Many people love making use of .308 rifles due to how excellent the performance is. Even despite the advent of the AR-15, many people still prefer using a .308 rifle.
The .308 rifle is definitely a classic and if you already own one, then you probably want to get the most out of it. For this reason, it’s going to be good to find the best Leupold scope for .308 rifles.
Today you’re going to be able to see several of the best rifle scope options for the .308 on the market. You will also be able to go over some of the basics of the .308 rifle to learn a bit more about what it can do.
Once all is said and done, you should know much more about this rifle and the best scope to use for it. Read on to get all of the important details.
In a hurry? Here’s the list of the best Leupold rifle scopes for the .308:
- Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm – Best Overall
- Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm – Best for Hunters
- Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 3-9x40mm – Best for AR
- Leupold VX Freedom 3-9x40mm – Best Affordable
What Are the Basics of a .308?
If you’re new to using a .308 rifle, then you will want to know about some of the basics. This is a fantastic rifle to use for many different purposes.
It can be great for hunting and it will also be a good option for target shooting. One of the biggest concerns that people have when purchasing a .308 is whether or not the recoil is going to be too much for them.
Thankfully, the recoil on a .308 is not too bad at all. This is especially true when you’re using a semi-automatic version of the rifle. If you’re a novice, then it’s possible that the recoil might startle you a bit but it isn’t a huge leap from smaller guns. Just keep in mind that recoil can differ from gun to gun and that felt recoil can be a somewhat subjective matter.
You should also know a little bit about the objective lenses that are used in .308 rifle scopes before proceeding. If you haven’t purchased a rifle scope in the past, then you might not really know what to look for.
Basically, a larger objective lens is going to do a better job of gathering light than a smaller one. Even so, what matters the most is the quality of the glass that is being used.
For instance, you might not notice a huge difference when using an objective lens of a slightly larger size if the coating isn’t as good. You should also remember that bigger objective lenses will be heavier so you might want a smaller one if you don’t like having to add too much weight to your rifle.
What Magnification Do You Need for Typical Use of a .308?
Using a scope with your .308 is going to maximize the distance that you can shoot. This is a rifle that can shoot up to 200 yards accurately without a scope but you’re going to want to use magnification for targets that are further out.
When it comes to shooting at close-range targets that are 150 yards away or less, it’s recommended to use 1x-6x magnification (have a look at the best 1-6x scopes). Using lower magnification for close-range targets is going to be best when you don’t want to blur your vision.
Medium-range shots with targets that are in the 150- to 300-yard range will be your ideal distance to shoot with this rifle. In order to get a clean shot at this range, it is recommended to use between 6x and 9x magnification on your scope.
Long-distance targets that are 350 yards out or more will push your rifle to the limits. A long-range scope with 10x magnification or higher is recommended if you’re going to attempt shots that are this far out.
Need a short-range scope? Have a look at our reviews of the best 1-4x riflescopes!
What Are the Best Leupold Scopes for the .308?
Now it is time to take a look at some Leupold rifle scopes for the .308. There are four options down below and they’re each going to be good to consider for different reasons.
You can read about the details of each scope to get some insight into its capabilities. This should make it easier to pick out the ideal option for your needs.
Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm – Best Overall
This is a scope that is considered to be the best overall Leupold scope for the .308. It has been made to be 100% waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof.
This makes it a very reliable long-range scope and overall one of the contenders as the best scope for 308 for many different situations. You’re going to be able to use this scope brilliantly for hunting, target shooting, and more.
The Leupold VX-3HD scope for 308 makes use of a diamond coat 2 ion-assist lens coating as well. It allows for excellent light transmission while giving you abrasion protection.
You’re also going to enjoy the precision ¼ MOA finger click adjustments on this rifle scope. It makes it incredibly simple to adjust for windage and elevation, allowing you to reliably use the scope for your needs. Elevation and windage can be adjusted by 55 MOA which is sufficiently large for long-range shots if you’re not aiming too far into the distance.
You’ll find that the VX-3HD scope is exceptionally durable too. It has been crafted using aircraft-quality aluminum and has been tested thoroughly.
It should last for a lifetime even when being used under punishing conditions. It can handle whatever recoil a .308 is going to throw at it.
It’s also important to mention the twilight max light management system that is being used here. This can add up to 20 minutes of shooting light while reducing glare.
It’s very useful for hunters and it goes a long way toward helping the scope to earn its reputation as the best overall option. You’re also going to be impressed with just how lightweight this scope is with its one-inch main tube design.
The field of view at 100 yards ranges between 29 and 11 feet for the Leupold VX-3HD. Eye relief is a generous 3.6 to 4.4 inches making sure you can reduce any chance of scope bite when mounting it on a 308 rifle.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm – Best for Hunters and Long-Range
This next option that you’re seeing here is a great rifle scope for hunters to make use of. The Leupold VX-5HD is going to be very bright and clear but is also on the more expensive side of things.
It works well when you’re out hunting and remains clear in low-light situations. You are going to be able to rely on a scope such as this to help you have a successful hunting trip.
The Leupold VX-5HD makes use of the same type of waterproof and fogproof technology that was mentioned earlier. It helps to keep your visibility high and you won’t have trouble seeing things.
