If you are preparing your hunting gear and looking for the best 308 scopes for deer hunting, you are in the right place. We have put together this article to help you track down the best scope for your deer hunting needs and ensure that you find them at the best price.
It is fun to hunt deer with the .308 round, but it is more exhilarating when you have a quality scope at your disposal. This hunting cartridge provides impressive performance in the hunting fields and is ideal for hunting most game at varying ranges. It is excellent for deer hunting and getting a scope for it will increase your odds of having greater success in the hunting fields.
Attributes of a Great 308 Scope for Deer Hunting
A great 308 scope for deer hunting is made of several features. Firstly, the scope needs to have a moderate, but variable magnification power. With such magnification, the scope gives you the flexibility to take shots at different ranges depending on how far the deer is.
Secondly, the scope should have an objective lens that is big enough to collect more light and ensure that the images generated at each magnification level are clear and of high-quality. A large objective lens also yields a spacious field of view that is very important when hunting.
Another vital feature that a great scope for deer hunting should have is a durable housing that is also weatherproof. With quality construction, the scope will endure whatever rough use you subject it to and be useful for more years of use. The housing should also be waterproof and fog proof for use even in rain, fog and any other precipitation.
The best 308 scopes for deer hunting should also have a lightweight design for portability convenience and a generous eye relief to enhance glassing comfort and eye safety.
Best 308 Scopes for Deer Hunting
Finding the right 308 scope for your deer hunting needs is not always an easy task. With the sea of scopes available on the market, the selection process becomes overwhelming. Luckily, we are here to help.
We have taken our time and curated a light of the best-rated 308 scopes that are ideal for deer hunting. Let’s take a look.
1) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm is a high powered rifle scope built with the avid hunter in mind. It combines high-quality optical and construction elements to enhance your accuracy and performance in any hunting environment.
Engineered with a wide 4.5-27x magnification range, the scope gives you the flexibility to hunt deer in virtually all distances. Besides, it has a large 56mm objective lens to complement the broad zoom by providing clear and bright images at all levels of magnification.
The sight pictures the scope yields are spectacular even in low light hunting environments. This is thanks to the extra-low dispersion glass and the XR plus anti-reflective coatings applied on all air-to-glass surfaces to enhance light transmission.
Another facet that makes this long range rifle scope great for deer hunting is the robust construction. It has a lightweight yet durable aluminum alloy body that is anodized to be non-reflective, scratch proof and rustproof. Additionally, the scope’s tube is O-ring sealed and filled with inert gas to be waterproof and fog proof.
This combination of quality construction, broad magnification range and high-quality optics makes this rifle scope uniquely capable of all deer hunting pursuits at any distance.
Features
- High-density ED glass
- First focal plane reticle
- One-piece 34mm main tube diameter
- Waterproof and fog proof
- XR plus fully multi-coated optics
- Apochromatic objective lens
- 1/4 MOA impact point correction
- 5 MOA elevation & 48 MOA windage adjustments
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Superb visibility in low light environment
- Long eye relief
- Illuminated reticle
- High quality glass
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
2) Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope
In spite of the fact that the Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope is inexpensive, it will to boost your accuracy when hunting and make your hunting trip more successful. It is packed with a wide range of features that make it one of the best 308 scopes for deer hunting.
A defining feature of this rifle scope is the ACSS HUD DMR .308 reticle that is optimized for the .308 round. The reticle is housed on the first focal plane so it stays true at every magnification power. It is also illuminated to be clear visible when you are hunting deer in low light environments of dawn or dusk.
Furthermore, the scope has side mounted parallax adjustment knob for easy parallax adjustment. With parallax correction, accuracy is enhance when you are takings shots at longer ranges. Construction-wise, it has 30mm body tube made from aluminum. This guarantees durability no matter how regularly you use the scope for hunting. The tube is also waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to ensure the best hunting success irrespective of the weather condition.
Features
- First focal plane ACSS HUD DMR .308 reticle
- 30mm aluminum main tube
- Water, fog and shock proof construction
- Side parallax adjustment knob
- Finger adjustable turrets
- Variable 4-14x magnification power
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Low cost
- Crisp clear glass
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Short eye relief
3) Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope pairs perfectly with the .308 round as it is optimized for hunting. Carrying this high-powered rifle scope for your deer hunting trip will boost your shooting confidence and increase your odds of making shots that are clean and ethical.
