Looking for the best scope for .308 Winchester? This is the guide for you. To unleash the potential of the magnificent .308 Winchester, a quality riflescope to pair with your firearm is imperative. Today’s spotlight is on the best Leupold scopes for 308.
The .308 Winchester cartridge works great on everything from wild hogs, deer, and elk to moose and is thus loved by many shooters and hunters. It is a solid option for hunting and sporting applications thanks to its power, precision, palatable recoil and wide choice of loading ammo.
Among the best scopes for .308 Winchester are riflescopes manufactured by Leupold. Finding the best Leupold scopes for 308 can be a tedious task as there are numerous options to choose from. For that reason, we have narrowed the search for you to 5 pristine scopes that will help you conquer the field.
What Makes a Great .308 Scope?
The .308 Winchester is one of the most prevalent hunting calibers. It has a remarkable range of 1000 yards and is one of the most consistently performing ammunition on the market.
To utilize its long-effective range, it needs to be equipped with a scope capable of providing a great target picture up to 800 yards. It is essential to mention that aiming for 1000 yards is difficult unless you are an army-trained sniper.
The cartridge has less recoil; therefore, eye relief is not much of a concern. However, your face should not be too close to the eyepiece to prevent kickback. Therefore, a 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief would be a handful.
Additionally, the magnification setting depends primarily on where you intend to use it. The scope should be as lightweight as possible if you plan to use it for hunting.
You want to get as near as possible to your target when game hunting. It will not be a risk when you shoot at it from 800 yards away. Even when using this cartridge, you will be shooting from 150 yards at most. A weapon that maxes out at 9x or 12x is adequate to suit your requirements.
5 Best Leupold Scopes for 308
Leupold has stood the test of time as one of the best optic manufacturers. At Leupold, they understand every outdoor escapade is a challenge and having the right tools in your arsenal makes the difference. When hunting with .308 Winchester, the following riflescopes will boost your confidence to take the bullet farther.
#1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope
Tracking in different places will no longer be difficult thanks to the Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope. It has a 3 to 15x magnification that enables you to track under any circumstance.
As one of the best Leupold scopes for 308, VX-5HD 3-15X is specially built for the hunt. The FireDot illuminated provides exceptional clarity and precision in any situation making it perfect for hunting in thick timber and open plains shooting.
The riflescope has a super lightweight design that makes it a breeze to carry and move around with. Besides, you need not worry about the scope weighing on your rifle which may affect accuracy. The riflescope is incredibly durable for long-lasting use so you are guaranteed value for your investment.
Like other Leupold scopes for 308, this scope uses the legendary Twilight Light Management system that effectively reduces glare and provides extra minutes for illumination.
This allows users to shoot in low-light conditions. For dawn and dusk hunting, the scope is a perfect companion for your firearm. Moreover, you are granted the flexibility to take down targets anytime, regardless of the light situation.
The scope is equipped with a custom dial system that allows the shooter to call elevation modification to diverse ranges instantly. The custom dial system is implemented by MOA level dial and puts you on focus accurately.
To prevent making mistakes, the custom dial system has a CDS-ZL2 feature that helps drive the zero-lock button setting, providing two movement modifications. There is also a fast-focus eyepiece that helps quickly focus the reticle.
Another attractive attribute of this riflescope that solidifies its name among the best Leupold scopes for 308 is its unmatched battery life. Thanks to its Resolution Sensor Innovation the battery will last a lifetime.
The illumination of the fire dot deactivates immediately after five minutes of inactivity. Its reactivation is automatic as it does so instantly when it notices movement.
Features
- Ultra-lightweight structure
- Twilight Light Management System
- Extremely easy to use
- Waterproof and fog-proof performance
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Variable 3-15x magnification
- Rear reticle focal plane
- Custom dial system
- Dependable and reliable
- Durable construction
#2) Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm Riflescope
Equip your .308 rifle with the Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm riflescope and significantly increase your accuracy and performance on your next expedition. As one of the best Leupold scopes for 308, Mark 5HD 3.6-18X hosts impressive features that make it an excellent partner for big-game hunting.
To start us off, it has a versatile magnification range that makes it ideal for diverse shooting and hunting situations. It is entirely waterproof and fogproof to deliver high performance even in bad weather conditions.
The scope has a fast-focus eyepiece that facilitates fast focusing of the reticle for speedy target acquisition. When firing successive shots, this function plays comes in handy.
A superior optical system is the other highlight that makes this scope one of the best Leupold scopes for 308 Winchester. The lenses are military-grade and made of high-quality glass that doesn’t compromise when it comes to light transmission.
Additionally, the lenses are protected with scratch-resistant layers that keep them clear for life. Twilight Max HD Light Management System is resourceful in low light conditions as it gives you bright and clear images of the targets.
