The .308 Winchester is one of the most trusted deer hunting calibers in North America—flat shooting, hard-hitting, and versatile for woods or open fields. But even the best .308 rifle needs the right scope to bring out its true accuracy and make the most of every hunting opportunity. Whether you hunt thick timber, crop fields, or rolling hills, your scope should match your terrain, rifle, and shooting style. Here’s a detailed, practical guide to the best scopes for deer hunting with a .308—each selected for proven performance and real-world value.
Quick Picks
- Best All-Around: Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40
- Best for Long Shots: Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44
- Best Value: Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×42
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a Scope for .308 Deer Hunting
The .308’s ballistics let you hunt anything from dense woods to open fields. Here’s what to look for in your next scope:
- Magnification: For woods or mixed terrain, 3-9x or 3-12x is ideal. For longer fields, 4-16x gives you extra reach for a .308’s effective range.
- Objective Lens: 40mm to 44mm is perfect for brightness without excess weight. 50mm is good for open country but can add bulk.
- Glass Quality: Fully multi-coated lenses deliver better clarity and brightness at dawn and dusk—when most deer are moving.
- Turret Style: For .308, simple capped turrets are fine for most hunters. If you shoot long range or dial adjustments, target turrets are a plus.
- Reticle Type: Duplex, BDC, or illuminated reticles are best. .308 drop is predictable, and most BDC scopes match well out to 400 yards.
- Durability: The scope must be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to handle .308 recoil and real hunting abuse.
- Eye Relief: At least 3.5 inches is ideal for .308 rifles to prevent scope bite.
- Weight: Lighter scopes keep your .308 rifle balanced for carrying all day.
Top Scopes for Deer Hunting with .308
Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40
Why it’s the top choice: The VX-3HD is a classic whitetail scope with a reputation for clarity, reliability, and low-light performance. Its 3.5-10x range is perfect for thick woods and open fields, and the Twilight Max HD system makes it one of the brightest scopes at dawn and dusk. Lightweight and easy to carry, with proven waterproof and shockproof construction.
- Wide field of view for tracking moving deer
- Ample eye relief for .308 recoil
- Duplex reticle for fast target acquisition
- Lifetime guarantee and rugged field reliability
Pros:
- Outstanding clarity and color in any light
- Very lightweight and balances well on .308 rifles
- Set-and-forget zero—holds point of impact season after season
Cons:
- Priced higher than entry-level scopes, but unmatched performance
- No illumination (available in other VX-3HD models)
Final Verdict: If you want one scope to cover every deer season, this is it. Rugged, bright, and ideal for .308 hunting rifles of all types.
Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44
Why it’s great for long shots: This scope gives .308 shooters the extra magnification and precision for 300+ yard shots in open terrain. Extra-low dispersion glass, a forgiving eye box, and smooth side focus make it easy to use, while tactical turrets let you dial elevation for longer shots.
- 4-16x zoom for field and open country hunting
- VMR-1 MOA reticle for holdover and wind
- Side focus parallax adjustment for sharp images at all ranges
- Long eye relief for safe use with .308
Pros:
- Bright, clear glass even at high magnification
- Easy to dial for bullet drop at longer ranges
- Holds zero with heavy .308 loads
Cons:
- Heavier than basic hunting scopes
- May be overkill for close-quarters woods hunting
Final Verdict: If you hunt bean fields, big meadows, or want to stretch your .308’s range, this is a top performer with true versatility.
Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×42
Why it’s a value leader: Burris delivers great glass and rugged build at a price any hunter can afford. The 3-12x zoom matches the .308 perfectly, while the simple Ballistic Plex reticle works for close shots or holds for longer ones. Light enough for hiking and easy to mount on any rifle.
- Clear optics and wide field of view
- Simple, proven reticle for fast shots
- Positive, repeatable turret adjustments
- Lifetime warranty and no-fuss service
Pros:
- Easy on the wallet and great in the field
- Holds zero and resists fog, rain, or snow
- Reliable performance on all .308 hunting rifles
Cons:
- No illumination
- BDC reticle not as detailed as tactical scopes (but much simpler for deer)
Final Verdict: A top “bang for the buck” scope—perfect for both beginners and seasoned .308 deer hunters.
Other Notable Scopes
- Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40: Reliable, simple, and great for brush or timber hunting.
- Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP: Affordable, first focal plane, great for budget long-range .308 setups.
- Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16×50: Good for low light and open country, with a forgiving eye box and clear glass.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Best Features | Ideal For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-3HD | 3.5-10×40 | Twilight Max HD, super light, proven | All-around .308 deer hunting | $500-$650 |
| Vortex Viper HST | 4-16×44 | Long range clarity, tactical turrets | Open fields, long shots | $600-$750 |
| Burris Fullfield IV | 3-12×42 | Simple, tough, great value | Mixed terrain, budget .308 | $200-$250 |
| Nikon Buckmasters II | 3-9×40 | Classic, affordable, durable | Brush/timber, all-around | $120-$150 |
| Primary Arms SLx FFP | 4-14×44 | FFP, budget precision, BDC reticle | Open terrain, long shots on a budget | $230-$300 |
| Bushnell Elite 4500 | 4-16×50 | Big objective, low light, tough | Open country, dusk/dawn | $350-$450 |
FAQ: .308 Deer Hunting Scopes
What’s the best magnification for a .308 deer rifle?
For woods and mixed terrain, a 3-9x, 3-10x, or 3-12x is plenty. If you routinely shoot past 300 yards, a 4-16x lets you use the .308’s effective range without over-scoping your rifle.
Does the .308 need a special scope?
No special scope is required, but you do need one that holds zero under .308 recoil and matches your hunting style—clarity and reliability are most important.
Is an illuminated reticle necessary?
Not essential for most daytime deer hunts, but useful for dark timber or the first/last minutes of legal shooting. Most of the scopes above have models with illuminated reticles as an option.
Can I use a tactical or long-range scope on a .308 for deer?
You can, especially if you hunt open country. Just be mindful of weight and make sure it balances well on your rifle for fast shooting and carry comfort.
How important is eye relief with .308?
Very important. All scopes here offer at least 3.5 inches of eye relief, enough for typical .308 hunting loads and rifles.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best scope for deer hunting with a .308 isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about clear glass, proven reliability, and a reticle you can trust. For all-around use, the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 is a classic. If you’re reaching out across fields or need to dial elevation, the Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44 is a great match for the .308’s ballistics. For hunters who want value and simplicity, the Burris Fullfield IV is tough, sharp, and easy on the wallet.
Whichever scope you choose, mount it securely, sight it in with your favorite deer ammo, and practice in real-world conditions. A good scope on a .308 opens up a world of hunting possibilities—so get ready for your best deer season yet!