Best Vortex Scope for .308 Hunting

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The .308 Winchester is America’s classic “do-it-all” hunting round—perfect for deer, elk, hogs, black bear, and even long-range varmints. But to get the most from your .308, you need the right scope: one that tracks true, handles recoil, and works for thick timber, open fields, and every shot in between. Here are the best Vortex scopes for .308 hunting—all proven in the field, ready for bolt-actions and semi-autos, and backed by Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty.

Quick Picks: Top Vortex Scopes for .308 Rifles

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Vortex Scope for .308 Hunting

The .308 is versatile and forgiving, but your scope choice should match your hunting style:

  • Magnification: 3-9x is perfect for whitetails, woods, and shots under 300 yards. 4-16x, 3-18x, or even 6-24x is great for open country, beanfields, and Western hunts.
  • Reticle: BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles are handy for quick holdovers at 250+ yards. Simple duplex or V-Plex is fast for woods or thick cover.
  • Glass Quality: HD or ED glass is easier on the eyes—especially for dawn/dusk hunts or long sits. All picks below are fully multi-coated for brightness and sharpness.
  • Weight: 12–16 oz scopes are best for walk-and-stalk, mountain, or youth hunters. 18–24 oz models add zoom or features, but may feel front-heavy on light rifles.
  • Turrets: Capped turrets are foolproof in the woods. Exposed/locking turrets are for dialing and long-range setups.
  • VIP Warranty: Every Vortex scope is covered for life—no receipt, no hassle.
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Full Reviews: Best Vortex Scopes for .308 Hunting (2025)

Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44

Who it’s for: The all-around .308 hunter—deer, hogs, elk, and open country.

  • Key Benefits:
    • 4-16x magnification—close cover or long fields
    • Dead-Hold BDC reticle for fast, accurate holdovers
    • Side focus and zero-reset turrets
    • HD glass and full weatherproof build
    • Tracks perfectly and returns to zero every time
  • Pros:
    • Field-proven by .308 hunters across America
    • Bright, sharp, and easy to use
    • Works on bolts or AR-10s
  • Cons:
    • A bit heavier than a classic 3-9x
    • No illumination (but glass is bright enough)

Final Verdict: The best “all-around” Vortex scope for .308 hunting. Check price

Vortex Diamondback HD 3-9×40

Who it’s for: Walk-and-stalk, treestand, or youth hunters who want lightweight and classic performance.

  • Key Benefits:
    • 3-9x is ideal for woods, brush, or stands
    • V-Plex duplex reticle—fast, simple, and uncluttered
    • Fully multi-coated HD glass
    • Shockproof and waterproof
    • Weighs only 14.5 oz—keeps your .308 balanced
  • Pros:
    • Perfect for deer, hogs, or black bear in thick country
    • Simple to mount and zero
    • Easy for beginners or experienced hunters
  • Cons:
    • No BDC or advanced reticle
    • Less zoom for long fields

Final Verdict: Best lightweight and classic Vortex scope for .308. See price

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40

Who it’s for: Budget-minded hunters who want no-nonsense reliability for their .308.

  • Key Benefits:
    • 3-9x is the classic American deer hunting magnification
    • Dead-Hold BDC or V-Plex reticle options
    • Fully multi-coated, fogproof, and shockproof
    • Rings and caps included (on some models)
    • Backed by the Vortex VIP warranty
  • Pros:
    • Affordable, reliable, and proven
    • Easy to mount and hold zero—even on magnum .308 loads
    • Great for new hunters or loaner rifles
  • Cons:
    • Basic glass compared to Viper/Diamondback
    • Not as bright at max zoom or low light
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Final Verdict: Best budget Vortex scope for .308—reliable and effective. Check deal

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP

Who it’s for: Hunters pushing .308 to the limit—long shots, open country, or dual-purpose range/hunting.

  • Key Benefits:
    • 4-16x first focal plane—perfect for dialing and holds at any power
    • EBR-2C MOA reticle with subtensions for wind, elevation, and drop
    • Exposed tactical turrets for precise adjustments
    • Fully multi-coated glass and rugged construction
    • Tracks true for distance shots
  • Pros:
    • Great for elk, mule deer, or coyote hunting in open country
    • Dual use—hunting and long-range shooting
    • Still light enough for field use (23 oz)
  • Cons:
    • More complex than a classic hunting scope
    • Exposed turrets not ideal for thick brush or banging around

Final Verdict: Best long-range and tactical Vortex scope for .308. Check price

Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44

Who it’s for: All-weather hunters, or anyone who wants more zoom, locking turrets, and a zero stop for dial-and-shoot action.

  • Key Benefits:
    • 3-18x—covers close and distant shots
    • Locking turrets, zero stop, illuminated reticle
    • Fully multi-coated glass and tough aluminum build
    • Waterproof, fogproof, and built to last
    • Backed by Vortex’s lifetime warranty
  • Pros:
    • Great for serious deer, elk, or hog hunting in all weather
    • Bright and clear at all magnifications
    • Easy to dial for distance or adjust on the fly
  • Cons:
    • A bit heavier than simpler scopes
    • More features than most “traditional” hunters need

Final Verdict: Best all-weather, all-distance Vortex scope for .308. See deal

Comparison Table: Best Vortex Scopes for .308 Hunting

Name Magnification Weight Best For Special Feature Price Link
Viper HS 4-16×44 4-16x 20.4 oz All-around big game HD glass, BDC reticle View
Diamondback HD 3-9×40 3-9x 14.5 oz Woods, youth, lightweight Classic duplex, HD glass View
Crossfire II 3-9×40 3-9x 15 oz Budget, simple V-Plex/BDC, proven View
Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP 4-16x 23 oz Long range, open country FFP, exposed turrets View
Strike Eagle 3-18×44 3-18x 23.9 oz All-weather, big game Locking turrets, illumination View
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What magnification is best for .308 hunting?

3-9x is perfect for woods and most shots under 300 yards. 4-16x or higher helps for longer shots, open country, or if you want to use your .308 for Western or beanfield hunts.

Are these scopes tough enough for .308 recoil?

Every Vortex scope above is fully recoil-rated for .308 and even heavier calibers—no worries about losing zero or durability.

Can I use these scopes on AR-10 or semi-auto rifles?

Yes! Every scope here works for bolt-actions, AR-10s, and modern sporting rifles—just choose your preferred reticle and magnification.

What’s the best value for most hunters?

The Viper HS 4-16×44 is hard to beat for “do-it-all” .308 hunting; Diamondback HD 3-9×40 is perfect for classic woods hunts or youth rifles.

Does Vortex really have a lifetime warranty?

Yes—no matter what, no receipt needed. Vortex’s VIP Warranty is famous for “no questions asked” service.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Every scope here is proven by real .308 hunters—sharp, tough, and ready for the season. Don’t miss your shot with bargain glass or cut corners on your optics!

Ready for your best .308 season yet? Check today’s prices, mount up a Vortex, and hunt with total confidence!

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