7 Best Vortex Scopes for 308 Hunting

In this guide, we will explore the best Vortex scope for 308 hunting recommendations.

When it comes to precision shooting and hunting with the 308 caliber rifle, having the right scope can make all the difference between a successful outing and an unsuccessful one.

Vortex 308 scopes, that are suitable for hunting, combine superior optics, rugged construction, and a versatile magnification range, making them the ideal choice for hunters who demand precision and reliability.

Here is a quick summary of the best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting

1) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope

Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope

 

  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Weight: 23.1 oz
  • Length: 14 in
  • Eye Relief: 3.8 in

 

 

 

 

2) Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Riflescope

Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Riflescope

 

  • Tube Diameter: 34 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Weight: 30.4 oz
  • Length: 14.6 in
  • Eye Relief: 3.7 in

 

 

 

3) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm

 

  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Weight: 17.2 oz
  • Length: 13.1 in
  • Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.4 in

 

 

 

4) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Riflescope

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Riflescope

 

  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Weight: 28.1 oz
  • Length: 14.3 in
  • Eye Relief: 3.4 in

 

 

 

5) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Riflescope

 

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 3-9x40mm Riflescope

 

  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Weight: 14.5 oz
  • Length: 11.6 in
  • Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.5 in

 

 

 

6) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II Straight-Wall 3-9x50mm Riflescope

 

  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Weight: 18.4 oz
  • Length: 12.7 in
  • Eye Relief: 3.8 in

 

 

 

7) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope

 

  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Weight: 31.2 oz
  • Length: 16 in
  • Eye Relief:3.4 in

 

 

 

 

What is the Best Range for a 308?

Generally, a .308 caliber rifle, also known as 7.62x51mm NATO, is considered effective out to distances of around 800 to 1,000 yards for precision shooting and hunting purposes.

Is Vortex a Good Hunting Scope?

Yes, Vortex is one of the best hunting scopes brands, it is widely regarded as a top choice among hunters for several compelling reasons. Firstly, Vortex scopes are known for their exceptional optical quality. They deliver crystal-clear images, ensuring hunters can identify their targets accurately, even in low-light conditions. This optical clarity is crucial for making ethical and precise shots.

Vortex scopes are often equipped with features like illuminated reticles, which further enhance their performance in challenging lighting situations.

Another key factor that makes Vortex a preferred choice for hunting is its commitment to durability. Vortex scopes are designed to withstand the demands of the outdoors, whether it’s dealing with recoil from powerful rifles, exposure to harsh weather, or rough handling in the field. They are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring they remain reliable even in adverse conditions.

Furthermore, Vortex’s VIP warranty, which is unconditional, lifetime, and transferable, demonstrates the brand’s confidence in its products and provides hunters with peace of mind that their investment is protected.

Vortex is a good hunting scope choice due to its optical excellence, rugged construction, and industry-leading warranty, all of which contribute to an enhanced hunting experience.

Best Vortex Scope for 308 Hunting

1) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope

Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope

 

 

 

Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope is the best overall .308 hunting riflescope, combining high-grade construction and optical clarity in a low-weight package.

As a great performing model of the Vortex optics, the scope gets its Diamondback name because of its sturdy construction.  It is housed in a tough, lightweight aluminum housing that gives you confidence in the field without fear of scratch or breakage.

This incredible scope has a matte black hard anodized construction that adds to durability while keeping glare at a minimum for concealing your position in the brush while scouting prey.

It is designed with exposed turrets that provide unsurpassed tracking performance. The reticle is on the first focal plane and has glass etching for maximum durability and reliability.

The optical system is top-tier. The Diamondback 4-16x44mm boasts fully multi-coated lenses with XD lens elements to amplify light collection and enhance resolution and color faithfulness.

Other convenience features include the fast focus eyepiece that helps focus the reticle to quickly acquire the target and the magnification rib that supports lightning-fast power adjustments.

Features

  • Aircraft-grade, hard-anodized construction
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Magnification rib for easy power changes
  • Weatherproof
  • 8 inches of eye relief
  • First focal plane reticle
  • Precision glide erector system
  • 30mm tube diameter

Pros

  • Excellent light-gathering power
  • Hard-wearing construction
  • Tactile turrets
  • Adjustable parallax
  • Easy to zero

Cons

  • Non-Illuminated

 

2) Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Riflescope

Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Hunting Rifle scope

 

 

 

Vortex Strike Eagle, 5-25x56mm Riflescope, is another unit that graces our list of the best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting. The generous 5-25x magnification of the scope makes pegging targets at various targets a piece of cake.

This scope is made with convenience and comfort in mind, as it has a side adjustment knob on the left side of the turret that is easy to access from any shooting position. Speaking of turrets, the RevStop Zero System allows a sold return to zero after turret adjustments. You don’t have to worry about unwanted adjustments interfering with your shooting as the system ensures so.

