When it comes to 308 hunting, the quest for precision and accuracy demands an optic that can rise to the occasion. This article on the Best Vortex Scope for 308 Hunting, will take you through scopes with a good reputation for quality and innovation. Vortex Optics has engineered scopes that effortlessly marries rugged durability with crystal-clear optics. Let’s dive in!
What is The Range of a 308?
Generally, a .308 rifle can accurately engage targets at distances of up to 800 to 1,000 yards (730 to 915 meters) for precision shooting in favorable conditions. However, for practical hunting purposes, the range is typically limited to around 300 to 500 yards (275 to 460 meters) due to factors such as bullet drop, wind drift, and target visibility.
Is 308 More Powerful than 223?
Yes, the .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) is generally more powerful than the .223 Remington (5.56x45mm NATO). One of its key differences is the size of the cartridges and their ballistic performance. The .308 has a larger case, heavier bullets, and generates higher muzzle energy compared to the .223.
However, this greater energy results in significantly more stopping power and a longer effective range for the .308, making it a preferred choice for medium to large game hunting and long-range precision shooting. The .223, is typically used for varmint hunting, target shooting, and military applications due to its lower recoil and higher ammunition capacity in semi-automatic rifles.
Does Vortex Make Good Scopes?
Yes, Vortex Optics is widely recognized for producing high-quality scopes. Over the years the company has earned a strong reputation in the optics industry for offering a range of reliable and durable scopes across various price points.
The brand is known for its exceptional optics clarity, robust construction, and innovative features. It also has the Vortex VIP Warranty, which provides lifetime coverage and excellent customer support.
Best Vortex Scope for 308 Hunting
1) Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is a budget-friendly scope with high-quality optics designed to enhance the accuracy and performance of long-range shooting applications.
With a magnification range of 6x to 24x, it offers shooters the flexibility to engage targets at varying distances with precision.
It has a 50mm objective lens that gathers ample light, ensuring a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions.
Another outstanding feature of this scope is the adjustable objective (AO), which allows users to focus the reticle and eliminate parallax for precise shot placement.
It is built with a rugged and shockproof construction, it is designed to withstand the rigors of the field, including recoil from high-caliber rifles.
Key features
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 4.4 – 17.3 ft at 100 yds
- Length: 14.5 inches
- Weight: 23.6 oz
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
2) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
Our next pick is the Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm rifle scope with a 1-inch tube and a second focal plane reticle.
Like most Vortex scopes, the scope is durable being constructed from high-quality materials, and also features O-ring seals to make it waterproof, fogproof, and resistant to dust.
Has a second focal plane reticle, which maintains a constant suspension size as you change magnification levels.
The 40mm objective lens gathers ample light, ensuring clear and bright images even in low-light conditions. Also switching between magnification settings is easier and this is because of the precision glide erector system.
Also features, metal-on-metal precision turrets that let you zero reset after sighting into your target.
Key features
- Magnification: 4 – 12 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 inches
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 11.3 – 32.4 ft at 100 yds
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.4 inches
- Weight: 14.6 oz
- Length: 11.9 inches
3) Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
On to the next, we have the Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope. It is a top-tier optic designed to cater to the needs of precision shooters and hunters looking for exceptional clarity, versatility, and durability in their riflescope.
The 50mm objective lens ensures there are excellent light-gathering capabilities, providing a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions.
With a versatile magnification range of 6x to 24x, the scope performs well both in long-range shooting and medium-range shooting.
It is constructed with durability in mind as it is made with materials to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, this scope is both waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring performance in adverse weather conditions.
In addition, it features fully multi-coated optics to maximize light transmission, reduce glare, and maintain color fidelity, resulting in a crisp and clear image.
Key features
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 5.1 – 17.8 ft at 100 yds
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 m
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Length: 15.5 inches
- Weight: 22.6 oz
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
4) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope, is a popular and versatile optic designed to deliver reliable performance for a variety of shooting applications.
Has a 3-9x magnification range that provides flexibility for shooting at different distances, making it versatile for both close-range shooting and long-range shooting.
It features the 40mm objective lens, allowing the scope to have good light transmission, ensuring clear and bright images in a wide range of lighting conditions.
The scope offers a sleek and lightweight design, with its 1-inch main tube, making it suitable for a wide range of firearms, including hunting rifles and AR-style platforms.
