Reviewing The Best .308 Scope: Top 10 .308 Scopes for Hunting

The most common response when asking American hunters what their preferred rifle cartridge is would likely be the 308.

Despite having fewer rounds, we outperform the.30-06. Even the American military has begun to phase out the.30-06 in favour of the more dependable.308. Winchester is the best in the business for hunting. The 308 scope is unmatched, making it the most popular hunting round in the US.

No manufacturer has been able to break Remington’s.308’s existing monopoly, despite the fact that it now has many rivals. Remington continues to sit atop the heap, secure in the knowledge that it is the most widely used rifle round in the US. It is without a doubt the king of cartridges since every year, more specialised optics are created for it.

In light of this, we have chosen to focus on the best. There are 308 scopes in the market right now:

How To Choose The Best .308 Scope?

 

 

There are several fantastic scopes available that have been specifically designed for your.308. Whether you need a new sight for your common Browning X bolt or the more unusual Tikka CTR or Barros FN SCAR, there are plenty to choose from. This post will go over a number of important characteristics that can assist you in selecting the best.308 scope for your specific rifle. In case you have never purchased an extend for a.308 range before, I will also offer a few suggestions.

The Correct Weight and Size

Optics have gotten lighter and lighter as design and manufacturing technology has advanced through time. The actual objective lenses enlarge as the optic gets brighter. We can see AR-15s out and about with 56mm scopes from the stage. It’s not uncommon, but in the vast majority of instances, it’s not necessarily bad. However, the larger the scope, the heavier it will be. This could really make it harder for you to hunt if you’re not careful.

Therefore, it’s crucial to decide on the best size scope and objective lens before you start purchasing. It is too simple to get distracted by other huge scopes with incredibly large objective lenses that you don’t require. Particularly in light of the fact that using them might be difficult even under ideal circumstances. At the end of the day, the quality of the lens is more important than its size.

If the lenses within have poor coatings, the performance difference between a 56 mm and a 40-minute objective lens is minimal. The tube is comparable in this regard. If the increased size and weight don’t help you perform better, it’s not worth it. If a 1-inch tube doesn’t help you hit the goal, you only need one.

Everyone who hunts with a.308 rifle will have a different level of tolerance for the weight they want to carry. These are not made to support loads greater than 8 lbs. Only when hunting from a blind or stand, or when using it exclusively for competitions or bench rest shooting, should you use anything larger. The weapon is easier to carry, operate, and have issues with the lighter it is.

What’s Your Budget?

Your budget is going to play a big part when searching for the right Scope for your rifle. It should also be in proportion to the brand of the gun that you’re using. If you are a high-end marksman looking to get the best out of your investment in the latest Ruger precision rifle, you can’t afford to put an excellent scope on top.

The Scope’s objective is to give you an optic that will enable you to magnify your target and improve your performance. This task can be completed for $300 or $1,500 depending on your level of expertise and the gun you select. However, the bulk of today’s scopes are reasonably priced, starting at $500. If you want a high-end scope, you may even increase your spending limit to $2,000.

Of course, it’s up to you how much money you want to spend on the Scope. However, in my experience, buying from major manufacturers as opposed to boutique labels tends to offer better value for money. It’s not always necessary to spend more money to have the finest brand name.

Bushnell and Vortex provide excellent products. All of the $308 Winchester scopes available today are comfortable for shooting out to 800 yards.

The Most Important Features

One of the most impressive aspects of owning a .308 is that you can buy any accessories you want. You can choose from the most inexpensive holographic sights that will still offer a BDC reticle, or you can but an extraordinary powerful tactical and military-style scopes that might shoot a cartridge to the moon.

Before you begin looking for a sight, it’s critical to decide exactly what you plan to use your rifle for. This will enable you to buy a product without a tonne of features that you will never use and stay within your budget. Your objective when purchasing a scope is to get one with a long lifespan and good value.

The most fundamental aspects include the ability to choose from a variety of distances that won’t be cumbersome to carry around all day. These days, it is simple to waste money on a scope with magnifications you don’t actually require.

If you look well, you could even be able to locate a sight with BDC reticles, external coatings, and sunshades for practically no extra money. Once you’ve decided on the features, you need to instal more than 30mm tubes, and target turrets will cost you a little bit more even though they’re becoming more prevalent.

Also check out our guide as we review the top hunting scopes for your shotgun.

