Looking for the best scopes for deer hunting with 308? You are in the right place.
The .308 Winchester is a time-tested favorite among deer hunters. It stands out with its reliable performance, impressive accuracy, and effective range. To fully unlock its potential and versatility, pairing it with the right scope is essential.
What Makes a Scope Ideal for Deer Hunting with a 308?
Whether you’re tracking deer in dense woodland or taking longer shots across open fields, the right optic should offer:
1.Versatile Magnification Range. A 3-9x or 4-12x is ideal for medium to long-range shots from 100 to 400 yards. It also offers versatility in both wooded and open terrain.
2. Large Objective Lens Size. A large objective lens of 40mm to 50mm provides a good balance of light transmission and weight.
3. Optical Clarity. The best scopes for deer hunting with 308 should feature fully multi-coated lenses that ensure bright, crisp images, especially in low-light conditions.
4. Durable Build Quality. Furthermore, the scope needs to have a shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction to withstand rugged outdoor conditions.
5. Crisp Reticle. A Simple duplex or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle helps with fast target acquisition and range estimation.
6. Generous Eye Relief. It is also important for the best scope to have a generous 3.5–4 inches eye relief to prevent scope bite from the .308’s recoil.
7. Low-Light Performance. The scope should also have high light transmission and an illuminated reticle for dawn or dusk hunts.
Best Scopes for Deer Hunting With 308
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is the best scope for deer hunting with 308. It delivers exceptional quality and performance at an accessible price point.
The selling point of this rifle scope is its construction quality. Built around a rugged 1-inch main tube, it is rigid enough to weather abuse and rough hunting fields. Furthermore, the tube is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof so it performs reliably in harsh weather and rugged environments.
Optically, the scope boasts the renowned Leupold Twilight Light Management System, which significantly enhances visibility during low-light conditions. On top of that, it features fully multi-coated lenses to ensure crisp, bright images.
Above all, the eye relief is generous, making it comfortable and safe to use with or without eyeglasses and the 3-9x magnification range is versatile enough for a variety of shooting scenarios, from close-range woods hunting to medium-range open field shots.
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity
- Rugged and reliable construction
- Lightweight design
- Intuitive finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Carrying the renowned Leupold name, the VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope with a 30mm tube and Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle is a premium optic designed to meet the needs of avid deer hunters.
One of its standout features is the high-definition optical system. It delivers crisp, edge-to-edge clarity and exceptional light transmission, even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the versatile 3-15x magnification range provides excellent flexibility, allowing for close-range shots in dense brush as well as longer-range engagements in open terrain.
The scope also features a large 44mm objective lens that strikes a great balance between light-gathering ability and maintaining a sleek, compact profile. Besides, the Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Max HD Light Management System further enhances low-light performance, reducing glare and improving contrast for a clearer sight picture.
In terms of build quality and performance, the VX-5HD lives up to Leupold’s reputation for rugged, dependable optics. The 30mm main tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability without adding unnecessary weight. It’s also waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
Other noteworthy features included are a second focal plane reticle, fast-focus eyepiece, and precision side focus for parallax adjustment.
Pros
- Unmatched low-light performance
- Robust aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Relatively lightweight
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Big budget
3. EOTech Vudu 3.5-18x50mm Rifle Scope
To take your deer hunting skills a notch higher, you need the EOTech Vudu 3.5-18x50mm Rifle Scope.
This high-performance optic built for long-range enthusiasts. Its robust 34mm tube and aircraft-grade aluminum construction give it outstanding durability and resistance to harsh environmental conditions.
Furthermore, the 50mm objective lens combined with XC High-Density glass delivers excellent light transmission and razor-sharp image clarity, even in low-light conditions. The reticle is housed on the first focal plane to ensure that holdovers and sub-tensions remain accurate throughout the entire magnification range.
With its versatile 3.5-18x zoom range, this rifle scope bridges the gap between mid- and long-range applications. Functionality-wise, it features precision-machined turrets that provide crisp, tactile feedback with each click, and the side-mounted parallax adjustment enhances target acquisition at varying distances.
To top it all off, the illuminated reticle is intuitive to use and aids in fast aiming in low-light scenarios, while the EZ-Chek zero-stop system allows for quick and reliable return-to-zero after dial adjustments.
Pros
- Sleek and user-friendly design
- Cutting-edge performance with rugged field reliability
- Illuminated reticle
- Water-resistant, fog-resistant, shock-resistant with single construction eyepiece
Cons
- Heavy
4. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best scopes for deer hunting with 308, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm rifle scope stands out as a reliable and user-friendly optic.
The large 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, offering a noticeably bright and crisp image, even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. Furthermore, the fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare and improve contrast, helping shooters spot and engage targets with greater confidence.
With its 3-9x magnification range, this scope is versatile enough for most hunting scenarios. The second focal plane (SFP) reticle complements the versatile zoom range by maintaining a consistent appearance throughout the zoom range.
Durability and ease of use are other strong points of the Crossfire II. Its aircraft-grade aluminum construction is rugged and shockproof to withstand abuse. Additionally, the tube is nitrogen-purged and O-ring-sealed to ensures waterproof and fog-proof performance in harsh weather.
Pros
- Capped reset turrets that offer quick and easy adjustments
- Long eye relief and forgiving eye box
- Holds zero well
- Affordable and beginner-friendly
- Solid and dependable construction
Cons
- Non-illuminated
5. Burris Fullfield IV 2.5-10×42 mm Rifle Scope
Next is the Burris Fullfield IV 2.5-10x42mm SFP Rifle Scope. This is a solid mid-range optic that blends precision, reliability, and value for hunters of different levels, including beginners.