One of its outstanding features is the capped turrets, they offer easy and secure windage and elevation adjustments, and the fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
Key features
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 inches
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 34.1 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 15 oz
- Length: 12 inches
5) Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
Let’s dive into the Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope.
This scope offers a magnification range from 4x to 16x, which makes it suitable for various shooting scenarios, from close-range engagements to mid-range and even long-range precision shooting.
The 50mm objective lens, allows for excellent light transmission, ensuring a clear and bright sight picture in low-light conditions, even in dawn and dusk.
In addition, features a second focal plane reticle, meaning the reticle’s size remains constant while the target image changes with magnification adjustments.
It has a hard-anodized finish that provides a durable and scratch-resistant coating to protect the scope’s exterior. It helps the scope withstand rough handling and environmental factors.
Key features
- Magnification 4 – 16 x
- Objective Lens Diameter 50 mm
- Exit Pupil 1.13 – 12.5 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Weight 22 oz
- Length 13.7 inches
- Eye Relief 4 inches
6) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm 34mm Tube First Focal Plane Rifle Scope is a premium, high-performance optic designed for serious precision shooting and tactical applications.
It features an FFP reticle design meaning that the reticle’s size changes with magnification, ensuring that holdover, ranging, and windage corrections remain accurate at any magnification level.
The scope typically comes with an illuminated reticle, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. the 50mm objective lens also ensures excellent light transmission and a large exit pupil, resulting in a bright and clear sight picture, even in low-light conditions.
Key features
- Magnification: 3 – 18 x
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 6.25 – 37.8 ft at 100 yds
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
- Exit Pupil: 2.78 – 16.67 mm
- Weight: 46.5 oz
7) Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10×50 mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
Next to our Vortex list, we have the Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane.
Like all Vortex scopes, it is built to withstand harsh and rigorous conditions as it is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and ruggedness.
The scope features a magnification range from 3.5x to 10x, which provides shooters with flexibility for close-range engagements and moderate-distance shots.
With the 50mm objective lens, the scope excels in light-gathering capabilities, ensuring bright and clear images even in low-light conditions.
Key features
- Magnification 3.5 – 10 x
- Exit Pupil 5 – 14.29 mm
- Eye Relief 3.3 – 3.6 in
- Objective Lens Diameter 50 mm
- Weight 15.5 oz
- Reticle Focal Plane Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Length 12.4 inches
8) Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm FFP (First Focal Plane) is a high-powered and versatile rifle scope designed to meet the demands of your shooting activities.
The magnification range of 5-25x offers considerable flexibility and versatility, thus allowing you to engage targets at both extended distances and shorter ranges with ease.
Featuring a large 56mm objective lens, makes the scope have excellent light transmission, ensuring optimal brightness and clarity of the sight picture, even in low-light conditions.
It is also easy to use with the fast-focus eyepiece that allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, facilitating rapid target acquisition.
Key features
- Magnification 5 – 25 x
- Reticle Focal Plane First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.24 – 11.2 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
- Weight: 30.4 oz
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Vortex Scope for 308 Hunting
When choosing the best Vortex scope for .308 hunting you should take into consideration by checking several factors to ensure you have the right optic for your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Optical Quality: Look for scopes with high-quality glass, anti-reflective coatings, and multiple lens elements. Clarity and image brightness are critical for your shooting needs.
- Determine Your Budget: It is important to determine the amount you are willing to spend on the scope. Good thing, that Vortex offers scopes across a range of price points, so having a budget in mind will help narrow down your options.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: Always ensure the scope is built with a rugged construction Also look for scopes with waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof features.
- Eye Relief: Long eye relief is crucial to prevent scope eye injuries and ensure comfortable shooting. Look for the scope’s specifications for its eye relief measurements, and make sure it suits your rifle and shooting style.
FAQS
- How Important is Durability for .308 Hunting Scopes?
Durability is very crucial for any hunting scope. Always look for scopes that have waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof features. The good thing is Vortex scopes are known for their rugged construction and weather-resistant features.
- Can I Use a Vortex Scope for .308 on Other Rifles?
Yes, Vortex scopes are versatile and can be used on various rifles, not just .308 rifles. But ensure the scope’s specifications match the recoil and caliber requirements of your specific firearm.
Parting Shot
In the world of .308 hunting, the best Vortex scope is not just an accessory; it’s your ultimate ally in achieving precision and success in the field. In this article, our team has listed top tier scope with exceptional optics, robust construction, and versatile features, and we hope from the list you will get the scope you are looking for. Enjoy Your Hunt!
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