Best Scopes for .308 Rifles on The Market

Here are what are considered to be the best. 308 rifle scopes on the market today

1. Best Value for Money – Nikon P Tactical 308

By far, Nikon is the biggest optical equipment producer in the world. They have put their extensive understanding of the optical sector to use by producing superior products while maintaining price reductions. When it comes to value for the money, a Nikon scope is hard to beat.

The 14 mm lens used in the design of this 308 riflescope, along with the superior multi-coated lenses used, make it far lighter than any of its rivals who provide a comparable 12x magnification. Additionally, it has an exceptionally easy-to-calibrate eyepiece, which means that the 308 riflescope can shoot accurately out to 800 yards.

2. Best Long Range Precision – The NightForce SHV

Nightforce soon established a reputation in the scope industry for producing items of the highest calibre. No manufacturer can compete in the production of long-range tactical optics. They create specialised equipment for the best long-range shooters in the world, which is impressive because they offer a product that can accomplish tasks that nobody else can.

With a high degree of tactical capabilities offered at an affordable price, this is more of a middle of the range scope that they provide. You will be able to take accurate long shots while using a set of optics that are still rather affordable. Some of the premium features, including the unique turrets that come with their higher-end scopes, will be sacrificed. This specific scope has a 56mm objective lens with a 33 mm tube and a 20x magnification and 4:1 zoom ratio. Additionally, you can add as many features as you like. When you make a purchase through the manufacturer’s website, you can find these.

This scope’s high-quality construction, which includes fully armoured and multi-coated lenses, is its main selling feature. The Scope is nearly impervious to gunfire. You must be shooting targets more than a thousand yards away to get the most out of the scope. People who enjoy shooting from bench rest rifle setups frequently use this, and many of them combine it with the straightforward Remington 700 action. But in all honesty, if you want to utilise a scope as a regular hunting tool, this is not the one.

3. Best Battle Rifle .308 Scope – Trijicon Acog

Trijicon is now a renowned optics producer as a result of being one of the key suppliers to NATO and the US military. Some of the most sought-after tactical optics ever made are ECoG products. 308 rifles are frequently adapted to the AR-10, making it a very dependable and potent weapon.

This Scope’s bomb-proof construction has made it popular. It contains a backup battery, fibre optic illumination, a 33-millimeter objective lens, a BDC reticle, and 3.5x magnification to ensure you never run out of light. They are made to be used for fast optic snap shooting at ranges under 500 yards. Its weight and price are its two biggest drawbacks. It does, however, offer amazing technology and is simpler to integrate into any typical rifle. It is undeniably expensive and highly weighted.

4. Best .308 Scope from Nikon – Nikon M Tactical

As we’ve already established, Nikon manufactures some of the best lenses available that can be used for almost everything. This M-series rifle scope was created with police enforcement and military professionals in mind, making it ideal for target and long-range shooting.

The 42-millimeter lens and 2-16 X magnification on the riflescope make it waterproof, shockproof, and fireproof. It is one of the most dependable optics on the market because to its fully multi-coated lenses. Nikon is especially pleased with the design’s incorporation of zero recessed turret turns. It does give a more than adequate bridge between a normal optic and the pricey specialised capabilities offered on high-end scopes, yet being less expensive when compared to many tactical or long-range scopes.

5. Best .308 Scope for Deer Hunting – Leupold VX Freedom

Thank goodness, traditional hunters are still around. Leupold creates superbly crafted barebones optics for those who desire a traditional style with a dash of contemporary technology. The Scope includes all of the characteristics connected to the traditional VX Leupold design and has everything you would expect from their freedom series of designs. Featuring high-quality optical prism and straightforward, completely multi-coated lenses.

Designed to include adaptable 3- to 9-times, 50mm magnification lenses. You won’t find a more trustworthy scope for general or deer hunting.

6. Best .308 Scope from Vortex – Vortex Viper HS-T

In addition to providing some of the most durable products on the market, Vortex is well recognised for its tactical and hunting optics, which they are willing to back up with one of the best warranties provided by any scope manufacturer. Simply because of this, buying this Scope is a wise decision.

They are also referred to be innovators in the field because they are constantly scanning the horizon for potential future trends in the market. Considering that it is one of their top items, this specific Scope is no different. This scope includes a 44mm objective lens, a 4 to 16x magnification range, and is manufactured of aircraft-grade aluminium. This is a superb long-range hunting scope; it is not intended for any close-range shooting.

7. Best .308 Range for Designated Marksmen – EO Tech Vudu

Although this manufacturer is best known for its holographic sights, it has recently begun to establish a reputation for creating superb magnified optics. They are produced to professional-grade standards and were created with the military in mind.