What’s more? The riflescope has a throw lever that permits quick magnification changes. A side focus helps with parallax removal no matter the shooting position so you get to take deadly shots.
There is also a 35mm main tube for accurate windage and elevation adjustments to enhance accuracy when taking long-range shots. The scope is made of aluminum for durability purposes and withstands abuse or any impact thrown at it for long-lasting use.
Features
- Powered by a CR2032 battery
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Black matte finish
- Seven brightness settings
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Ultra-lightweight structure
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Throw lever for speedy magnification changes
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- M1C3 adjustment
- Made of durable materials
- Side focus parallax
#3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is another superb scope that will help you get more from your .308 Winchester hunting rifle. It comes in seven models so that you can choose the reticle color illumination that best meets your shooting needs.
VX-Freedom 3-9×40 riflescope is one of the best Leupold scopes for 308 for budget-conscious buyers. This affordable riflescope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and will last for a long time, even if used in harsh conditions.
Adequate eye relief is another likable feature of this scope. The generous eye relief helps fight off recoil, thus protecting your brows to prevent injuries and helping you see the field of view with both eyes.
It utilizes the Twilight Light Management System that you will love. This feature offers an additional ten minutes of illumination and also reduces glare. It allows the shooter to get exceptionally straight shots due to its sharp and clear picture quality.
The scope is nevertheless waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, meaning it will deliver unbeatable performance in all weather conditions. 1/4MOA windage and elevation are finger adjustable, giving you total reliability and dependability.
Although the scope has a simple design, it will get the job done right and this makes it one of the best Leupold scopes for 308. Combining this with the 3 to 1 zoom ratio gives you a rifle that works outstandingly for many purposes.
Features
- Affordable
- Adequate eye relief
- Ideal for close and mid-range distances
- Seven models to pick from
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance
- Easy to use
- Twilight Light Management System
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Scratch-resistant lens
- 40mm objective lens
- Made of 6061-TD aluminum that is durable
#4) Leupold Mark 3HD 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Mounting the right riflescope on a .308 rifle leads to better results as it helps you secure a clean shot of your target. You can never go wrong with Leupold Mark 3HD 4-12x40mm Riflescope. Mark 3HD 4-12×44 has several configurations to suit the needs of different shooters.
As one of the best Leupold scopes for 308, the riflescope features an elite optical system that gives you superior transmission of light for bright and clearer images. The lenses incorporate glare-reducing elements to ensure clarity and unbeatable resolution when focusing far targets.
The other positive attribute of this riflescope is its lightweight construction making it ideal for backpackers and hunters who move frequently during the hunt. The tube features a tough construction for unmatched durability. To ensure relentless performance, the scope is made to disperse recoil energy making it shockproof.
It is waterproof and fogproof to withstand extreme weather conditions for reliable performance. On top of that, the scope has a power selector that is easy to grip and allows you to make magnification changes speedily. It is equipped with a FireDot illumination that provides a visible aiming point no matter the lighting situation.
Features
- Matte finish
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Variable 4-12x magnification
- Many reticle choices
- Elite Optical System
- Ergonomic power selector
- Lenses are scratch-resistant
- Ultra-lightweight build
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- 30mm main tube construction
- Made of durable aluminum
- Eight brightness settings
- Powered by a CR2032 battery
#5) Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Get ready to be dazed with another much-admired scope from Leupold. Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope is a stunner and its one-of-a-kind performance makes it one of the best Leupold scopes for 308.
Its versatile 4 to 12x magnification is suitable for mid to long-range distances. It is made with a light yet rugged design that will get the job done no matter the condition.
The scope features a tough construction that supports relentless performance and durability. The tube is purged with dry gases and completely sealed to keep moisture and dirt out to ensure waterproof and fog-proof performance.
The riflescope is shockproof to ensure reliable performance for many years. So, you are set to have a lifetime of shooting and hunting goodness. Nothing can break through the shield offered by the waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 scope has an elite optimal transmission that allows maximum light transmission for bright and clearer images. Its black matte finish allows the shooter to camouflage position easily. For extra protection, it utilizes military-grade lenses that are scratch-resistant.
A 3:1 zoom ratio provides three times more magnification at high power so that you can dial your power down for close ranges or up for long ranges. This scope will help you enjoy all the benefits that the .308 offers, including comfortable weight and many-use capabilities.
Features
- Matte finish
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Delivers superior light transmission for clear and vivid images
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Second focal plane riflescope
- Lightweight yet rugged build
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Best Leupold Scopes for 308 Buying Guide & FAQ
Considerations when Choosing the Best Leupold Scopes for 308
With many riflescopes, how do you know the right one for you? The following factors will help you find the best companion for your rifle.