It also comes with a lens cover for your convenience. This uses a diamond lens coating that performs very well too. This is a high-quality coating that gives your scope protection while ensuring that you have the best possible clarity.
You’ll also need to know that this scope for 308 has a Fine Duplex CDS reticle. It makes use of a custom-dial system and also features Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management system. The lenses are fully multi-coated and Leupold uses low dispersion glass for the lenses.
The scope tube measures 30mm in diameter to allow a lot of light into the scope. The combination of ultra-clear glass and a large scope tube makes for excellent light transmission during the dusk and dawn hours of the day,
The 3-15x is a very versatile and useful magnification range for hunting purposes and you’re going to be able to use this to get the clean shots that you’re looking for. The upper range is a great limit for long-range scopes.
Taking clear shots at the target is essential when you want to go out hunting. Getting a clean kill allows you to be the most ethical hunter possible.
The magnification on this rifle is perfect for hunting purposes. It is going to feel natural and you will be ready to take the shot when an opportunity presents itself.
The finger-adjustable click windage and elevation dials are very user-friendly as well. You shouldn’t have any problem adjusting things on the fly when using this .308 rifle scope. Elevation and windage can be adjusted by 75 MOA on the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44.
The eye relief is a solid 3.7 to 3.82 inches. The field of view ranges from 7.9 feet to 38.3 feet at 100 yards.
It feels easy to use and the scope is very clear. If you want a bright scope for 308 that will work brilliantly for hunting purposes, then you should consider giving this one a shot.
Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 3-9x40mm – Best for .308 AR
Now it’s time to look at an interesting scope that is meant for a .308 AR. The Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 is the best Leupold scope for 308 that you can use with a .308 AR and you’re going to find that it has many excellent features.
It has the usual waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof capabilities that you have come to expect from Leupold rifle scopes. This is also fairly lightweight for a scope of this size, making use of the one-inch main tube design.
This rifle scope makes use of CDS turrets in order to give you a better experience. You can specify this during your order to simplify taking longer shots than usual.
If you like to push the limits of your gun and take long-range shots, then this is going to come in handy. You can eliminate the need for holdovers or ballistic calculations by using a convenient dial that is customized to your rifle.
Being able to save yourself time in this way really does make a huge difference. If you’re looking for a rifle scope for your .308 AR that is simple to use, then this is definitely at the top of the list.
It is going to be easy to use this rifle scope to its full potential and that can give you better results. This is a very worth-it rifle scope that is going to work well for your needs.
As always, the coating is going to be very important when determining the abilities of the rifle scope. This makes use of a multi-coat 4 in order to give you extreme clarity.
This should allow you to see clearly in your entire visual field while giving you great contrast. You will have a bright sight picture even when you’re using your scope in low-light conditions.
You’ll be able to make very accurate shots using this rifle scope. It is user-friendly and you will love how much it improves your experience.
This is another scope that is going to be great for pretty much anything that you want to do. Consider giving this one a try if you’re using a .308 AR.
Review of the Leupold Mark 3HD Scopes – Precision Tactical Rifle Scopes
Leupold VX Freedom 3-9x40mm – Best Affordable
Finally, it is time to take a look at the Leupold VX Freedom. This rifle scope has earned its reputation as one of the most affordable rifle scopes for the .308. It isn’t all about being cost-effective, though. This is also a rifle scope that performs fantastically.
The Leupold VX Freedom is a very durable rifle scope that can last you for a lifetime. It has been tested to withstand harsh recoil and it performs well under pressure.
Also, this is another 100% waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof rifle scope. It should be easy to make use of the Leupold VX Freedom in various situations without having to worry.
You are going to love the twilight light management system that this scope uses. It allows for an extra ten minutes of light while also giving you reduced glare.
This rifle scope (Tips On How To Buy A Rifle Scope) has a very crisp sight picture, allowing you to get clear shots. Combine this with the 3:1 zoom ratio and you have a rifle scope that works great for many things.
You should be able to shoot at several different ranges using this scope and rifle combination. It is going to be good for shooting at mid-range but it can also work for close-range targets.
When you have a reliable rifle scope such as this, it is very easy to feel confident that you will be prepared to take your shot. It is simple to use and it always gives you a clear view while providing you with the necessary options.
It is also important to mention the precision ¼ MOA finger click adjustments. Adjusting for windage and elevation is really intuitive with this rifle scope.
You are able to depend on this rifle scope when you need to make adjustments fast. Overall, this is a great rifle scope that you are able to purchase at a very reasonable price, making it something that is easy to recommend.
A closer look at the affordable Leupold VX-Freedom Rifle Scope Series
The Leupold VX Freedom is also in our list of the best 17 HMR scope!
Conclusion
After taking a look at all of the best Leupold scope for .308 options, it should be easier to figure out which one is right for you. You have several to choose from and they are all good for different reasons.
You can find the perfect scope for hunting or you can go for the best scope that is still cost-effective. Either way, you are getting a high-quality scope that will greatly improve your experience with a .308 rifle.
Just make sure that you take the time to go over all of the details above. It will give you the information that you need to make the right decision.
The .308 rifle is a great asset and you are going to love owning one. When you have the perfect scope to use with it, you are going to have an even better time.