This specific scope enables the hold off required to accurately strike distant objects, especially when a shot doesn’t give you enough time to make the required turret adjustments. The reticle’s positioning in the first focal plane enables the scope to maintain a point over the entire magnification range. Turrets that are incredibly accurate and haptic are another aspect.

8. Best .308 Scope for Hunting in The American Northwest – Zeiss Conquest V4

This product primarily targets hunters in the Northwest who kill larger elk or mule deer. Each of these regions faces particular difficulties that are not present in the rest of the nation. Due to the characteristics of the game, hunting primarily occurs across large distances. Hunters with experience need a scope that provides a high level of accuracy at greater distances, such as valleys.

When attempting to hit their target from a greater distance, Hunters can maintain a comfortable range thanks to a specific Zeiss scope. It has a lense that has become famous and provides stunning pictures. Without experiencing it yourself, it is difficult to express the clarity. The scope has been specifically created and constructed for hunting in challenging environments using premium components that are extremely durable but without any pointless tactical features.

The Scope is a straightforward duplex, and the covered turrets provide additional protection.

9. Best .308 3-Gun Scope – Primary Arms SLx8

You will face difficulties when participating in the three-gun tournaments that are uncommon when patrolling or hunting. To succeed in such games, special optics are required, especially when you have to engage targets that could be as far apart as 5 to 200 yards. Shooters will have the opportunity to use both of their eyes with this scope. When trying to strike closer targets, you can adjust the magnification to 1x, and you can swiftly increase it to 8x for any farther away spots.

Because of its precision and capacity to quickly range targets at a range of various distances, the Scope, which has the ACSS reticle, is utilised by both amateurs and experts. Notable features of the Scope include high-quality lenses, shockproof and water resistance, and a very robust construction.

10. Best .308 Red Dot Scope – Aimpoint PRO

For hunters seeking for a little something unusual for their. Other than a magnetic scope, number 308 Selecting this red dot optic has numerous evident advantages, chief among which is the capacity to strike acquired targets repeatedly, swiftly, and correctly. The main problem with utilising red dot scopes on.308 calibre rifles is that they weren’t made to handle the heavier recoil of those particular guns. They can fall short when put to the test fast.

This particular scope was built with an emphasis on accuracy and is based on the M60 scope used by the military. The Scope’s battery life is especially remarkable because it is measured in years rather than hours.

What Magnification is Best for .308 Rifle Scopes?

The purpose for which you intend to use your.308 scope should be considered when you strive to choose the best magnification for it. This should help you make a decision because the typical.308 cartridge has a range of only 1000 yards. Purchasing a scope with a magnification of more than 16x is merely a waste of money.

Even with the best lenses installed, most scopes won’t provide the necessary clarity after that point.

The quality of the lens should always come first, according to experts, followed by the quality of the magnification. When your school is of appropriate quality, for instance, most scopes with a magnification of up to 9 x will deliver notable accuracy of up to 1000 yards. If a 9 x magnification is too difficult for this range, a 12 x magnification is always an option.

Only particular hunting circumstances might constitute an exception to this rule. The additional magnification could be useful if you intend to shoot larger wildlife up to 800 yards away because it will make it easier to see the tiny location you require. Many hunting authorities will inform you that reduced magnification often aids rather than impediments a shot.

Red Dot VS Fixed Power VS Variable Power Optics for .308

Red Dot Optics

Red dot optics are frequently found on 308 rifles, however they are not unheard of. For instance, when utilised for home defence AR competition, some AR-10 models compete with red dot optics. A similar statement might be made about holographic prism scopes. One of these lenses can be a good choice if you’re looking for a scope that is appropriate for three-gun contests, especially if you shoot in a variety of heavy metal on factory divisions.

But because you typically shoot at longer ranges when using them, the vast majority of hunters choose to use magnetic objects. 308 firearms.

Fixed Power Scopes

Investing in a fixed power scope is one of the finest methods to guarantee the quality of your optic, especially considering the premium you are painting. Power ranges are some of the best on the market because they are noted for having tougher lenses and being quite sturdy. Once more, deciding on the magnification will simply depend on the purpose for which you intend to use the scope; for example, the US army in Iraq prefers M14 because I’m being deported.

These have 4x ACOG scopes installed because ranges rarely go beyond 300 metres. Numerous competitive and professional long-range shooters swear by scopes and have had great success with them.

