When it comes to deer hunting, few rifle cartridges have earned the respect and versatility of the .308 Winchester. This cartridge is a favorite among hunters for its impressive balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil.
But without the right optic, even the best rifle can fall short. Choosing the best 308 scope for deer hunting enhances your accuracy, extends your range, and gives you the confidence to make ethical, one-shot kills in various light and weather conditions.
A properly matched scope ensures that your bullet trajectory, magnification range, and reticle clarity align perfectly with your hunting style.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best .308 scopes for deer hunting, but first, a summary
- Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm
- Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm
- Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm
- Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm
- Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm
- Swampfox Patriot 4-16x44mm
Scope for .308 Deer Hunting – Top picks
1) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 is popular because it delivers dependable performance with impressive clarity and precision that rivals higher-end optics.
The 3-15x magnification range allows for quick target acquisition at close range and precise shot placement at extended distances. The 44mm objective lens paired with extra-low dispersion (XD) glass provides excellent resolution, color fidelity, and light transmission, ensuring bright and sharp images even during dawn or dusk.
Its EBR-2C reticle, available in both MOA and MRAD configurations, is etched on the glass and illuminated, making it highly functional for ranging, holdovers, and windage corrections. The laser-etched tactical turrets provide crisp, repeatable adjustments and can be easily reset to zero after sighting in. A side parallax knob allows fine-tuning for optimal focus and accuracy at varying distances.
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Viper PST Gen II is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, making it durable enough for the toughest environments. The ArmorTek coating on the lenses resists scratches, oil, and dirt.
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity and light transmission
- Rugged, weatherproof construction
- Precise, tactile turret adjustments
- Illuminated reticle for low-light shooting
- Great value for the features offered
Cons
- Slightly heavy for smaller rifles
- Parallax knob can feel stiff initially
2) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Review
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm is an all-around rifle scope that tries to do everything well . Although it doesn’t stand out in many things, you can always count on it every time you are using a .308, which makes it very popular.
The scope’s 5x zoom range allows for both close-range shots and long-distance precision, while the 44mm objective lens ensures bright images even in low light conditions.
The High-Definition (HD) optical system delivers great edge-to-edge sharpness and vivid color contrast, making target identification effortless.
One of its standout features is the Twilight Max HD Light Management System, which enhances visibility during dawn and dusk critical moments for hunters.
The scope’s ZeroLock CDS-ZL2 elevation dial prevents accidental adjustments and simplifies return-to-zero functionality. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s lightweight yet rugged, capable of withstanding harsh environments. The VX-5HD also features waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity and brightness
- Wide magnification range (3–15x) for versatile use
- Lightweight and durable design
- Twilight Max HD system improves low-light performance
- Reliable ZeroLock CDS-ZL2 turret system
- Excellent eye relief and field of view
Cons
- Custom turret setup can be complex for beginners
3) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is a versatile and affordable optic designed for a wide range of shooting applications. It features a 3-9x magnification range, which is ideal for hunting and shooting at medium to long distances.
The Crossfire II is also designed for durability and reliability, with a shockproof and waterproof construction that can withstand the toughest conditions. It is built with a one-inch tube and a 40mm objective lens, providing a bright and clear image even in low-light conditions.
The second focal plane reticle is simple and intuitive, with a standard crosshair and hash marks for elevation and windage adjustments.
Its adjustable objective lens allows for parallax adjustment at closer ranges, while the fast-focus eyepiece makes it easy to acquire targets quickly.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 34.1 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 inches
- Weight: 15 oz.
- Length: 12 inches
- Parallax: 100 yds.
- Battery Life: 150 hours
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 60/60 MOA
- Mount Type: Ring
Pros
- Durable and shockproof construction
- Affordable price point
- Waterproof
- Capped Reset Turrets
- Adjustable Objective
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Fully Multi-Coated optics
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
- Fast-focus eyepiece provides quick and easy target acquisition.
- Its supported byVortex’s VIP warranty
- Hard Anodized Finish
Cons
- Not ideal for extremely long range
4) Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm SFP
The Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm SFP Rifle Scope offers a wide magnification range of 6.5-20x and a large 50mm objective lens. This gives you a wide field of view with a clear, bright picture in any lighting condition.
The Viper PA features a second focal plane reticle, which maintains the same size and appearance at any magnification level. The scope also includes a fast-focus eyepiece and a side-focus parallax adjustment for quick and precise focusing.
The scope’s construction is rugged and durable, with shockproof and waterproof housing for added durability.
It has easy-to-use adjustment turrets with audible clicks and a zero reset function.
Specifications
- Magnification: 6.5 – 20 x
- Exit Pupil: 2.5 – 7.69 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 6.2 – 17.4 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.3 inches
- Weight: 21.6 oz.
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 14.4 inches
- Parallax: 50 yds to infinity
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 65/65 MOA
Pros
- Rugged and durable construction
- Waterproof and fog-proof housing
- Hard Anodized Finish
- Easy-to-use adjustment turrets
- Supported by Vortex’s VIP warranty
- Maximized internal adjustment and strength
- Strength and rigidity with Aircraft-Grade Aluminum construction
- Precision-Force Spring System
- MAG-Bar for rapid, easy changes in magnification.
- Fast Focus Eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Precision-Glide Erector System
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
5) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope is a high-performance optic designed for precision shooting and long-range applications. With a magnification range of 5-25x and a large 56mm objective lens, this scope provides clear and bright images even in low-light conditions.
The Mark 5HD features a first focal plane reticle, which changes in size as the magnification is adjusted, allowing for accurate holdovers and ranging at any distance. The scope also includes a zero-stop elevation dial, which allows for a quick and easy return to zero after making adjustments.
The scope’s construction is rugged and durable, with shockproof and waterproof housing that has been tested for tough use.
