In today’s guide, you will find the best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting. These rifle scopes are designed with superior optical systems to offer hunters a distinct advantage due to sharpened clarity and unrivaled low-light performance.
When it comes to hunting with a .308 Winchester rifle, having a quality scope is essential for maximizing accuracy, target acquisition speed, and overall hunting experience. Vortex scopes are dependable and trustworthy companions for your .308.
The .308 Winchester is a versatile and powerful cartridge popular in the hunting field. It is used for hunting a variety of games, from deer to elk. To fully harness its potential, a good scope is necessary.
Vortex offers a range of scopes suited for .308 hunting, each catering to different hunting styles, terrains, and personal preferences. These rifle scopes provide clear sight pictures, precise adjustments, and precision in the field. Additionally, they are built with durability to weather abuse and rough use.
Why Choose a Vortex Scope for 308 Hunting
Vortex scopes are a popular choice among .308 hunters. They offer a myriad of benefits in the hunting field that include:
Optical Clarity
This is the primary benefit of Vortex scopes. They are known for their high-quality glass, which provides clear and bright images, essential for hunting even in low-lighting conditions.
Durability
Furthermore, these scopes are built with high-quality materials to withstand harsh conditions. They are also shockproof, waterproof, and fog fog-proof.
Versatile Magnification Range
Vortex scopes come in various magnification ranges, allowing hunters to select the best option for their specific hunting needs, whether it’s close-range shooting or long-range targeting.
Adjustability
Moreover, the scopes typically have easy-to-use and precise adjustment knobs for windage and elevation, vital for accurate shooting with a .308.
Price Range
Vortex offers scopes across a broad price range, making them accessible to hunters with different budgets without compromising quality.
7 Best Vortex Scopes for 308 Hunting
Whether you’re stalking game in dense forests, scanning open fields, or setting up for a long-range shot, below are the best Vortex scopes well-suited for the .308 platform. Let’s take a look.
1)Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope
For a dependable and trustworthy rifle scope, look no further than the Crossfire 3-12×56 rifle scope. Harboring impressive features, this is the perfect hunting scope.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Turret Style: Capped
- Tube Size: 30 mm
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 10 yards to infinity
- Max Windage/ Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
- Travel Per Rotation: 15 MOA
- Field of View: 36.7-9.2 ft/100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Length: 13.46 inches
- Weight: 27.9 oz
The Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm SFP Rifle Scope is one of the best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting. It is an outstanding optic for hunters in need of versatility and clarity in low-light conditions, making it the ideal choice for the next hunt.
The most remarkable feature of this scope is its large 56mm objective lens. It allows for exceptional light transmission, making it ideal for early morning or late evening hunts when the game is most active. Besides, the fully multi-coated lenses provide a clear and bright sight picture, ensuring that you don’t miss any details in low light.
With the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, this scope is ideal for hunting at varying without complicated calculations. Other than that, it has capped reset turrets for quick re-indexing to zero after sighting in the scope. The eye relief is generous, and the fast-focus eyepiece ensures that you can quickly get a clear sight picture.
Durability is another strong point of the Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter. Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, it is both rugged and reliable. Moreover, it is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof and waterproof.
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Durable construction
- Fully waterproof and fog-proof
- Excellent low-light visibility
- Great price
- Clear glass and sharp images
- Unrivaled versatility
Cons
- Heavy
2) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Maximize your aiming potential in the hunting field with the Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm rifle scope. Engineered with top-notch glass, capped resettable turrets and a single-tube design, this scope is ready to give you the best shooting experience possible.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Reticle: Dead-Hold® BDC (MOA)
- Turret Style: Capped
- Tube Size: 1 inch
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 100 yards
- Max Elevation/Windage Adjustment:60 MOA
- Eye Relief:3.1 inches
- Length: 12 inches
- Weight:14.6 oz
The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is a high-quality optic with unparalleled versatility. It is an excellent optic for 308 hunting in virtually all environments.
One of the highlights that make it one of the best Vortex scopes for 308 Hunting is the right and rugged construction. The tube is crafted from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum that can withstand the rigors of the field.