The EBR-7C reticle has illumination for superior visibility in poorly lit conditions. Moreover, the lenses have special coatings that enhance light transmission. The XD glass lessens chromatic aberration and increases the sharpness and contrast of the images produced.

Besides, the scope is made to withstand various weather adversaries like rain, fog, wind, and dust. This is thanks to the seals and gas purging incorporated into its design.

Its reliable aircraft-grade aluminum construction makes the scope ideal for all skill shooters. You will undoubtedly experience all the thrill of hunting and go home with so much joy, as this scope will not disappoint you.

Features

  • EBR-7C reticle
  • Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • Extra-low dispersion glass
  • RevStop Zero System
  • 34 mm tube that is shockproof
  • Armortek coated lenses

Pros

  • Ample amount of eye relief
  • Solid build quality
  • Intelligent reticle design
  • Locking mechanism to prevent unwanted adjustments
  • Plenty of accessories

Cons

  • None

 

3) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Hunting Scope

 

 

 

Vortex Crossfire II, 4-12x44mm Riflescope, will make your hunting expedition fruitful as it has impressive features. With its fully multi-coated lenses, you will experience brilliant light transmission for an admirable image rendition from sunrise to sunset.

The one-piece aluminum tube is finished with a hard anodized construction to keep away corrosion that compromises the scope’s durability. The scope will do the job in all weather conditions as it is 100% waterproof and fogproof.

Tactile windage and elevation knobs are part of the scope’s design. This supports easy adjustments and resetting to zero after sighting in for maximum repeatability.

The fast-focus eyepiece focuses on your reticle, allowing fast target acquisition. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for hunting and is valuable where holdover estimation is a problem.

The icing on the cake is that the scope comes at a price that will not take a significant hit on your wallet.

Features

  • Capped reset turrets
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Single-piece tube
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • Dead-Hold BDC reticle on the second focal plane
  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
  • 4.4 inches of eye relief
  • Flexible 4-12x magnification

Pros

  • Price (affordable)
  • Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction for durability and stability
  • Bright and clear fully multicoated optics optics
  • Ample eye relief
  • Hard Anodized

Cons

  • Non-Illuminated

 

4) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Riflescope

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Riflescope

 

 

 

The 3-15x magnification of this scope makes it ideal for taking down targets at close to long ranges. The scope delivers crystal-clear images with zero distortion at all magnification ranges.

This is because it is constructed of extra-low dispersion glass that combines the wide 44mm objective lens with proprietary multicoating. These coatings increase the scope’s light-gathering capability, producing superb image rendition.

There are exposed tactical turrets with a zero-reset function. Armortek coatings on the lenses eliminate scratches that could damage the scope.

In addition, the 30mm tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum that will withstand tough conditions in the hunting field. Thanks to the waterproof and fogproof features, the scope will continue to perform outstandingly when the weather is at its worst.

The hard anodized finish provides a low-glare surface that is corrosion-resistant. The scope also has the EBR-7C MOA reticle suitable for hunting applications.

Features

  • 30mm tube diameter
  • Exposed turrets
  • Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
  • First focal plane reticle
  • Armortek covered lenses
  • Extra-low dispersion glass
  • 44mm objective lens that is fully multi-coated

Pros

  • Reticle illumination
  • Tough aluminum construction for durability and stability
  • Fully Multi-Coated for Exceptional imaging
  • Hard Anodized Finish
  • Waterproof, Shockproof and Fogproof
  • Fast Focus Eyepiece
  • Built-In Accuracy Features

Cons

  • None

 

5) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Riflescope

 

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 3-9x40mm hunting Rifle scope

 

 

 

Another game changer that will take your hunting skills a notch higher is the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Riflescope. The scope has all you need to hunt from first to last light. The fully multi-coated optics have special coatings that maximize the light transmission rates for crisp and vivid images even when lighting is unfavorable.

The scope also performs faultlessly in all weather conditions, making it an excellent choice if you plan to move around in any weather. This is because its design includes waterproof and fogproof features.

Unlike other scopes on the market that break under the slightest recoil or impact, this Diamondback will take a beating as it is shockproof.

The pop-up dials on the scope facilitate effortless and precise windage and elevation adjustments, generating audible clicks. The turrets have caps for protection against external harm.

A fast-focus eyepiece and MAG-View fiber optic are other features on the scope that will impress you.

Features

  • Single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube
  • Hard anodized construction
  • Capped reset turrets
  • Weatherproof
  • Shockproof
  • Precision force spring system
  • Precision glide erector system
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Easy windage and elevation adjustments

Pros

  • Capped Reset Turrets
  • Hard Anodized for low glare and durability
  • Fully Multi-Coated optics
  • Aircraft Grade Aluminum Construction for durability and stability
  • Fast Focus Eyepiece

Cons

  • Non-Illuminated

 

6) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II Straight-Wall 3-9x50mm Riflescope

 

 

 

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm also qualifies as the best Vortex scope for .308 hunting. This is the scope for you if you are looking for a scope that will ridiculously heighten your accuracy. Target acquisition has never been easier.

