Best Scope for Deer Hunting With 308
Best Scope for Deer Hunting With 308. Deer hunting is a favorite activity loved by many hunters and shooters. Deer are creatures that are smart and notably fast. They are easily spooked, meaning the slightest mistake can make you go home empty-handed. With that said, they are the best shot at long-range distances. The .308 is one of the cartridges used for medium to long-range distances, perfect for deer hunting. This rifle requires you to have some skill in shooting. Besides that, you need to marry it with a compatible scope to bring out its best. Having the proper scope makes your hunting experience better and more successful.
With a plethora of options available on the market, it can be pretty challenging to know the appropriate scope to pair with your .308. That’s why we have compiled a review of the best scopes that are a great match for .308 to help you take your deer hunting to the next level.
Here is a quick list
| PRODUCT | IMAGE | PRICE |
| #1) Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes |  |
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| #2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, SFP |  |
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| #3) Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Riflescope |  |
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| #4) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope KIT |  |
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| #5) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope |  |
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| #6) UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope |  |
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| #7) Bushnell 4.5-18x40mm AR Optics |  |
What to Consider When Looking for The Best Scope for Deer Hunting with 308
1. Magnification
A scope with a versatile magnification range is what you need for deer hunting with .308. The magnification should meet your needs as a shooter or hunter.
2. Quality of lenses
A scope with high-quality lenses is a must if you want to see sight pictures of the best quality. One of the primary reasons why you buy a scope for .308 is so that you see sight pictures that will help you shoot more accurately and precisely. Therefore, low-quality lenses and optics should have no place in your decision. Multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses, sometimes with anti-reflective coatings, are what you should look at before making a purchase decision.
3. Construction
The materials used to make the scope determine its durability and reliability. With that said, it is pertinent to get a scope constructed of high-quality and durable materials for long-lasting performance. Aircraft-grade aluminum is a common material used to make top-notch scopes as it is rugged, lightweight, and dependable.
4. Objective lens
The primary function of the objective lens is to permit maximum light into the scope for clear target images. The large objective lens lets more light into the tube. This is more useful when you need a clear shot of the target when shooting in low-light conditions. However, a gigantic objective lens increases the weight of the scope. A scope with a medium-size objective lens is a good choice as it delivers the best quality target images and doesn’t add much weight to the weapon.
5. Price
You have to be wise when buying a scope for .308. A high price doesn’t necessarily mean the best quality, and a low price doesn’t always mean the product is low quality. Do your research and go through reviews before settling on a scope. Ensure that you get one that suits your budget. Also, do not settle for cheap while compromising on quality.
Best Scope for Deer Hunting With 308 Reviews
#1) Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Vortex is known to make excellent optics that are highly durable and have remarkable performance, and Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Riflescope is no different. The scope will make a perfect partner for your .308 and comes at a mid-range price. Despite its price, it hosts an array of incredible features you will love. The scope has fully multi-coated optics that allow optimal light to pass through and deliver sharp and clear images. An extra-low dispersion setup also leads to incredible clarity. The lenses are nonetheless shielded by Armortek coating that is scratch resistant and protects from damage. The scope has a one-piece tube construction and has O-ring seals. This makes it waterproof and fog proof for reliability in harsh environments. It also performs well when it comes to shock and recoil resistance. Still, on durability, it is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum that has been tested and known to withstand the most demanding conditions. A hard-anodized finish is another major highlight that reduces glare and helps the shooter camouflage position easily. Further, the scope offers excellent eye relief that protects your brows from injury. It is very accurate and has repeatable tactical windage and elevation turrets. Better yet, its 4x zoom magnification and a side focus parallax adjustment make this scope a favorite for many. A second focal plane Riflescope means the reticle remains the same in all zoom levels. There is also a fast focus eyepiece that makes it easy to focus the reticle and acquire your target in no time. Key Features
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#2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, SFP
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope is an excellent choice for .308. It is loved by many hunters and shooters and will change your deer hunting experience for the better. The scope has a long eye relief that helps you get a sight picture of the target in no time and acquire it fast. A fast-focus eyepiece lets you focus the reticle quickly and easily. Regarding durability, the scope is excellently built with a one-piece tube built from aircraft-grade aluminum that ensures resilience and recoil resistance. It is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance in all environmental conditions. It is made of top-notch materials, so it will remain as good as new even when subjected to challenging situations. Further, an adjustable objective offers image focus and parallax elimination to the shooters. For maximum light transmission, it has fully multi-coated lenses. This implies that images of the target will be the sharpest and brightest you’ll ever view on an optic. Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for shooting at different ranges where the approximation of holdover is a concern. Finger adjustable capped reset turrets are zero resettable after sighting in. Key Features
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#3) Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Riflescope