Furthermore, the optical tube is fully sealed and nitrogen-purged, making it waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. You will have a dependable unit to use in any hunting environment.
To complement the durability, the scope features impressive optical clarity. This is thanks to the 40mm objective lens and the fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright and clear images even in low-light conditions.
Moreover, the 4-12x magnification range offers great versatility, allowing you to target both close-range and distant objects accurately.
The Dead-Hold BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is particularly useful for hunting and shooting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be challenging.
Additionally, the scope is outfitted with a fast-focus eyepiece that allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
Pros
- Good features for the price
- Versatile
- Rugged construction from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
- Non-illuminated reticle
3) Vortex CrossFire II 4-12x44mm Rifle Scope
Premium glass doesn’t have to break the bank and the Crossfire II 4-12×44 rifle scope is a testament as it provides premium features for an affordable price. Combining exceptional clarity and superior strength, you can count on this rifle scope for many years to come.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Reticle: Dead-Hold® BDC (MOA)
- Turret Style: Capped
- Tube Size: 1 inch
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 100 yards
- Max Windage/Elevation Adjustment: 50 MOA
- Travel Per Rotation: 15 MOA
- Field of View: 24.7-8.4 ft/100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
- Length: 13.4 inches
- Weight: 15.6 oz
As one of the best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting, the CrossFire II 4-12x44mm Rifle Scope harbors a wide variety of features to meet the demands and needs of avid hunters. It offers unmatched precision and reliability at an affordable price.
The scope features a large 44mm objective lens for ample light transmission even in low-light conditions. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and reduce glare, providing sharp and vivid visuals.
Furthermore, the Dead-Hold BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is a standout feature, offering precise holdover points for accurate long-range shots. This reticle also reduces the need for guesswork in estimating bullet drop.
Durability is another selling point of the Vortex CrossFire II. Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, it is rugged and can withstand harsh field conditions. It is also nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof.
The capped reset turrets allow for quick and easy adjustments, and they can be reset to zero after sighting in, which is convenient for hunters who frequently change their shooting distances.
Additionally, the eye relief is generous, and the fast-focus eyepiece ensures that the reticle is always sharp and clear.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight construction
- Great low-light performance
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Non-illuminated
4) Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
Versatile as can be, the PST Gen II 3-15X44 rifle scope has long-range magnification, premium resolution and clarity and top-of-the-line glass for the best hunting experience. Equip your .308 hunting rifle with the Vortex Viper 3-15×44 Rifle Scope and see the difference quality glass makes.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-15x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
- Reticle: EBR-7C (MOA)
- Turret Style: Tactical
- Tube Size: 30 mm
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 20 yards to infinity
- Max Windage Adjustment: 40 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 75 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.4 inches
- Length: 14.3 inches
- Weight: 28.1 oz
The Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm FFP Rifle Scope is a top-tier optic ideal for medium to long-range hunting. It delivers exceptional performance and reliability in all hunting environments. Versatility makes it stand out among the best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting.
One of its standout features is the First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle. The reticle scale remains in proportion to the zoomed image, allowing accurate holdovers and range estimations at any magnification level.
Additionally, the reticle is illuminated with ten intensity levels, making it easy to acquire targets in low-light environments.
Furthermore, the 44mm objective lens provides ample light transmission, resulting in bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. The scope also has fully multi-coated lenses to enhance color fidelity and resolution.
The build quality of the Viper PST Gen II is impressive, with a robust, single-piece 30mm tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum.
Additionally, the optical tube is also O-ring sealed and argon-purged, making it waterproof and fog-proof, thus capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions.
With the tactical-style turrets, the scope provides precise and tactile adjustments, with a Zero Stop mechanism that allows for a quick return to zero after making temporary elevation adjustments.