The versatile 5x zoom system of the scope makes it ideal for hunting deer at different ranges. It provides a large field of views at closer distances and allows for much better targets acquisition at distant ranges.
To complement the broad zoom range, the scope features a Ballistic Plex E1 FFP varmint reticle that provides a clear platform to measure the distance and determine the target size. The sub tensions of the reticle provide crisp detail and features without clustering the target. This increases precision at long ranges.
The eye relief of this rifle scope varies from 3.5 to 4.25 inches depending on the magnification. This is long enough to ensure snug and safe observation with or without eyeglasses. Other than that, the scope has Hi-Lume multi-coated optics to ensure effective light transmission for bright and clear image views.
To top it all off, the scope has a robust aircraft grade aluminum housing that is durable and weatherproofed to be usable in all weather conditions.
Features
- Ballistic Plex E1 FFP varmint reticle
- Water, fog and shock proof
- 30mm main tube diameter
- Hi-Lume multi-coated optics
- Versatile 5x zoom system
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- High-grade optical glass
- Double internal spring tension system
Pros
- Simple to use
- Durable and dependable construction
- Good low light performance
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Non illuminated
4) Vortex Optics Diamondback 3.5-10×50 BDC Rifle Scope
As one of the best 308 scopes for deer hunting, the Diamondback 3.5-10×50 is off the charts when it comes to build quality, optical performance and overall feel. It is simple to use and a great choice for hunting beginners.
The selling point of this rifle scope is the low light visibility. It has a massive 50mm objective lens that enables high levels of performance in low light settings. Additionally, its lenses are fully multi-coated to boost light transmission and offer bright and crystal clear images from dawn till dusk.
Vortex made this rifle scope with user convenience in mind. It features a precision glide erector that guarantees accurate tracking and repeatability. It also comes with a fast focus eyepiece for quick, straightforward reticle focusing, and an easily accessible side focus for parallax adjustment.
When it comes to construction, this rifle scope has a solid, 1-piece body tube that is durable and shockproof. The optical tube is waterproof and argon purged for all-weather reliability. It also has a scratch proof coating on the exterior surface for additional protection in the field.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Variable 3.5-10x magnification range
- Metal on metal precision turrets
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Precision glide erector system
- Second focal plane Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Solid, one-piece anodized main tube
Pros
- Simple to use
- Easy to install
- Good glass clarity
- Quality construction
Cons
- Bad eye relief
- Unusable at the highest magnification levels
5) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a scope that offers excellent precision and great performance in the hunting fields, look no further than the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope. It has a ton of impressive features and an adjustable magnification power from 3x to 18x for close to long range use.
The durability of this rifle scope is second to none. It has a 30mm body made from 6061-T6 aluminum, a high-quality material that is durable and lightweight. The 30mm body design offers incredible strength and also allows a greater range of windage and elevation adjustment.
Another highlight of this rifle scope is the stunning optical performance in low light conditions. It utilizes a Twilight Max Light Management System that maximizes image brightness, clarity and detail in the low light hunting environments.
For all weather performance, the scope is filled with nitrogen gas and waterproofed. On top of that, the exterior lens surface is coated with a Guard-ion rain shedding coating that sheds dirt, moisture and fingerprint stains while being resistant to scratches.
The other essential features included are a reversible throw lever, side focus parallax adjustment and zero lock windage adjustment to prevents accidental adjustments.
Features
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Guard-ion rain shedding coating
- Powerful 6:1 zoom
- Motion sensor technology
- Zero lock windage adjustment
Pros
- Great zero stop
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Unrivaled low light performance
- Clear and bright optics
- Decent eye relief
Cons
- Expensive
6) EOTECH Vudu 3.5-18x50mm Precision Rifle Scope
EOTECH Vudu 3.5-18x50mm is another high end scope ideal for deer hunting with the .308 round. It is made with top-tier optical elements that deliver crisp sight pictures at any time of the day, and a variable 3.5-18x magnification power for hunting deer at all distances.
This rugged rifle scope is built to offer unparalleled durability. It has a sturdy and durable body that is rigid enough to withstand whatever punishment you put it through. Besides, it has a waterproof construction that makes operable in all kinds of weather conditions.
To allow a greater range of windage and elevation adjustment, this rifle scope is built on a 34mm main tube. Furthermore, the optics are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission and limit glare and internal reflection. This provides stunning picture clarity and brightness from dawn to dusk.