Specifications
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Exit Pupil: 2.2 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 4.2 – 20.4 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 3.8 inches
- Weight: 907.18 g
- Length: 39.87 cm, 15.7 in
- Parallax: Side Focus
Pros
- Made of a durable construction
- Waterproof housing design
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Precision side focus
- Easy-to-use adjustments
- Lightweight and compact design for ease of use and portability
- High-speed power selector with an integrated throw lever
Cons
- Expensive
6) Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
Designed for a range of hunting and shooting applications, Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope comes with a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens. This is enough to give clear and bright images at medium to long distances.
The Fullfield II uses a second focal plane reticle, which remains the same in size and appearance regardless of the magnification range. This makes it easy to acquire targets and take accurate shots at different distances.
The scope is built for ruggedness and durability with a shockproof and waterproof construction and also features adjustment turrets that are easy to use.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Reticle: Ballistic Plex
- Exit Pupil: 4.44 – 13.33 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 31 – 13 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.8 inches
- Weight: 13 oz.
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 12.4 inches
- Parallax: Free
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 50/50 MOA
Pros
- Affordable price point for a quality rifle scope
- Versatile magnification range
- Rugged and durable construction
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Burris Forever Warranty
- Easy-to-use
- Lightweight
- High-grade optical glass for clarity
- Popular and premium traditional hunting Rifle Scope
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
7) Swampfox Patriot 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
The Swampfox Patriot 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope is a mid-range optic designed for a wide range of shooting and hunting applications. With a magnification range of 4-16x and a 44mm objective lens, this scope provides clear and bright images at a range of distances.
The Patriot features a first focal plane reticle, which changes in size as the magnification is adjusted. This allows for accurate holdovers and ranges at any distance. The reticle is also illuminated for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
The scope is made of a shockproof and waterproof construction that can withstand tough use in the field.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4 – 16 x
- Exit Pupil: 8.3 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 4.5 – 18 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Weight: 23 oz.
- Length: 14.3 inches
- Parallax: 20 yds.
Pros
- Compact and rugged design that can withstand harsh conditions
- Battery-free illumination
- Fully Multi-Coated optics
- Multiple reticle options available for different shooting scenarios
- Waterproof, fog proof, shockproof and sand proof
- Robust tactical turrets
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
Best Scope for .308 Deer Hunting Buying Guide
These are some of the things that one should consider when buying a long-range scope for hunting deer.
Magnification
The higher the magnification, the easier it is to see the target and make accurate shots from long distances. However, too high of magnification can lead to image distortion and a reduced field of view, making it harder to track moving targets. The ideal magnification for long-range deer hunting is typically between 4x to 16x, depending on the hunter’s preferences and shooting environment.
Clarity and Objective Lens Diameter
A clear, high-quality lens is critical for spotting and tracking game from long distances. High-quality scopes typically use high-density glass and advanced lens coatings to reduce glare and improve image clarity, even in low-light conditions.
A larger objective lens diameter allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in better image clarity, especially in low-light conditions. For long-range hunting, consider a scope with an objective lens diameter of 40mm or larger.
Reticle Type
Ideally, the reticle should be designed for range estimation and precise aiming, with a combination of hash marks and dots that allow for easy adjustments to windage and elevation.
There are different reticle types to choose from, including Mil-Dot, MOA, and BDC. BDC or holdover reticles can be particularly useful for long-range shooting, as they provide aiming points for various distances.
Durability
Long-range deer hunting scopes must be durable enough to withstand harsh hunting environments and extreme weather conditions. Look for scopes that are made with high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, and that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax occurs when the target and the reticle are not on the same focal plane, causing the target to appear slightly blurry or shift when moving your eye. A scope with parallax adjustment allows you to eliminate parallax error, resulting in a clearer and more accurate sight picture.
Brand and Warranty
Choose a reputable brand known for producing high-quality optics and providing reliable customer support. Consider scopes with comprehensive warranties to protect your investment.
FAQs About 308 Scopes
What magnification is best for deer hunting with a .308?
A 3-9x or 4-12x magnification range is generally ideal for deer hunting with a .308. These ranges offer a perfect balance between a wide field of view for close-range tracking and enough zoom for medium to longer shots, typically within 300–400 yards.
The 3-9x range excels in wooded or mixed terrain, while 4-12x is better suited for open fields or hilly regions where longer shots are more common.
Is a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope better than a Second Focal Plane (SFP) for hunting?
For most hunters, a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope is the better and more practical choice. The reticle size remains constant, making it easier to aim at different magnifications, especially helpful in fast-paced hunting situations.
However, First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes offer an advantage for long-range hunters or shooters who rely heavily on holdovers and ranging, as the reticle scales accurately with magnification.
Should I choose an illuminated reticle for deer hunting?
Yes, an illuminated reticle can be a valuable feature, particularly for dawn, dusk, or dense forest environments where lighting is limited. The gentle glow helps you maintain clear visibility of your aiming point without overpowering your sight picture. It’s especially useful for spotting deer during legal low-light hunting hours when animals are most active.
What’s the best scope for beginners using a .308 rifle?
For beginners, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 and Simmons 8-Point 3-9×50 are two outstanding options. Both are affordable, easy to use, and rugged enough to withstand recoil from a .308.
The Vortex offers crisp glass and reliable zero retention, while the Simmons provides excellent light-gathering ability for early morning hunts, making them ideal for new hunters learning the basics of precision shooting.
Conclusion
Deer hunting is a thrilling activity that requires precision and accuracy, and this demands a good scope that will be able to give both under the recoil of the .308
The scopes we have discussed in this article are all made to give the best performance in the field. They offer top-notch features to make your hunting successful. So go ahead, choose one and have fun deer hunting.
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