Pros
- Robust single-piece 30mm tube construction
- Bright and clear images
- Versatile magnification range
- Durable features
- Illuminated reticle for improved accuracy
- Impressive glass
- Seamless turret adjustments
- Outstanding build quality
Cons
- Heavy
5) Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm Rifle Scope
We found the holy grail for your .308 hunting rifle. Boasting impressive features and delivering the crispest images, the Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm rifle scope will enhance your shooting skills and boost your precision on the hunting grounds. Mount this superior Vortex rifle scope and master your accuracy at any distance.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-15x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Reticle: HSR-5i (MOA)
- Turret Style: Capped
- Tube Size: 30 mm
- Adjustment Graduation: .25 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 20 yards to infinity
- Max Windage Adjustment: 80 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 80 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
- Length: 13.3 inches
- Weight: 19.1 oz
The Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm Rifle Scope is one of the best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting at long ranges. It has a versatile 3-15x magnification power and a 42mm aperture that makes the magnification useful even at the highest settings.
Vortex optics are known for their rugged construction and this rifle scope is not an exception. Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, it is both lightweight and incredibly durable to withstand harsh field conditions and rough handling. The scope is also argon-purged and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof and waterproof.
Optically, it has a high-definition (HD) optical system, which delivers exceptional resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness. The premium, fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, providing vivid, clear images even in low-light conditions.
Well, that’s not all. The exposed elevation turret features Vortex’s RevStop Zero System, allowing for a quick and easy return to zero. This is particularly useful in dynamic shooting scenarios.
The scope also features an illuminated reticle which provides an additional advantage in low-light situations, enhancing visibility and target acquisition speed.
Designed with the avid hunter in mind, the combination of brilliant optical solutions and durable construction augments the scope’s reputation as one of the best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting.
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Crystal-clear sight picture with tack-sharp resolution
- Lightweight and incredibly durable
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Big budget
6) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm Rifle Scope
Stay on target when taking long-range shots by mounting the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm rifle scope on your .308. This dependable and trustworthy long-range scope delivers unrivaled performance when it matters most. As one of the best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting, it’s the perfect hunting scope for almost any environment.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4.5-27x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
- Reticle: EBR-7C (MOA)
- Turret Style: L-Tec
- Tube Size: 34 mm
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 32 yards to infinity
- Max Windage Adjustment: 48 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 113.5 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
- Length: 14.4 inches
- Weight: 48.5 oz
When it comes to durability, performance, and value, it is hard to go wrong with the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm Rifle Scope. This makes it a top choice for long-range shooters and hunters.
The scope’s high-definition optics provide sharp, clear images even at maximum magnification. This is thanks to the premium extra-low dispersion glass and advanced coatings that enhance light transmission and reduce glare.
Besides, the 56mm objective lens ensures excellent light-gathering capabilities, delivering bright and vivid visuals in low-light conditions.
The reticle is housed in the first focal plane which is particularly beneficial for long-range shooting. It remains consistent across all magnifications, allowing for accurate range estimation and holdover corrections.
More importantly, the scope is built to last. It is crafted from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring robustness and reliability. On top of that, it is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, with an Armortek coating that protects the lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt.
Pros
- Solid and reliable construction
- Crisp and accurate first focal plane reticle
- State-of-the-art optics with superior clarity
- Long eye relief distance
Cons
- Heavy at 48.5 oz
7) Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
This efficient rifle scope is known for superior performance and exceptional clarity and equipping it on your .308 will transform your shooting experience for the better. Use crystal-clear views and beneficial features to enhance your accuracy and pin long-range targets with ease.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
- Reticle: EBR-2C (MOA)
- Turret Style: Tall Exposed Tactical
- Tube Size: 30 mm
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 20 yards to infinity
- Max Windage Adjustment: 85 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 85 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
- Length:14.06 inches
- Weight: 23.1 oz
Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope is another remarkable entry-level option that offers performance well above its price point. If you are a newcomer to hunting, this rifle scope is for you.
It features a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which ensures that the reticle’s sub-tensions remain consistent throughout the magnification range. Besides, this EBR-2C reticle is finely etched and provides precise holdovers and windage corrections.
