In this article we will take a look at the best scopes for a .308 rifle, this means which scope can deal the best with the ranges and the bullet drop that comes with them. Don’t forget, while you shoot further with a 308 then .223 or .556, you also have a greater drop for the bullet at those ranges.
There’s a lot of information out there, so it was hard for me to decide. In the end, I just had to get my hand on them one by one, and do my own testing. That is the only way to be sure that you get, what you want, what do you have to look for when you want to find your own favorite scope.
First, you need a scope that can survive the elements. It should be waterproof and fog proof. But the best one would be weatherproof which includes both of the former. The scope should also survive the force of the gun, the .308 is not a calibrated be taken lightly, it brings quite some recoil to the table.
Next, you might use your .308 as much as medium ranges as on long ranges. You need a scope with a variable magnification to deal with different ranges adequately. The scope should have a BDC reticle that allows you to compensate for the bullet drop. In the end, your scope needs to have some coding to save it from scratches.
Now it’s time to have a look at the different scopes out there.
Best .308 Scope
Nikon M-Tactical .308 4-16X42SF Matte BDC800
It has a variable magnification is 13 and a half inches long and weighs 19 ounces. It might not be the smallest scope but is definitely a less heavy one. It has a great BDC reticle and matches the ballistics of your rounds, for this you have an app that allows you to adjust the settings to your preferred ammunition.
The best feature however is its durability. You buy it one time and it will serve you for many years to come. It can be adapted to many rifles and many uses, you might switch from an AR-10 to a bolt-action or vice versa, but this scope will just stay with you.
Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
With the Leupold VX-2 ,you can not go wrong. It’s variable magnification and its length at twelve point six inches make it easy to use for you. What is even more compelling is its low weight of only eleven point two ounces, you can save your ballistic settings and it diffuses glare which gives you a really nice picture for that one shot that counts.
This scope is perfect for close to mid ranges, you can be a champion at the ranges or on the hunt, enjoy the easy economics and the ease of adjustment. With a few clicks, you can dial it into range and setting that you need.
The index-match lens system brings you a lot of brightness and a really sharp resolution. Your picture will be so clear that you can not miss. Excelling especially in close ranges, it comes with flawlessly diamond coated lenses that will be there for many years to come, one spot you will not want to miss it again.
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12X4
Another great scope is a Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12X4 by 40 SSP, dead hold BDC Reticle. With a variable magnification a length of 12 and a half inches and a weight of 18 ounces. It is neither to fix, not too long and not too heavy. You can use it for a variety of ranges it is small enough to not pose a problem during use for transitions and it is not weigh it down too much.
With a 4 inch sunshade and a long eye relief, it is easy on your eyes when you use it longer. Also it is easy to get on target and is not impaired your peripheral vision.
With a dead hold BDC reticle, you compensate for bullet drop and place that shot right on target. This whole package comes with a downside, this scope is not for a lower budget, you can shoot off the hair on a deer with its dead hold, but this does not come for nothing. Higher price equals good quality. However, if you look for a great precision at varying ranges, you cannot go wrong with this scope.
The lenses are multi coated for a long life and scratch resistance. The field of view is great which allows you to easily spot your target went on the hunt, and the image focusing and parallax adjustment just lends itself to it. Even if the weather is changing, the nitrogen purged and sealed o rings can deal with it and keep your lenses clean. Vortex offers you the best scope you can get with this diamondback if you can afford it. You have brand quality and you will see the difference.
UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
Next in line is a UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope. It is only 10.39 inches long, it weighs 23.2 ounces. Well it does not belong to the special lightweight scopes, it is certainly small. You can adjust it on quarter MOA clicks. It has emerald lenses which are multi coated furthermore. It is protected against the sun and has a 36 color reticle.
Trying to scope, you will like it for its size. Also, it is nitrogen sealed and weatherproof, you can go hunt outdoors and be sure it will not fail you. With the illumination, you can hunt during low-light conditions and allows you a lot of customisation in conjunction with the different colors for your reticle.
For any change, just a little press on the right button is enough. You get a clearer picture for a precise shot, adjust it to your needs and you cannot miss the target. You’ll make an impression on your friends with this scope as it’s rather unique and allows you a lot of customization. it will stay with you for a long time without losing its qualities or quality picture.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II
We go on with the Vortex Optics Crossfire II. It’s a second focal plane rifle scope with dead hold BDC reticle. This is the best scope when you have a situation with rapid weather changes. However, that comes at a price and it is not necessarily the money.
It is the length of 14.5 inches and the weight of 23.6 ounces. The lenses are anti reflective which improves the light transition it makes it harder to spot you. You have adjustable reset turrets and the whole tube is made of aluminum great strength. However the downside is that at higher powers, the scope loses a little bit of clarity.
This scope is durable and excellent for hunting large game, at 300 yards it will be easy to hit the bull’s eye. With the long eye relief, the strain in your eye is low and more importantly. You keep your peripheral vision the lenses are multi coated for a long life and a high durability. The dead hold BDC reticle has customized marks so that you can focus on the holdover instead. The forgiving eye box and long eye relief make it easy to get your aim on target.
NIKON Buckmasters II
The last scope is the NIKON Buckmasters II 4-12×40 BDC Rifle Scope. This is the best cope for any light condition. For the length of 13.5 inches in a weight of 17.5 ounces, it will not be in your way or weigh you down too much. Adjustments can be made with one quarter MOA clicks.
Low light or broad day light you will see what you’re aiming at. It is made specifically for the .308 cartridge. This means you do not have to guess where exactly to hold just place the reticle on target and get the hit. With a spring-loaded instant zero turret allows you to always adjust your zero while in the field. With this scope you can find your limits and hunting and then just go a little bit further. As it is made for 308, it is the easiest to set up for your rifle in this caliber. Also, it is durable so that it can serve you for a lot of years.
There you have it shooting .308 is already a great experience using the right scope puts it on the next level all the scope mentioned here will serve you great have a nice day and a lot of fun see you next time