Are you on the hunt for the best BDC scope for 308? If yes, you are in the right place. This is your ultimate guide to buying the best BDC scopes for 308.
The .308 Winchester is one of the most versatile bottlenecked rifle cartridges out there. You can use it for nearly any application from big game hunting at long ranges to competitive shooting at medium to long ranges.
Finding a scope that matches the versatility and performance of the 308 is important to make you a better hunter or shooter. A scope will give you better and clear views of targets even at long ranges and help you take a precise shot even in the most strenuous shooting environments.
In this post, we have done our homework and put up a list of the best BDC scopes for use with this popular cartridge. Featuring the BDC reticle, these scopes will help you squeeze out the most from the 308 round no matter the application you will be using it for.
With all that in mind, let’s get started.
8 Best BDC Scopes for 308
1) Meopta Optika6 2.5-15x44mm 30mm Tube Rifle Scope
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First up is the Meopta Optika6 2.5-15x44mm rifle scope. This top-performing rifle scope harbors a wide selection of high-end features that make it ideal for fast-paced medium and long-range competition shooting and hunting. The unbeatable versatility cements this scope’s name among the best BDC scopes for 308.
It boasts a variable 2.5-15x magnification that offers the perfect combination of a wide field of view and rapid target acquisition. To complement the broad zoom range, the scope also features a 30mm tube which provides ample room for adjustment range and a 44mm aperture that generated clear views of targets even at the highest zoom setting.
The scope employs a BDC 3 reticle housed on the second focal plane. The reticle is illuminated at the center and there are 7 selectable levels to ensure optimal visibility in all lighting conditions.
Moreover, the scope has MeoBright multi-coated lenses that maximize light transfer and suppress glare for bright, crisp and color-accurate image views.
Another outstanding feature of this unit is its robust construction. It has a lightweight and durable aluminum housing with a matte black anodized finish and capped turrets. Additionally, the scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be fully waterproof and fog proof.
Best of all, the scope has an accommodating eye relief that is essential for comfortable shooting and rapid target acquisition. Harboring impressive features Optika6 2.5-15×44 is a force to be reckoned with and a worthy suit for the .308 rifle.
Features
- Wide 2.5-15x zoom
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- MeoShield lens coating
- BDC 3-Second focal plane reticle
- Matte black anodized finish
- Low-profile capped turrets
Pros
- RD reticle illuminated system
- Lightweight yet durable design
- Versatility
- Comfortable eye relief
Cons
- Water-resistant to only 1m only
2) Athlon Optics 4-16×40 mm Rifle Scope
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The Athlon 4-16 x 40mm SFP scope is one of the best BDC scopes for 308 that is ideal for budget buyers. Though it has affordable pricing, it is made with high-quality features to ensure that you never miss a beat or a target.
The scope is ideal for hunting in low-light conditions. It boasts a large 40mm objective lens which offers superb low-light performance. Additionally, it employs fully multi-coated optics which optimize light transmission for bright and clear views of targets from dawn to dusk.
This scope is built and ready for rugged outdoor use. It has a heat-treated one-piece tube construction to provide next-level durability and sturdiness in any terrain. It is also shockproof to handle anything you throw at it, and fully fog proof, dustproof and water-resistant for all-weather reliability.
The Athlon 4-16 x 40mm rifle scope also has an admirably lightweight design so it will be convenient to use and carry in the field. Outstanding low-light performance makes Athlon Optics 4-16 x 40 mm Rifle Scope an excellent partner for the .308 hunting rifle.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Heat-treated single-piece main tube
- Water, fog, and shockproof
- Adjustable parallax
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Affordable
- Clear glass at all power settings
- Solid turrets
Cons
- Shorter eye relief at maximum zoom power
3) Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope
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Vortex is dedicated to making high-quality optics and this is clear in the Diamondback 3.5-10x50mm SFP Rifle Scope. The scope is fitted with nearly every feature so you can squeeze out the most from your .308 rifle
The scope is built to endure anything you subject it to. It is made from 6061-T6 aluminum which is sturdy enough to take in any abuse. Further, it is fitted with a precision adjustment system which allows for an ample amount of correction and weather-resistant housing for use in any environment.
With the mid-level magnification and the large 50mm objective, the scope offers excellent performance at varying ranges with outstanding twilight performance. Additionally, the optic system is fully multi-coated to yield bright and clear views from sunrise to sunset.
Above all, the scope has a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that maintains its size throughout the entire zoom range. Diamondback 3.5-10×50 checks all the right boxes. From tough construction, dependable performance, and incomparable versatility to reliable tracking, this scope is clearly a front-runner among the best BDC scopes for 308.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- SFP Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Low profile turrets
- Waterproof construction
- Precision-glide erector system
- 1-inch main tube
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Outstanding low-light performance
- Ultra-clear glass
- The turrets click nicely
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
4) Leica Amplus 6 3-18x44i Rifle Scope
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When you are looking to improve your aim at extended ranges, you need a good scope like the Leica Amplus 6 3-18x44i. This well-balanced riflescope harbors exceptional features for enhanced functionality. Built for any terrain, the scope delivers relentless performance in any weather making it one of the best BDC scopes for 308.
Versatility defines the Leica Amplus 6 Rifle Scope. It is designed with a powerful zoom, high-quality optics, and a highly practical second focal plane reticle. You can use the scope for close-range encounters through medium-range and long-engage shooting applications.