Above all, the EOTECH Vudu 3.5-18x50mm is outfitted with oversized and precision-machined turrets with a quick return to zero function for added convenience.
Features
- 34mm main tube
- XC high-density glass
- Side mounted parallax adjustment
- Waterproof construction
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Variable 3.5-18x magnification
Pros
- High build quality
- Extremely clear glass
- Great low light visibility
- Easy to use
Cons
- Heavy
- Short eye relief
7) Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
Nightforce is known for its premium quality optics and SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope is not any different. It is made with high-quality materials and premium quality glass to ensure crisp and clear image production even when you are hunting deer in poorly lit environments.
The overall construction of this rifle scope is outstanding. It has a 30mm body tube that is crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum to maximize on strength and durability. Furthermore, the scope is waterproof for use in all weather conditions and all its dials are made of metal to add on durability.
The scope has a MOAR reticle housed on the second focal plane. This reticle has 1 MOA elevation and windage marking to enhance precision through the entire 5-20x zoom and illuminated to maintain visibility in low light settings. The scope also comes with a European style fast focus eyepiece for quick and simple reticle focusing and diopter adjustment.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm body tube
- European style fast focus eyepiece
- 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum construction
- 5-20x magnification range
- 25 yards to infinity parallax adjustment
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Rugged construction
- Crisp clear optics
- Excellent light transmission
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- High cost
Read Also
- 7 Best 3-9×40 Hunting Scope
- 7 Best Long Range Rifle Scopes
- 7 Best Scopes for Varmint Hunting
- 8 Best Rimfire Scope for Hunting
What to Consider when Choosing a 308 Scope
All 308 rounds have one thing in common; high performance and long-range accuracy that is greatly improved by a quality scope. When shopping for the best 308 scopes for deer hunting, consider these important factors.
Magnification
A scope will the right magnification power will not just enhance your shooting accuracy, but also boost your performance in different hunting environments. Look for a scope that has a variable magnification of at least 10x. The best 308 scopes for deer hunting also have wide zoom range which makes them more versatile.
Reticle
The reticle of the scope you choose to get can make or break your hunting trips. That in mind, look for a reticle that is simple to use no matter your hunting skills. A good scope for deer hunting with the 308 should also be illuminated. With illumination, the contrast between the target and the reticle is enhanced when you are hunting in low light settings.
Build Quality
Look for a scope that is built to offer outstanding durability. Given that most rifles that fire the .308 round are bolt action rifles, the scope you get must be recoil resistant and shockproof. If you get a cheaply built scope, it will end up getting destroyed by the recoil this rifles produced.
Apart from the shock resistance property, the best 308 scopes for deer hunting should be sealed, filled with an inert gas and have scratch resistant lenses. These features are important to making the scope more durable and safe to use in all types of weather conditions.
Weight
Deer hunting can be taxing especially when you are hunting in less familiar terrains. In most cases, you will have to walk for miles looking for the game. With a bulky scope, your movement will be affected and you will have a hard time carrying the scope around.
To avoid this, look for a scope that weighs not more than 2lbs. The more lightweight the scope is, the more convenient it will be to carry around. A light scope will also withstand heavy recoil and grant you many years of use if it is constructed with high quality materials.
Image Quality
Another important thing to consider is the quality of the images the scope produces. The best 308 scopes for deer hunting are made with high-quality glass elements to ensure that the images generated are bright, clear and rich in color. They also have fully multi-coated/ fully coated lenses to cut on glare and ensure high levels of light transmission.
FAQs
- What is the best size scope for deer hunting?
It depends on a number of things such as hunting distance and your preference. For many , the 3-9x size is the go-to size for most deer hunters and it is for a good reason. This magnification power offers a large field of view at close ranges and plenty of magnification for the distant targets.
- What is the range of 308?
The range of the .308 round is often relative of the type of game you are hunting. For deer hunting, it has enough power to provide a clean, ethical kill at about 300 yards.
- Is a 308 too big for deer?
No. The 308 Winchester is a perfect round for hunting big and medium-sized game including deer. It is capable of take down deer on the first shot thanks to its weight and high muzzle velocity.
Final Thoughts
Having a good hunting rifle chambered in the right hunting cartridge makes hunting trips more competitive, fun and rewarding. All the 308 scopes we have mentioned in this post are a great choice for hunting deer. They are easy to use and good for short to long range hunting. No matter the model that you end up selecting, it is our hope that you have gained some insights from this post and you are now able to choose wisely.