Multi-X reticle, which provides a simple crosshair aiming point for improved accuracy. It also includes fingertip-adjustable windage and elevation controls for quick and easy adjustments in the field.
The scope generally has a simple yet effective design which provides hunters and shooters with a clear and bright image and accurate aiming points without the need for complex reticles or expensive features.
Specifications
- Power: 3-9x
- Eye Relief: 6 / 153 (in / mm)
- Reticle: Multi-X
- Field of View: 32/10.7@3x 11/3.7@9x (ft@100 ft. / m@100 m)
- Adj Range in@100yds/ mm@100m: 60 / 1.7
- Weight: 13 / 369(oz. / g)
- Exit Pupil (mm): 13@3x 4.4@9x
- Length: 12 / 305(in / mm)
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Durable construction
- Waterproof and fog-proof
- Fast-focus eyepiece provides quick target acquisition
Cons
- Limited features compared to more expensive rifle scopes
6) NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
The NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope offers a wide 5-20x magnification range and a large 56mm objective lens to ensure clear and bright images. The scope is built with rugged aluminum construction and features a waterproof and fog-proof design, making it suitable for use in a variety of weather conditions.
The scope features a second focal plane MOAR reticle, which provides multiple aiming points and holdover references for improved accuracy at longer ranges. It also includes high-quality lenses and coatings, which provide exceptional light transmission and reduce glare for a clear and sharp image.
Additionally, the NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Scope includes fast and precise windage and elevation adjustments with a ZeroSet feature that allows shooters to easily return to their original zero after making adjustments. It also includes a parallax adjustment feature for improved accuracy at longer ranges.
Specifications
- Magnification: 5 – 20 x
- Exit Pupil: 2.5 – 8.7 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 5 – 17.9 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Length: 2 inches
- Parallax: 25 yds. to infinity
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and brightness
- Multiple aiming points and holdover references
- Illuminated reticle
- Durable construction
- Waterproof and fog-proof
Cons
- Higher price point
Best Scope for Deer Hunting With 308 FAQs
- What magnification range is best for deer hunting with a .308 rifle?
The magnification range for deer hunting with a .308 rifle typically ranges from 3-9x to 4-12x. This range provides enough magnification for accurate shots at mid to long-range distances without sacrificing a wide field of view for quick target acquisition.
- What is best between a first and second focal plane reticle for deer hunting with a .308 rifle?
For deer hunting with a .308 rifle, a second focal plane reticle is recommended. A second focal plane reticle will remain the same size regardless of the magnification setting, which is important for quick target acquisition at close distances.
- What is the best scope for deer hunting with a .308 rifle?
There are many great scopes available for deer hunting with a .308 rifle, and the best scope will depend on personal preferences and hunting needs. Some popular options include the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm, Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm, and the NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm.
Conclusion
The .308 is a powerful cartridge that allows you to engage with your targets from a distance. But even with such power, pairing your rifle with a good scope gives you an added advantage over harsh environments and low-light conditions. This allows you to conveniently engage in your hunting escapades in different scenarios with perfect success.
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