The secret to having a successful deer hunting excursion with the .308 is an effective and reliable scope. The best 308 scopes for deer hunting will increase your speed on target acquisition amidst challenging hunting environments. A scope also gives you a precise point of aim and makes you more competitive.
Since its introduction, the .308 cartridge has grown to become the preferred round for most hunters. With bullet weights from 150 to 180 grains, it can kill a deer or any other deer-like game ethically on the first shot. Besides, it delivers stunning muzzle velocity that makes it ideal for hunting across different distances.
The task of finding the best scopes for a .308 is however not that simple. With a ton of scopes from different brands available on the market, you have to compare and contrast the different models until you find the right one for your hunting needs.
If you are looking for a scope for your .308, you are in the right place. We probed the market and found the holy grail for your hunting rifle. Read on and find the ideal rifle scope for a .308.
What Makes a Great Scope for Deer Hunting?
Several attributes combined make a great scope for deer hunting. Firstly, a great scope for deer hunting has to have a broad magnification power, a large objective lens and high-quality optics that work together to deliver stunning image views.
Furthermore, the scope has rugged and reliable construction to withstand the rigorous handling that comes with hunting. It should also be built to be usable in all weather conditions.
The other features that make a great scope for deer hunting include:
- Long eye relief for comfortable use with or without spectacles
- Solid lens coatings to enhance light transmission
- A lightweight construction for easy maneuverability
- A reticle that is simple to use and illuminated
8 Best 308 Scopes for Deer Hunting
We have done the legwork for you and put up a list of the best 308 scopes for deer hunting. These scopes are rich in features that make them handy companions in the hunting field. Let’s take a look.
1) Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope
Mount the Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope on your hunting rifle and significantly boost your accuracy. This rifle scope is uniquely designed with a ton of high-quality and easy-to-use features that make it one of the best 308 scopes for deer hunting.
The magnification power ranges from 4x to 14x. This gives you the flexibility to hunt deer in wide, open fields or dense brushes. Moreover, the broad zoom power is complemented by the large 44mm objective lens which provides stunning image quality even at the highest magnification.
Built with a first focal plane reticle, the scope provides stunning accuracy at all ranges as the reticle stays true at each zoom power. Better yet, the reticle is illuminated to give you a precise point of aim even in critically poor lighting environments.
The parallax adjustment knob is put on the side for easy parallax correction. The scope also boasts a rugged housing that is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to ensure unimpeded use in the field.
Features
- 4-14x magnification range
- 30mm main tube
- First focal plane reticle
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Finger adjustable turrets
- Side parallax adjustment knob
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Locking turret
- Decent price
- Durable
Cons
- Stiff adjustment for power
- No lifetime warranty
2) Meopta Optika6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to go wrong with the Meopta Optika6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope. Pairing your favorite weapon with this scope will transform your hunting experience and improve the rifle’s efficiency when taking long-range shots.
It combines high-quality optics with a versatile reticle design to produce a sighting tool that is optimized for medium to long-range hunting and shooting in virtually all lighting conditions. Moreover, the scope has multi-coated optics to suppress glare and maximize light transmission.
This state-of-the-art optical system makes the Optika6 3-18×50 rifle scope a top contender as one of the best 308 scopes for deer hunting. Get stunning image views by mounting this scope on your hunting rifle.
The broad 3-18x magnification power gives you the ability to scan wide swaths of terrain looking for deer. The large 50mm objective lens maximizes performance in low-light settings by drawing in as much light as possible.
For added convenience, this rifle scope has generous eye relief and a wide exit pupil at the lowest zoom setting. Construction-wise, it features a large and durable 30mm tube made of aluminum. The quality construction provides strength and stability while ensuring many years of use.
Furthermore, the scope is filled with nitrogen to withstand extreme changes in temperature conditions, and the O-ring is sealed to be waterproof. It is also built with a large textured zoom ring and capped low-profile windage turret.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- The exposed zero-stop elevation turret
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Capped low-profile windage turret
- Hydrophobic MeoDrop coating
- 30mm main tube
- Rugged aluminum housing
- Broad 3-18x magnification power
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Bright and clear optics
- Great low-light visibility
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
3) Hawke Sport Optics Endurance 30 WA 4-16×50 Rifle Scope
The Endurance 30 WA 4-16×50 Rifle Scope is one of the best 308 scopes for deer hunting in low-light conditions. It features an oversized 50mm objective lens that maximizes light collection and 18-layer fully multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission and limit glare.
This rifle scope is built and ready for use in any environment. It has a 30mm one-piece main tube made from aluminum alloy, a material that maximizes strength and durability without being heavy.