Next up is Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Riflescope. The scope qualifies as a contender and will help your .308 deliver what it promises. The scope comes with six brightness settings and an off-notch that enables you to see in between each setting. Additionally, it allows you to hold zero with ease. It has a ring that lets you match the reticle to your eye, leading to a sharp reticle for each shot. It also has a partially illuminated reticle that allows quick engagement of the target, especially at close-range distances. You will love the durable construction of this model. It is constructed with highly robust aluminum and has a hard-anodized finish. This indicates it will endure the harshest conditions it is subjected to. To deliver reliable performance in all weather conditions, the scope has triple features of waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof capabilities. Better yet, it has a knob mounted on the side for parallax adjustment. This is primarily to keep the reticle free of parallax while still offering sharp target images. Key Features
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#4) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope KIT
Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope is one of the best there is on the market. It is specifically designed for the .308 and will help the cartridge unleash its potential. The scope comes in a lightweight and compact design that ensures your mobility is not impaired when in the field. It hosts various reticle and magnification settings, making it ideal for diverse shooting situations. It has the Bindon Aiming Concept that permits you to shoot with both eyes open for fast acquiring of the target. It is challenging for many shooters when they close one eye while trying to look through using the other. It also has a long eye relief that protects your eyes and brows from injury in case of kickback and helps you acquire your target quickly. Speaking of durability, the scope is made of 7075-T6 aluminum, making it unbeatable no matter what it is subjected to. It is also filled with nitrogen. The implication of this is a waterproof and fog proof scope that can be relied on regardless of how bad the weather is. If you are concerned about visibility, remember that the scope has anti-reflective and multi-coated lenses that give you superior light transmission for outstanding clarity and resolution. The scope works in all lighting conditions and is entirely battery-free. Trijicon Fiber Optics is another exciting feature that adjusts the brightness level and reticle contrast to suit the lighting condition. Take your hunting to the next level using this scope from Trijicon. Key Features
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#5) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope
This is another top-notch scope that will make your .308 shine. It weighs 19.2 ounces and has a length of 13.53 inches. This implies that your mobility in the field will not be a hindrance. You will love the Twilight Max HD Light Management System, which gives you an extra 30 minutes of shooting light, especially in conditions with low light. The feature also minimizes glare giving you high-definition sight pictures from edges to edges. An illuminated reticle allows you to see even in low-light situations. Thanks to its customizable dial system. You will have a hassle-free experience with this scope. This also comes in handy when you need to simplify longer shots. The feature removes the need for ballistic calculations and holdovers. A fast-focus eyepiece allows fast focusing of the reticle to acquire the target rapidly. Nevertheless, the scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for reliable performance regardless of the weather condition. Key Features
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#6) UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
Shooters are dazed by the impressive features that UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope bestows, yet at a medium price. It is what you need for your .308 to deliver impeccable performance. To start us off, the scope has multi-Emerald coated lenses for optimal light transmission. It ensures the job is done even in conditions with low light. It is not left behind on the list of waterproof and fog proof scopes. This is thanks to the O-ring seals and nitrogen purging. This implies that you don’t have to fret about whether the scope will let you down even in harsh weather. It is nonetheless shockproof and resistant to recoil. A 30mm tube ensures resilience and rigidity. For crisp, steady, and accurate windage and elevation adjustments, it has well-constructed turrets. Locking and resetting features ensure proper zeroing. In addition, the scope has a weight of 25.6 ounces and a user-friendly design making it perfect even for newbies. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, you can be confident that in case of any defects, you are guaranteed to have it fixed. Key Features
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#7) Bushnell 4.5-18x40mm AR Optics
The final product in our list of the best scopes for deer hunting with .308 is Bushnell 4.5-18x40mm AR Optics. Its versatile 4.5-18x magnification and 40mm objective lens make it the perfect scope for medium to long-range shooters. Because deer is shot at these distances, the scope is excellent for you. It has a pre-installed throw-down power change lever that lets you change magnification without hassle. This, in turn, saves your precious time. It is made of a one-piece aluminum tube that makes it robust and resilient, thus withstanding the most demanding conditions. It also has large, exposed MIL turrets that make it fast and easy to adjust windage and elevation. Thanks to its fully multi-coated lenses, you are guaranteed to get sharp, bright, and clear target images no matter the lighting condition. There are also anti-reflective coatings that lead to bright and high-contrast images on all air-to-glass surfaces. There is also a fast focus eyepiece that ensures fast focusing of the reticle for rapid acquiring of the target. Key Features
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Best Scope for Deer Hunting with 308: FAQs
1. How far can a .308 shoot?
The effective range of a .308 is 1000 yards. However, that is not the maximum distance it can cover. It could cover way more than yards if fired perfectly horizontal. This also depends on the bullet weight, powder load, and atmospheric conditions.
2. What do numbers on a scope mean?
A riflescope’s specifications include two numbers. The first number denotes the magnification, while the second number denotes the objective lens diameter. For example, a specification of 8.5×40 indicates the scope has an 8.5x magnification and 50mm objective lens diameter.
3. What is eye relief on a scope?
Eye relief refers to the distance from the outer surface of the eyepiece lens to where the exit pupil is found, which is also the eyepoint. Observing through the scope from the eyepoint, you can get the entire field of view without light falling off.
Conclusion
We have reviewed our favorites deer hunting scopes with 308. They have proven to be worth every penny. Ensure you get the best deer hunting scope with 308 that suits your hunting needs.
If you are here, it means you love hunting as much as we do. Getting a great scope is a step in the right direction. The other important bit is practise. Practise, Practise your shots!