Variable Power Scopes

These are gradually overtaking all other types of scopes in popularity. 3-week period. People of Sabian have the added advantage of being able to hit targets at a variety of various ranges by altering the power ring. There is no doubting the amazing teaching abilities of this changeable force. Due to the precision and complexity of the scopes, their internal parts frequently fail too easily, and fixing them is frequently more expensive than simply replacing them.

Choosing Between The Nikon M 308 and The P 308

The P-Series is a remarkable range, and Alvarez is still adding value to it. However, the m-series may more than likely provide some noteworthy advancements that you should consider. Buying a m series lens gives you a lens that produces a brighter image for the shooter Nikon has utilised on YouTube; this is particularly true when shooting at greater distances. The focus knob on M series scopes has several purposes besides just ensuring a crisp image.

Additionally, it provides the option of adjusting the cables, enabling shooters to remedy any deliberate point-of-aim deviations. These appear when firing at various distances.

.308 Scope Features You’ll Not Want To Do Without

There will be a number of things that you already have in mind and a number of features that you know you want to obtain the best depending on your budget, the type of rifle you’re looking to buy, and other factors. toothless There are many proprietary and customised scopes on the market now that feature innovations that make them far more functional and user-friendly. selecting scopes is getting harder and harder.

Having said that, there are some aspects on which you did not want to skimp:

Specialized Coatings

The advancement of scopes has been made possible by the inclusion of specialised and unique coating. You can see a more precise target area to shoot at because all major manufacturers who use them in their designs allow your lens to better filter light to your Scope.

As an illustration, consider the scopes that are specifically made for deer rifles; they will have proper red wavelength filtering built in. This can help you see the brown coats of your target more clearly, even in the thickest brush. If you’re a skilled target shooter, you can adjust your filter to make it easier for you to distinguish between different shades of grey and black, especially in dim light or at a distance.

Despite the fact that they are more prevalent, not all manufacturers provide them, and the better ones only utilise them in their more expensive rifle scopes. This is the function that, if you do decide to spend a little extra money, you will surely expect on any expensive scope.

Target Turrets

The majority of conventional shooters simply don’t want to deal with the exceedingly steep learning curve required to operate a target turret. However, if you’re a competitive shooter, employing a target turret will come naturally to you; hunters hardly ever employ them. But in this day and age, you should learn how to use a target turret if you want to advance your shooting and hunting skills.

Although the majority of average shooters are content to get by with standard scopes, many are reluctant to add expensive target turrets because they believe the expense outweighs the advantages. This is unquestionably true if you lack the perseverance to put in the time to train yourself to use them. What if you are buying a customised configuration like those offered by Leopold? Expect to achieve a degree of accuracy unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

BDC Reticles

Another element that you want to keep in mind is this one. A BDC reticle seeks to give shooters a reliable way to predict where their rounds will land over particular distances. Even when they are tailored to the individual, this useful trait is difficult to perfect. They do serve as a point of aim, particularly when shooting at predetermined distances. Due to earlier designs being more difficult to utilise, many Hunters just stopped utilising them.

If you’ve never used BDC, you’ll want a new scope with it. You can acquire one for not much more money or weight.

Quick Detach or One-piece Mounts

The kind of mount and ring combination you require is heavily influenced by the kind of rifle you’re using. He selects the appropriate combination of movie essential oil while being a DPMS lower on Remington 700. In the past, choosing a dove tie was a requirement for shooters. Mount made specifically to hold the rifle’s action and the rings.

Detachable one-piece mounts entered the market as tactical mounts quickly gained popularity. The majority of people that use long-range rifles in the AR style utilise them as the mount of choice, and once the mount has been dispatched, they typically switch to employing your backup iron sights. One-piece mounts should be the only option for anyone shooting with a precision rifle.

One-piece mounts consist of the rings on a machined base and one solid piece of material. You are able to have less moving components thanks to its design. And guarantees that your tolerance threshold will be lot tighter when you set up. In order to ensure that you obtain the best performance after setup, you can rest comfortably and bed the mount to allow secure action. One-piece mounts are easily available for not much more money than the best legacy designs if you shop around, and they’re definitely worth the price.

Quick Focus Eye-pieces

You definitely want an eyepiece with a sizable eye box while looking for eyepieces. This is true of the scoped objective lens and depends on where your eyes are located. This can be found by looking through the scope and noticing a black ring that resembles a doughnut. You won’t have to worry about getting your scope exactly aligned every time to get rid of parallax if you have a scope with a large eye box and a fast-focus eyepiece.