The optical tubes are also nitrogen-filled to provide full water and fog protection. Another highlight of the scope is that it is made with ease of use in mind. Firstly, it has a fast-focus eyepiece for straightforward reticle focusing.
Furthermore, the exposed, finger-adjustable turrets have graduations for easy adjustment. The scope also features an eye relief that is 4” to accommodate all users, with or without eyeglasses.
The other noteworthy feature included is a threaded objective bezel for attaching accessories, a side-focus parallax corrector knob and an LR dot illuminated reticle that is positioned in the second focal plane.
This feature-rich rifle scope offers great value for money. It also combines great engineering and builds quality to provide hunters with the accurate and precise vision they need for big game hunting. Surely, it’s one of the best 308 scopes for deer hunting.
Features
- 18-layer fully multi-coated optics
- 4-16x magnification
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 30mm one-piece main tube
- Finger-operated graduated turrets
- Anodized aluminum alloy housing
Pros
- Great low-light visibility
- Solid construction
- Ease of use
- Long eye relief
Cons
- The lighted dot could be better
4) Primary Arms Orion 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a trustworthy optic for your .308, look no further than the Primary Arms Orion 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope. This optic is optimized for hunting and harbors a plethora of features suitable for a wide range of hunting applications including deer hunting.
The scope is built with an easy-to-use reticle put on the first focal plane. This reticle makes it easy for you to estimate the range for coyotes and deer-sized games without the hassle of you doing the math or pulling out the manual.
Moreover, this rifle scope has a parallax adjustment knob that is mounted on the side for added convenience. In terms of construction, it has a 30mm body made from high-strength aluminum.
The rugged housing endures rigorous use and stands up to the rough handling that often comes with hunting. The rugged construction helps cement this scope among the best 308 scopes for deer hunting.
With the fully multi-coated lenses, the scope yields bright, clear and color-rich image views from sunrise till the sun sets. It is also safe to use in all kinds of weather conditions as it is fully waterproof and fogproof.
Features
- Capped low-profile turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Side parallax adjustment knob
- First focal plane ACSS Orion reticle
- 4-14x variable magnification
Pros
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Clear accurate ranging
- High build quality
Cons
- Short eye relief
5) Shepherd Scopes Rugged 3-9×40 Scope
For close to medium-range deer hunting, the Shepherd Rugged 3-9×40 Scope is your ideal option. It is designed to work under any environment or lighting condition you will be hunting in.
The selling point of this rifle scope is its rugged construction. It has an anodized aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is rigid enough to weather whatever punishment you subject it to. It is also purged with nitrogen and waterproofed to be ready for anything nature has in store for your hunt.
Furthermore, the scope has fully multi-coated lenses that yield stunning optical performance even when you are hunting in poorly lit environments. These coatings cut on the internal loss of light and glare to maximize light transfer.
This moderately powered rifle scope also features a first focal plane reticle that has drops for several calibers for added versatility. Pair your .308 hunting rifle with this scope and see the difference quality glass makes.
Features
- 3-9x magnification power
- Anodized aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- First focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Hardened interior
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Lightweight design
- Wide field of view
- Easy to use
Cons
- Short eye relief at maximum power
6) Trijicon TA11E ACOG 3.5×35 Scope
Trijicon continues to build premium quality products with excellent value and the TA11E ACOG 3.5×35 Scope is a testament. As one of the best 308 scopes for deer hunting, the scope provides increased hit potential in virtually all lighting conditions.
The ranging reticle of this rifle scope is calibrated for 7,62mm (.308 cal) flat-top rifles to 800m. It is designed to be zeroed using the tip at 100m and is illuminated to enhance its contrast and that of the game in low light settings.
Moreover, this fixed power scope employs the Bindon Aiming Concept that allows for both eyes shooting. The long eye relief makes it eyeglass friendly, while the battery-free illumination increases hit potential in various lighting conditions without the use of failure-prone batteries.
To provide super clarity of images in all lighting conditions, the scope has broadband anti-reflection lens coatings. It is also built to last and be operable in all kinds of weather conditions.
Features
- Forged aluminum housing
- 5x fixed magnification power
- Broadband anti-reflection lens coatings
- Trijicon fiber optics
- Bindon Aiming Concept
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Battery-free illumination long eye relief
Cons
- Big budget
7) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Transform your .308 rifle into a long-range beast by mounting the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope. This scope is your ideal option for long-range deer hunting. It will boost your shooting confidence and help you take a clean shot even in the most challenging hunting environments.
This rifle scope is made to provide outstanding durability. It is crafted with high-quality materials to last and handle the powerful blasts your .308 hunting rifle produces with each trigger pull.
Moreover, it is both waterproof and fogproof to guarantee precise performance even in adverse weather conditions. Relentless performance makes the scope stand out as one of the best 308 scopes for deer hunting.
