The .308 Winchester is one of the most popular and versatile hunting cartridges worldwide. Its flat trajectory, reliable accuracy, and power make it perfect for everything from whitetail deer to elk, hogs, and even long-range targets. But your .308 is only as good as the optic you mount on it. Whether you hunt dense woods, open fields, or big country, a quality scope helps you shoot straighter and with more confidence. Here’s how to choose the best hunting scope for your .308—and a look at the top models for 2025.
Quick Picks
- Best All-Around: Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40
- Best for Long Range: Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44
- Best Value: Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×42
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great .308 Hunting Scope?
Not every optic is built for the .308’s recoil, versatility, and common hunting ranges. Here’s what to look for:
- Magnification Range: For most .308 hunting, 3-9x, 3-12x, or 3.5-10x gives plenty of reach and field of view. If you hunt big fields or long distances, 4-16x or 4-14x is ideal.
- Objective Size: 40-44mm objectives deliver great brightness without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. Larger 50mm objectives are good for low-light or longer shots but can be heavier.
- Glass Quality: Fully multi-coated lenses and good light transmission are vital for dawn and dusk, when game moves most.
- Reticle Style: Duplex or BDC reticles are best for most hunters. FFP or illuminated reticles are great if you hunt at dawn/dusk or shoot at varying ranges.
- Durability: Make sure your scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. .308 recoil is substantial, especially in lightweight rifles.
- Eye Relief: At least 3.5 inches to prevent scope bite—especially important with .308 recoil and hunting in awkward positions.
- Weight: Lighter scopes keep your rifle fast-handling and easier to carry all day.
- Turret Adjustments: Simple capped turrets are fine for most hunting. Exposed or zero-stop turrets are great for long-range shooters.
Top Scopes for .308 Hunting Rifles
Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40
Why it’s a favorite: Legendary for a reason. The VX-3HD gives you unmatched clarity at first and last light, is super lightweight, and holds zero under any .308 load. Its Twilight Max HD system helps you see more in those crucial low-light minutes, and the simple duplex reticle is fast and uncluttered.
- Magnification: 3.5-10x, ideal for woods or open country
- Weight: just over 13 oz, perfect for long hikes
- Ample 3.6” eye relief—no scope bite with .308 recoil
- Lifetime guarantee and proven in any weather
Pros:
- Outstanding glass and low-light clarity
- Lightweight and balances well on any .308 rifle
- Simple, rugged, and easy to use
Cons:
- No illumination in base model (but not needed for most deer/hog hunts)
- Priced above entry-level, but worth the investment
Final Verdict: This is the go-to choice for hunters who want a do-it-all scope that will last for generations.
Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44
Why it’s great for long range: If you want to reach out with your .308—on open bean fields, power lines, or even steel at 500+ yards—the Viper HST has you covered. Extra-low dispersion glass, tactical turrets, and a versatile 4-16x zoom range let you dial shots with precision. The VMR-1 MOA reticle is perfect for bullet drop and wind holds.
- Magnification: 4-16x, ideal for longer shots
- Side focus parallax adjustment for crisp images at any range
- Zero-reset turrets for fast dialing
- Holds zero under .308 recoil, no problem
Pros:
- Superb glass and precision at all ranges
- Great for hunting and target shooting
- Vortex lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Heavier than basic hunting scopes (over 20 oz)
- Bigger than most “woods hunting” scopes
Final Verdict: Perfect for hunters who need to maximize the .308’s flat shooting and want to hunt or shoot at distance.
Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×42
Why it’s the best value: Burris Fullfield scopes are known for reliable performance at a great price. The 3-12x zoom is spot-on for .308 deer, hog, or even black bear hunting. The glass is clear, the turrets are easy to use, and the scope is light enough for all-day carry. Backed by Burris’ forever warranty.
- Clear glass and wide field of view for woods or fields
- Lightweight and compact design
- Simple, effective reticle options (Ballistic E3 or Plex)
- Durable and weatherproof
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Holds zero on any .308
- Great for youth or backup rifles too
Cons:
- No illumination
- Not as bright at max power as high-end glass
Final Verdict: A solid choice for hunters who want proven quality without breaking the bank. Great for deer, hogs, or mixed game hunting.
Other Notable Scopes
- Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40: Affordable, sharp, and reliable for close-to-mid-range hunting.
- Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP: First focal plane, budget-friendly, great for hunters who like to dial for distance.
- Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16×50: Extra light gathering and ruggedness for open country or heavy cover.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Key Features | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-3HD | 3.5-10x | 40mm | Lightweight, super bright, reliable | All-around .308 hunting | $500-$650 |
| Vortex Viper HST | 4-16x | 44mm | Long-range, side focus, tactical turrets | Open fields, long shots | $600-$750 |
| Burris Fullfield IV | 3-12x | 42mm | Great value, light, tough | Budget .308 builds | $200-$250 |
| Nikon Buckmasters II | 3-9x | 40mm | Affordable, sharp, classic | Woods, short-mid range | $120-$150 |
| Primary Arms SLx | 4-14x | 44mm | FFP, BDC, affordable | Long-range, budget | $230-$300 |
| Bushnell Elite 4500 | 4-16x | 50mm | Big lens, low light, tough | Open, dusk/dawn | $350-$450 |
FAQ: .308 Hunting Scopes
What magnification is best for .308 hunting?
3-9x or 3.5-10x covers 90% of hunting needs—plenty for whitetail, hogs, or elk inside 300 yards. Go with 4-16x or 4-14x for open country or if you shoot longer distances often.
Does the .308 need a special scope?
No, but your scope must handle .308 recoil and offer clear, reliable performance in the field. All scopes above are proven on .308 rifles for years of service.
Is FFP or illuminated reticle necessary?
Not for most deer or hog hunters. But if you shoot varying ranges, FFP reticles are handy. Illuminated reticles help in low-light or against dark backgrounds, but aren’t essential for daylight hunting.
Is eye relief important for .308?
Absolutely—at least 3.5” is ideal to avoid scope bite, especially with heavier loads or quick shots from awkward positions.
Should I choose capped or exposed turrets?
Capped turrets are better for brush or fast-action hunting. Exposed turrets are useful if you dial for long shots or shoot targets, but make sure they lock to avoid losing zero in the field.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best hunting scope for .308 balances clarity, reliability, and the right features for your hunting style. If you want a no-nonsense, do-it-all optic, the Leupold VX-3HD will serve you for a lifetime. For hunters who love long-range shots or open terrain, the Vortex Viper HST brings precision and extra zoom. For those who want great performance without spending big, the Burris Fullfield IV is a proven classic. Whatever you choose, mount your scope securely, sight in with your hunting ammo, and get out there—your .308 will be ready for anything.