Magnification
Magnification changes according to the distance between you and the target. Close-range shooting entails targets at about 100 yards. For this target distance, a 1-6x magnification is enough.
Mid-range shooting entails shooting targets around 150 to 300 yards. Here, a 6-9x magnification is sufficient. Long-distance shooting entails targets more than 350 yards away from you. A magnification of 10x and above is the most suitable.
Durability
The scope’s durability is determined by the material used for construction and the protective layers. Most Leupold scopes are built of resilient aluminum and ensure reliable performance. The scope should also be fogproof and waterproof to make it a good choice for you. It is also good to have a scratch-resistant coating on the lenses.
Quality Optics
You need to consider two factors when it comes to optics-lens diameter and lens coating. The more the size of the diameter, the more the gathering of light. On the other hand, Lens coating delivers better absorption of light and glare reduction.
Affordability
Various scopes are made with different materials and differ in terms of specifications. The more the specifications, the higher the price. Therefore, be keen when it comes to accountability. However, do not always conclude that a higher price automatically means a better product. Also, do not settle for cheap while compromising on quality.
Eye Relief
Go for a scope that offers three or more inches of eye relief. This is more than adequate distance between your eye and the rim of the ocular lens.
Read: Best Scope for 243 Winchester
What Magnification Do You Need?
The magnification of the scope generally depends on the intended use. If you plan to use it for game elk or deer hunting and shooting at a maximum of 200 yards, a scope possessing about 6-9x magnification will be ideal.
You should opt for a scope with a high magnification setting if you intend to use your .308 in the shooting range, and you will see if the 1000-yard shot is possible. You should settle for a scope with a minimum magnification of 24x.
In terms of fixed or variable magnification, be sure to get something practical to use if you are out hunting. Getting a scope prevents you from tweaking to have a clear-sighted picture.
It is more recommendable to have fixed magnification. You look into the scope, place the crosshairs on the target, and pull the trigger. On the other hand, a variable magnification will work best if you intend to shoot in a range and have your precious time to line up the shot.
Read: Best Scopes for 200 Yards
Understanding the .308 Cartilage
The .308 Winchester is a smokeless powder rimfire bottlenecked cartridge. It has been a solid part of the US Army and other services for a long time. Presently, it is one of the widely used sporting and big-game cartridges for hunting. It was produced as a replacement for the 30-06 Springfield cartridge.
This cartridge is used in bolt actions, pump actions, lever actions, break actions, and semi-auto rifles as it is not punishing to shoot. It is practical to about 800 and 1000 yards. You thus need to have some skill before using it. Because the cartridge is a fully powered rifle, it is suitable for medium and long-range shooting as well.
It is most used by shooters and hunters who need high-quality optics. It is sometimes used in shooting competitions, although rounds have replaced it with lower recoil and higher velocity. A compatible optic is necessary to get the most out of your .308.
See Also
- Best Deer Hunting Binoculars
- Best Long-Range Binoculars
- Best Reflex Sights for Hunting
- Best Red Dots for Hog Hunting
Why Choose Leupold Scopes?
Leupold has a machine called “The Punisher,” which creates an impact or jarring motion three times the recoil of a .308. This makes its scopes shockproof. The scopes have a proprietary lensing system known as the Twilight Max HD Light Management System that provides extra shooting time. This reduces glare and offers the shooter edge-to-edge clarity.
Leupold’s scopes’ primary tubes and optical offerings are filled with nitrogen for waterproof and fog performance. This makes the scopes ideal to use even in harsh weather conditions. The scopes are made with durability in mind as they are constructed of high-quality aluminum that ensures long-lasting performance.
Best Leupold Scopes for 308 FAQs
Q: How far Can a .308 Shoot?
The effective range of a .308 is 1000 yards. That, however, doesn’t mean that it is the maximum distance it would go. It could travel to about 5600 yards if fired perfectly horizontally. This also depends on the weight of the bullet, powder load, and atmospheric conditions.
Q: Is Leupold Better than Vortex?
Vortex optics are less costly than Leupold, and in some cases, provide features at a lower price point. Though Leupold costs more, their optical quality is slightly better across the board. They also have a more significant offering of scope models than Vortex.
Q: What is the Difference Between the First and Second Focal Planes?
The difference between the first and second focal planes is the position of the reticle. Only the crosshairs stay in the same place for a second focal plane scope. A first focal plane scope is instrumental when shooting at different ranges as the stadia don’t change position on the target when magnification changes. The image is unaffected by the position of the reticle on fixed-power scopes.
Conclusion
There is a Leupold scope for you regardless of your shooting applications and needs. The scopes explained above are good partners for your .308. Going through them will help you get insights to make it easy to get a scope that meets your needs. They are worth investing in if you want to bring out the best in your .308 and take your hunting and shooting to the next level.