However, modern scopes that are made with precise eye boxes come with trade-offs. It can be difficult to shoot rapidly and freely since you must constantly check to make sure you are positioned appropriately, which calls for standing right behind the scope. To correctly distinguish to the right or left, or either down or up, you must be in this position.

Depending on the length of the shot, you could end up being off-target by several inches with regard to your eye. This is why you should always spend money on a scope with an eyepiece and eye box that are simple to use. You won’t likely notice the performance decline until you engage in long-range shooting.

How to Calibrate Your .308 Scope to Zero?

Depending on whether you specify in mils or MOA, the zero for a.308 rifle will typically be 100 metres or 100 yards. For the majority of hunters and shooters, this is only a crucial place to start. Most of them aim their rifles at targets within 100 yards. With this test, you will be able to adapt your performance based on the distance. If the first few rounds hit the target, zeroing at closer range isn’t too difficult.

You should fire three to five rounds at a time in groups to determine the proper point of impact. She was the centre target in each squad. How easy is it for you to make the necessary adjustments? You might have trouble pinpointing the precise point of impact to make the necessary adjustments to help with this if you’re not shooting me on paper. Before advancing to 100 yards, you should probably zero on closer targets.

How to Zero a .308 Rifle at 25 Meters or Yards?

Try to zero in on a target at a distance of 25 metres for the quickest way to quickly sight your weapon. Since you choose a location that is so close, it is doubtful that you will entirely miss the paper target, making it much easier to locate the point of impact. Follow the steps outlined above and make the required adjustments to manage this precisely. You should be able to maintain your shots in numerous small groupings as a result.

Always keep in mind that you must shoot for the exact centre of your objective, but that you want your outcomes to fall just short of the desired outcome. The vertical distance between the barrel’s and the scope’s centres should be measured. Then, you must add this measurement to the distance between the bullseye and your target point of impact.

How to Zero a .308 Rifle at 10 Meters or Yards?

The best and most efficient approach to quickly zero your rifle is at 10 yards or metres, especially if you don’t have the space or time to perform a precise zero. Set up your targets on a tree about 10 yards from where you will be shooting. Once more, mark two dots on your target by marking the vertical distance from the centre of the barrel through the centre of the scope.

Just fire while aiming for the summit. Make the appropriate modifications until your bullets strike the lower dot directly, depending on where they land.

You should observe almost no dispersion in your shot at such close range. So don’t waste any more ammunition than the single round you have. This is not to mean that you can start taking 500-yard shots at trophy elks the moment you zero to 10 metres, but it may be appropriate if you’ve recently installed a new scope or replaced a faulty optic.

How to Correctly Mount My Scope On a .308?

The first step in properly mounting a scope on your.308 is to select the appropriate rings. At this stage, you shouldn’t ever purchase inexpensive rings because doing so will make it harder to hold your scope firmly in place and will lead to a loss of precision. Additionally, since it’s normal for metals to alter shape and size when exposed to temperature changes, you should pick rings made of the same material as your scope.

Your point of focus may gradually shift if the metals used in your rings and scope are different.

Mount The Rings Correctly

To verify that the scope fits comfortably and is ready when attaching your gun, the first step is to loosely mount the rings on the rifle until it does. When you’re satisfied, take off the scope and tighten the rings. Use a lock nut to make sure they won’t be able to come undone later.

Correctly Leveling The Scope

Simply set a little level on the flat area of your scope’s peak. By doing this, you may be confident that your reticle will be installed level. Your elevation cap may occasionally cause an inaccuracy in the measurement, so you should remove the cap to avoid this.

Lock Your Turret Down

The top part of the rings are used to secure the Scope in position. To ensure that you apply an equal amount of pressure over the whole scope, turn each screw a few rotations after you have tightened it. You must adhere to the recommended torque specifications for the rings from the ring manufacturer to ensure a flawless installation of your scope. You’ll be able to obtain the so-called final tightness by doing this.

The Final Verdict

As you can see, selecting the best Scope for you is a process. The following series of easy steps are necessary for 308. Always take into account your rifle type and your expectations for the scope when you start purchasing. It might be challenging to tell one good product from another given the vast number of them that are currently on the market. Depending on the scope you choose, you can use your rifle to do a range of tasks, such as hunting in dense brush or shooting targets at a distance of 1,000 yards.

Choosing a scope depends on personal preference; without experience, finding the proper one is as much a matter of luck as it is of science. It takes knowledge and expertise to know how a specific rifle scope should work in the field. This implies that your decisions will evolve over time, which is perfectly OK.