The Best Scope for 308 Rifle 2024?

The 308 Winchester is a rifle cartridge preferred by many shooters and hunters because of its friendly recoil, longer barrel life, and efficient powder-consumption.

There’s no question, too, that it’s superbly efficient within 250 to 300 yards. Beyond that range, however, it simply can’t outperform other really long-range rifle cartridges like 7mm Remington Magnum or the .300 Winchester Magnum.

Because of this lack of power to charge projectiles at extremely aerodynamic velocities, it is only sensible to buy the best scope for .308 rifle.

There’s really no logic in buying high-powered scope with the exceptional capability of sighting targets that are obviously beyond the range of your .308.

The premise there is not to over-buy on features that will be useful to you in the field. Basically, you’d need a low-power variable scope something with 2-7x magnification and objective of 35-40mm.

Scopes with lower magnification offer wider field of view, better exit pupil and lower impact to the portability of the rifle. The price will be friendlier, too.

With that said, we are presenting the following scopes for the .308 to see which one is the best.

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1. Bushnell Elite 6500 Riflescope

 Bushnell Elite 6500 Riflescope
Bushnell Elite 6500 Riflescope with RainGuard HD 2.5-16x42mm is a versatile scope than can be used for either short and long-range shooting or hunting.

It has a range of magnification that is quite broad, an objective that allows plenty of light and clarity, field of view of up to 41 feet at 100 yards, and almost 4 inches of eye relief.

This Multi-X reticle scope features fully multicoated optics that ensures consistently crystal clear visuals even under the worst light and weather conditions.

Bushnell’s special Rainguard lens coating prevents fogging. The scope costs around $600 and is covered by a one-year replacement warranty.

This particular scope from Bushnell is competitively alongside some of the best in the Leupold’s and Zeiss lines. These combined features plus the relative compact size and lightness in weight make this a very good choice for the .308.

2. Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 SFP Riflescope

 Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44 SFP Riflescope
Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 SFP Riflescope magnification range is probably the best for a .308 and within 300 yards.

Exit pupil is generous at magnifications of 2.5x to 5x, at the ideal 7mm at 6x, and an acceptable 4.4mm even when cranked to 10x.

Field of view is up to 47 at 100 yards with the minimum magnification. This is a quick-focus scope that is ideal for tactical operation.

Its best features that give it a definite edge over the others are its mil-based reticle and matching mil-based turret adjustment.

Shooting doesn’t need to be made more complicated by converting mils to MOA, such as what is involved in a scope with MOA optic and mil-based reticle.

Other special features are: illumination control, high resolution, fully-multicoated lens and extra-low dispersion lens.

This scope was manufactured using aircraft-grade aluminium for dependable strength and waterproofing, and is priced at around $600.

3. Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope

Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Like all Leupold scopes, the best-selling VX-II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope comes fully covered.

Field of view at 100 yards from minimum to maximum magnification is 32.3 feet to 14 feet; eye relief is 4.7 inches to 3.7 inches; and the 3-9x magnification is just perfect for a short-range .308.

Light gathering quality is exceptional and exit pupil is generous even at 6x, resulting to remarkably sharp images of the target.

Several reticle choices are offered for this scope, including the Duplex and Heavy Duplex reticles. This wide-range scope is offered within the unbelievable price range of $300-$500.

Best scope for 308 2024

These are mid-range scopes that perform excellently with the .308. Your choice of scope will largely depend on the type of shooting you engage in, or the types of targets you shoot your .308 with.

Generally, though, you don’t need very high magnification or very large objective for a .308. Take note, too, that the price increases proportionately with these numbers.

All the numbers being almost equal, pick the one with the feature that stands out from the rest. In this case, the scopes’ magnification, objective lens radius, field of view, price, exit pupil and eye relief are all within the same batting average.

Some tips about using a scope with a .308 rifle, here are some general considerations:

  1. Scope Selection:
    • Choose a scope with appropriate magnification for your shooting needs. .308 rifles are often used for medium to long-range shooting, so a scope with variable magnification (e.g., 3-9x or 4-12x) is a common choice.
    • Consider the reticle type. Mil-dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles can be beneficial for long-range shooting.
  2. Mounting the Scope:
    • Ensure that the scope is properly mounted and aligned with the rifle. Use quality scope rings and mounts to secure the scope to the rifle.
    • Make sure the eye relief is set correctly for your shooting position.
  3. Zeroing:
    • Zero your scope at a specific distance, typically 100 yards/meters. This means adjusting the scope so that the point of impact aligns with where the crosshairs are aimed.
    • Consistent and accurate zeroing is crucial for precise shot placement.
  4. Understanding Ballistics:
    • Familiarize yourself with the ballistics of the .308 cartridge. This includes understanding bullet drop at various distances.
    • Some scopes have adjustable turrets for windage and elevation, allowing you to compensate for environmental factors and bullet drop.
  5. Practice:
    • Regularly practice shooting with your scoped .308 rifle to become familiar with its characteristics.
    • Practice at different distances and in various environmental conditions to gain confidence in your equipment.
  6. Maintenance:
    • Keep your scope clean and properly maintained. Regularly check for any signs of damage or fogging.
    • Protect your scope from harsh weather conditions when not in use.
  7. Considerations for Specific Shooting Situations:
    • If you plan on using your rifle for hunting, choose a scope with a wide field of view and good light transmission for low-light conditions.
    • For long-range precision shooting, a more specialized scope with high magnification and precise adjustments may be suitable.

Remember that the effectiveness of your scope also depends on personal preferences, shooting conditions, and the specific type of shooting you plan to do. Always follow safety guidelines and regulations when using firearms.

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