The glass clarity is exceptional for a scope in this price range, with multi-coated lenses that offer a bright, sharp, and clear image even in low-light conditions. The 4-16x magnification range provides versatility for various shooting scenarios, from mid-range to long-range targets.
Build quality is another impressive feature of this rifle scope. The single-piece 30mm tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it robust and durable. Furthermore, waterproof and fog-proof integrity guarantees reliable performance in adverse weather conditions.
The other noteworthy features included are exposed turrets with a zero-reset function, fast-focus eyepiece, and generous eye relief that contributes to a comfortable and quick target acquisition.
Pros
- Accommodating eye relief
- Rugged construction
- Admirable optical quality
- Crisp reticle housed in the front focal plane
Cons
- Heavy
Further Reading
- Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
- Best Vortex Long-Range Scopes
- Best Scopes for 223 Remington
- Best Spotting Scopes for 1000 Yards
How to Choose the Best Vortex Scopes for 308 Hunting
Whether you are purchasing the first scope for hunting or looking for an upgrade, here are the key things to consider before you settle for any particular product.
Magnification Range
A scope with a versatile magnification range like 3-9x or 4-12x is ideal for various hunting scenarios, from close to mid-range shots. For longer-range hunting, a scope with a higher magnification like 3-18x or 6-24x) will be beneficial.
Objective Lens Size
Larger objective lenses (e.g., 50mm) allow more light to enter the scope, providing a brighter image. This is beneficial in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
However, Larger lenses add weight and bulk. So consider if you need a more portable setup and make the right selection.
Read: Best Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
Reticle Type
The reticle you choose should match the kind of hunting you will be doing. Reticles with BDC are useful for compensating for the bullet drop over distance, which is particularly useful for .308 caliber. Illuminated reticles are also recommended as they enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
Durability and Build Quality
Ensure the scope is built to withstand harsh conditions. Models with high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum ensure durability and reliable performance in all environments. The best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting should also be fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
Read: Best Scopes for 400 Yards
Adjustments and Turrets
Look for scopes with precise and reliable windage and elevation adjustments. A scope with resettable turrets is also beneficial as it allows you to reset your zero after sighting in, making it easier to make quick adjustments in the field.
Eye Relief
Comfort and eye safety are essential when using a scope for hunting. Adequate eye relief of 3.5 inches is recommended. It ensures you can use the scope comfortably and safely, reducing the risk of scope eye injury from recoil.
Read: Best 300 Yards Rifle Scopes
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings play a vital role in enhancing light transmission and fighting glare. For the best Vortex scopes for 308 hunting, opt for a model with fully multi-coated or fully-coated lenses
Best Vortex Scopes for 308 Hunting FAQs
Q: What Magnification Range is ideal for .308 Hunting with a Vortex Scope?
A magnification range of 4-16x or 6-24x is typically ideal for .308 hunting. This range provides versatility for both close and long-range shots, ensuring clarity and precision at various distances.
Q: Are Vortex Scopes Durable Enough for Rugged Hunting Conditions?
Yes. Vortex scopes are built to be extremely robust and durable. They are often constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum and feature waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof designs, making them suitable for rugged hunting conditions.
Q: What is the Best Scope Magnification for Hunting?
Magnification is an important consideration when choosing a hunting rifle scope. Magnification is a measurement that enlarges the target and makes it appear closer.
If your scope’s magnification is 4x, the target will be four times larger and appear 4 times closer. Most of the hunting takes place between 50 yards and 500 yards.
Variable magnification is ideal for hunting applications because it provides the flexibility to shoot from various distances accommodating different shooting situations.
Understanding the distance you will be shooting at, the size of the target and whether the targets will be mobile are key factors to consider before choosing a rifle scope.
The 3-9x magnification range is ideal for hunting applications. At this power, you get a wide field of view across all magnification powers. Other ideal magnification powers for hunting are 4-12x and 3-15x.
Conclusion
Whether you prioritize long-range precision, low-light performance, or a lightweight and versatile design, Vortex offers a variety of hunting scopes that will enhance your overall experience in the field. Hopefully, you can now find the right scope for your specific hunting needs.