Through the Twilight Max HD Light Management System, the scope provides premium edge-to-edge clarity even in twilight conditions. It is easy to focus parallax using the side adjustment knob, and with the fast-focus eyepiece, reticle focusing becomes a walk in the park.
This ruggedly build rifle scope also brings to the table scratch-resistant lenses for added protection and a lightweight design that makes it easy to maneuver within the field. Mark 5HD 5-25×56 Rifle Scope will take your bullets where others have tried and failed.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- First focal plane reticle
- 5-25x magnification
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Precision side focus
- 35mm main tube
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Bright and clear optics
- Large turrets
- Solid construction
Cons
- Big budget
8) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm FFP Rifle Scope is the go-to deer hunting scope if you are looking to take your hunts a notch higher. It combines top-notch optical and construction elements to give a stunning performance in the hunting field.
Engineered with a vast 4.5-27x zoom range, the scope is ideal for medium to long-range hunting. The large objective lens provides crisp views of the game in every zoom setting and maintains a wide field of view.
To complement the broad zoom, every optical component is coated with premium quality coatings to enhance light transmission. Furthermore, the scope is made of high-density, extra-low dispersion glass to maximize image quality by eliminating any chromatic aberration. It also comes with an Armortek lens coating that is scratch-resistant.
A ton of construction details shield the precision optics and make the scope usable in the most extreme conditions. The entire body is waterproofed and filled with inert gas for added protection in the field, and coated with an anodized finish that makes it scratch-proof and rustproof.
Features
- Glass-etched FFP reticle
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Exposed tactical turrets
- HD extra-low dispersion glass
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 34mm single-piece main tube
- Strong aluminum alloy body
- XR plus fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Great precision at long ranges
- Solid build quality
- Great low-light visibility
- Outstanding optical clarity
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
Further Reading
- Best Scopes for Ruger 308 Precision Rifle
- Best Scopes for 6.8 SPC
- Best Scopes for 270 Winchester
- Best Rangefinder Scopes for Rifles
Choosing the Best 308 Scopes for Deer Hunting
Explained below are the factors you need to consider when buying a 308 scope for deer hunting.
Optical Strength
The best 308 scopes for deer hunting have variable magnification power that lets you cover different ranges with ease. The broader the magnification range is, the more versatile the scope becomes.
Weatherproofing
A scope for deer hunting must have a weatherproofed construction. You will not be using it in good environments only so you need to stay prepared for anything Mother Nature has in store for your hunting.
Go for a rifle scope that uses an inert gas when sealing. With such a scope, you are assured of reliable use even in the harshest hunting environments.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance from your eye to the scope’s eyepiece. The more eye relief a scope has, the safer it will be to use and the more comfortable it will be. A tip is to get a model with an eye relief of at least 3.5 inches.
Read: Best 6.5 Creedmoor BDC Scopes
Weight
Look for a scope that is light enough to be easy to maneuver in the hunting field together with your hunting rifle. Lightweight scopes are also very simple to use and more accurate compared to their bulky and heavy counterparts.
Lens Coatings
The best 308 scopes for deer hunting feature high-quality glass and proper lens coatings. A model with a multi-coated or fully multi-coated lens system will enhance light transmission and cut glare. This creates clear and contrasting image views even in low-light hunting conditions of dawn and dusk.
Related Posts
What Magnification is Best for Deer Hunting?
Deer hunting is a thrilling activity that takes place across vast ranges as well as in different environments. As such, the magnification power that is best for deer hunting will depend on these two factors; the hunting distance and environment.
On average, scopes with 3-9x magnification are ideal for close to medium hunting in forested areas. If you plan to hunt deer in large and open plains, a scope with at least 10x magnification will help you cover such distances with ease.
Other Deer Hunting Cartridges
The reason why deer hunting is so popular is its compatibility with a wide range of cartridges. Here are the most popular cartridges that work well for deer hunting excursions other than the 308:
- 243 Winchester for the recoil-sensitive hunters
- 5 PRC for long-range deer hunting
- 350 Legend for hunters who prefer straight wall rounds
- 30-30 Winchester for close and medium-range hunting
Which is better for deer 6.5 Creedmoor or 308?
It depends. The 6.5 Creedmoor outshines the 308 when it comes to hunting deer at long ranges. Additionally, it is better for hunters who care a lot about recoil.
The .308 on the other hand is a very versatile and powerful round. It is compatible with a ton of hunting rifles and it yields stunning performance.
Conclusion
We do hope that this post on the best 308 scopes for deer hunting has been insightful. When you mount any of these scopes on your hunting firearm, you will be a step closer to acquiring your targets and having a successful hunting trip. Check the features that make each scope the best for you and choose appropriately.