As another Crossfire scope that will not dent your savings, this scope also delivers unmatched brightness. This is made possible by the fully multi-coated optics complemented by the lens’s large size. Optimal brightness and contrast will be yours, even in dismal lighting.

The Dead-Hold BDC reticle has crosshairs that help you capture more games for sharp focusing of the reticle, and the scope sports a fast-focus eyepiece.

In addition, there are capped turrets for impact resistance and a zero-reset mechanism for easy returning to zero.

Construction-wise, the scope features aircraft-grade aluminum, making it a formidable candidate to beat. It is waterproof and fogproof for all-weather performance. Professional shooters and rookies will benefit from the striking performance delivered by this scope.

Features

  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Capped reset turrets
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Fully multi-coated to deliver impressive light transmission
  • Second focal plane reticle
  • Dead-Hold BDC reticle
  • Waterproof and fogproof
  • Shockproof

Pros

  • Durable  construction for durability
  • Hard Anodized finish for low glare
  • Includes a lens cover and cloth
  • Excellent image clarity with Fully Multi-Coated optics
  • Capped Reset Turrets
  • Fast Focus Eyepiece

Cons

  • None

 

7) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope

 

 

 

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope closes our list of the best Vortex scopes for .308 hunting. Vortex scopes are fantastic, and this model is no different. It is hinged with an array of features to make your hunting trip one for the books.

First, it has extra-low dispersion glass for impressive sharpness and clarity. The fully multi-coated lenses clarify your views even at maximum magnification.

The 50mm objective lens is handy for low-light performance and nighttime hunting. Further, the MRAD reticle is illuminated to boost visibility in all lighting.

The reticle is on the first focal plane meaning the reticle remains in proportion to the zoomed image size.

The 5-25x power enhances the long-range capabilities of the scope. The fogproof, shockproof, and waterproof inclusions imply you can use the scope in demanding hunts without worrying about it becoming faulty.

The adjustment knob lets you adjust parallax from 23 meters to infinity, making shooting at all magnifications sharp.

Features

  • Adjustable 5-25x magnification
  • XD glass for easy long-range shots
  • Wide 50mm objective lens
  • Adjustable parallax
  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • Fast-focusing mechanism
  • Second focal plane
  • Fully multi-coated optics

Pros

  • Easy-to-turn knobs
  • Reticle illumination
  • Adjustment clicks are smooth
  • Zero-stop system
  • Generous amount of eye relief

Cons

  • Quite expensive

 

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Factors To Consider When Buying the Best Vortex Scope for 308 Hunting

Here are some guidelines to help you in making an informed buying decision:

Lens Clarity

A scope with poor quality will perform badly in unforgiving weather like rainy, humid, or sunny conditions. Look for a scope that will not fail you in the open. The lens clarity also matters as it determines the light transmission that affects the image’s final look. Fully multi-coated optics deliver maximum light transmittance as they have multiple layers. They also minimize reflections in sunny weather.

Weight

Get a scope with a light setup for your hunting needs. Anything between 6 and 8 pounds will be okay. You don’t want to lug around with a bulky scope as this will cause fatigue and impede performance on the hunting ground.

Durability

The best Vortex scopes should be able to stand up to all kinds of conditions. The scope’s body should constitute high-grade materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. It should also be impervious to moisture, fog, debris, and dust and have shockproof features to withstand impact and harsh weather conditions.

Turrets

The best scopes should also have finger-adjustable knobs for easy windage and elevation adjustments. They should also be audible to alert you when you have made adjustments. Besides, the turrets should also help you get to the target instantly for those killer shots.

Optical Quality

The glass used in the scope will make or break your hunting trip. It should be constructed from premium materials for excellence. It should either be HD or XD for optimal sharpness and clarity.

Armortek-coated glass is also essential for scratch and dirt protection to maintain the lenses’ integrity.

 

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FAQs on the Best Vortex Scope for 308 Hunting

1) What magnification range should I look for in a .308 hunting scope?

The ideal magnification range for a .308 hunting scope depends on various factors, including your hunting style, shooting distances, and target size. A scope with a magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x should be sufficient for most hunting scenarios. These scopes balance a wide field of view for close-range shots and enough magnification for longer shots.

2) What is the importance of eye relief in a .308 hunting scope?

Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the rear lens of the scope while maintaining a full field of view. It is crucial to have adequate eye relief to prevent scope eye injuries and to ensure a comfortable shooting experience. For a .308 hunting rifle, a scope with a minimum eye relief of 3-4 inches is recommended to provide a safe and comfortable shooting position, especially considering the potential recoil of the rifle.

3) What is the best Vortex scope for .308 hunting?

Vortex offers a range of scopes suitable for .308 hunting, and the best one for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include the Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40, Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40, and Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44. Consider factors like your budget, shooting distance, and desired features when making your choice.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that these are the best Vortex scopes to pair with your .308. They will deliver incredibly in the field and last for many decades. Choose any scope from the list that best suits your hunting needs, and have fun!

 

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