Built around a durable one-inch tube, this scope delivers a rugged, waterproof, and fog-proof construction that holds up well in the field.
The 2.5-10x magnification range is extremely versatile, making it well-suited for everything from close-range shots in heavy timber to longer-distance engagements across open terrain. Furthermore, the glass is impressively clear for its price point, offering bright, crisp visuals thanks to its high-grade optical system and multi-coated lenses.
What’s more, the scope’s second focal plane design ensures that the reticle remains the same size across all magnification levels, which is particularly beneficial for hunters who prefer a consistent aiming point. Moreover, the turrets offer tactile and audible clicks, allowing for precise windage and elevation adjustments, and they reset to zero easily.
Other noteworthy features ideal for deer hunting include a side parallax focus for improving accuracy at varying distances and an ergonomic power ring that is easy to operate, even with gloves.
Pros
- Exceptional performance and affordability
- Tactile turrets and audible clicks
- Lightweight construction
- Ample eye relief
Cons
- Non-illuminated
6.Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15×42 mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm Rifle Scope is our last recommendation for the best scopes for deer hunting with 308.
This scope is designed with premium HD glass, delivering exceptional clarity, edge-to-edge sharpness, and color fidelity. Besides, the 42mm objective lens gathers ample light, making it highly effective during dawn or dusk hunting hours.
Regarding reticle, the second focal plane reticle maintains a consistent size throughout the magnification range, allowing for precise aiming without distraction. With a magnification range of 3x to 15x, this scope adapts effortlessly to both close and long-range shots, making it versatile for a variety of shooting conditions and terrain.
Moreover, it is built on a rugged 30mm tube that provides sufficient room for adjustments and reticle movement. Furthermore, the chassis is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and finished with a hard-anodized coating to withstand harsh field environments.
The scope also brings to the table a user-friendly turret system featuring a locking elevation turret with Vortex’s RevStop Zero System, which allows for a quick and reliable return to zero. The capped windage turret further adds to the streamlined design and prevents accidental adjustments.
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Smooth side parallax adjustment
- Lightweight yet robust construction
- Unparalleled image sharpness and brightness from edge to edge
Cons
- Expensive for the budget buyers
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scopes for Deer Hunting with 308
Whether you are looking for a dependable first scope for deer hunting or a seasoned shooter needing a solid backup optic, consider the key factors before settling for any model.
Magnification
When choosing a scope for deer hunting with a .308 rifle, one of the most important factors to consider is magnification. . The .308 cartridge is effective at medium to long distances, so having the ability to zoom in helps ensure precise shot placement. A variable magnification scope, such as a 3-9x or 4-12x, offers versatility for both close-range woodland shots and longer-range field engagements.
Optical Clarity
Equally important is the optical clarity provided by the scope. Look for fully multi-coated lenses, which improve light transmission and reduce glare, ensuring a bright, crisp image during dawn or dusk when deer are most active. Furthermore, the best scopes for deer hunting with 308 should have a large aperture of at least 40mm for use in low light conditions.
Reticle Type
Another critical factor is the reticle type. A simple duplex or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle works well for most hunting scenarios, offering quick target acquisition and helpful holdover points for longer shots. If you plan to hunt in low light conditions, it is wise to get a scope with an illuminated reticle.
Turret Design and Adjustment
Next, turret design and adjustment should also be considered. For deer hunting, capped turrets are typically preferred to prevent accidental adjustments in the field. However, precise and tactile elevation and windage controls are still essential for zeroing and fine-tuning your shots.
Build Quality
Durability and build quality are non-negotiable, especially when hunting in rugged terrain or harsh weather. The best scopes for deer hunting with 308 should be shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. This ensures consistent performance regardless of conditions. Furthermore, the scope’s construction material should be with aircraft-grade aluminum or any other premium-grade material that offers a strong yet lightweight design.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is another key consideration. The recoil of a .308 rifle demands a scope with generous and consistent eye relief around 3.5 inches or more to avoid “scope bite” and ensure a comfortable shooting posture, with or without eyeglasses.
Weight and Size
Lastly, don’t overlook weight and size. A heavy, bulky scope will affect the rifle’s balance and handling during long treks through the woods or offhand shooting. To avoid that, choose a scope that complements your rifle’s ergonomics without compromising performance
FAQs
- What magnification is best for deer hunting with a .308 rifle?
Most hunters find that a scope with 3-9x or 4-12x magnification is ideal for deer hunting with a .308. It provides enough zoom for mid-to-long-range shots without sacrificing field of view for close encounters.
- What reticle type is best for deer hunting with a .308?
A simple duplex or BDC reticle are the most popular reticles for deer hunting with a .308. Duplex reticles are easy to see in low light, while BDC reticles help with distance estimation and holdovers.
- How important is eye relief on a .308 scope?
Very important. The .308 has noticeable recoil, so a scope with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief is recommended to prevent scope bite and ensure comfortable shooting, with or without eyeglasses.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hunting in dense woods or open fields, investing in a high-quality optic will give you a decisive edge. From budget-friendly options to premium models, the best scopes for deer hunting with 308 will help you make clean, ethical shots and get the most from your hunting experience. Hopefully, this buying guide has helped you find the ideal model for your needs.