To complement the vast and versatile zoom are specialized lens coatings that repel water, dust particles, and debris to ensure that your view is always clear. On top of that, the whole tube is nitrogen filled to keep the lenses fog-free and sealed with O-rings to be fully waterproof.
A state-of-the-art optical system is the other admirable aspect that makes the Leica Amplus 6 Rifle Scope one of the best BDC scopes for 308. The lenses are built of superior glass for brilliant and color-neutral images. Premium coating on the lenses further augments light transmission resulting in crisp images in any lighting.
The scope is made with user comfort in mind. Firstly, it has an easy-focus eyepiece and a comfortable eye relief that guarantees optimal eye comfort. It also offers a wide field of view at the lowest zoom power for snap target acquisition, and with the compact and lightweight design, you will be able to carry it freely in the field.
To top it all, the Leica Amplus 6 3-18x44i rifle scope has a sturdy 30mm aluminum main tube with scratch-proof and reflection-limiting matte black anodized finish. Leica Amplus 6 Rifle Scope is an attractive welcome to the shooting world and a worthy partner for the .308 rifle.
Features
- Exposed finger adjustable turrets
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Second focal plane reticle
- Water-repellent AquaDura lens coating
- Wide 6:1 zoom range
- Easy focus eyepiece
- Durable matte black anodized finish
Pros
- Simple and uncluttered reticle design
- Reticle illumination
- Generous eye relief
- Compact and lightweight design
- Crisp clear optics
- Wide field of view
- Reliable for any hunting situation
- Unrivaled low-light performance
Cons
- Quite expensive
5) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescope with Chevron .308 Reticle
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If you use your .308 rifle to shoot at constant ranges in similar environments, this rifle scope is your ideal choice. The riflescope provides a brilliant aiming solution making it an excellent partner for the .308 rifle. Accuracy and dependability cement Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescope name among the best BDC scopes for 308.
This multi-purpose riflescope employs a bullet drop compensating & ranging Chevron .308 reticle which allows for bullet drop out to 800m. This makes it ideal for long-range hunting and competition shooting.
More important, it is built to offer unparalleled durability. It boasts a rugged aluminum alloy housing that provides for a virtually indestructible sighting system. Further, the scope employs battery-free reticle illumination and you can shoot with both eyes open thanks to the Bindon aiming concept.
Features
- 5x fixed magnification
- Rugged aluminum alloy housing
- Battery-free illumination
- A Bullet Drop Compensating & ranging reticle
- Bindon aiming concept
Pros
- Excellent glass clarity
- Extremely rugged construction
- Lightweight
- Battery-free reticle illumination
Cons
- Fixed power
6) Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
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As one of the best BDC scopes for 308, the Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope offers the most ideal combination of precision and versatility. It is ideal for hunting and shooting from medium to long ranges.
With this scope, you are guaranteed of finding targets swiftly in any environment. It combines the legendary Zeiss quality and SCHOTT fluoride glass to offer bright image views and optimum resolution even in harsh environments and the most challenging lighting conditions.
Furthermore, the scope boasts an ultrafine illuminated dot that is extremely helpful when pursuing targets in unfavorable lighting conditions. Besides that, it offers a clean and clear field of view and reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Features
- 30mm main tube diameter
- Second focal plane reticle
- Premium SCHOTT fluoride glass
- Anodized aluminum alloy housing
- Versatile 3-18x zoom
- BT windage and elevation turrets
- Large 50mm objective lens
Pros
- Comfortable eye relief
- Clean views in any environment
- Ultra-fine illuminated dot
- German quality
- Instant zoom adjustments
Cons
- Pricey
7) SIG SAUER Whiskey3 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
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The SIG SAUER Whiskey3 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is a dependable addition to any .308 rifle. It is ideal for both medium and long-range hunting in a wide range of hunting environments. The unrivaled performance and incomparable versatility make it rank high among the best BDC scopes for 308.
With a mere weight of 16oz, the scope will not only be easy to carry in the field but also simple to use. It will also scatter the recoil the 308 generates and optimize durability. Furthermore, it has an LED-illuminated reticle to enhance visibility in low-light hunting environments.
Construction-wise, the scope has a European-style eyepiece that guarantees smooth, rapid, and precise reticle adjustment. It also has low-dispersion glass that provides admirable optical clarity for any situation and a matte finish that reduces glare and reflection.
The scope also has a fog-proof design and IPX-7 water-resistant rating so you can hunt with confidence in any environment. The dependability accorded by the superior construction is one of the reasons the scope has won the hearts of practically-minded hunters.
Overall, for the price of Whiskey, 3 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is a great choice for any hunter looking for a reliable shooting solution. Clarity will surprise you and the performance coupled with reliable tracking will improve your shooting accuracy immensely.
Features
- 40mm objective lens
- LED reticle illumination
- Matte finish
- Water-resistant and fog-proof design
- European style eyepiece
- 4-12x magnification range
- Low dispersion glass
Pros
- Great value for the money
- High-quality make
- Clear and bright optics
- Comfortable eye relief
Cons
- It is a 1-inch tube scope
8) Athlon Optics Neos 4-12x40mm Side Focus Rifle Scope
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Finally, yet importantly, we have the Neos 4-12x40mm Side Focus Rifle Scope. It has a focus range from 10 yards to infinity and an ultra-versatile 4-12x zoom that is ideal for medium and long-range hunting.
Bringing down targets with this scope is made easier with high-quality optics that generate bright and color-accurate image views. The reticle is illuminated for smooth shooting in low light settings and with the fully multi-coated lenses, you are guaranteed excellent light transmission from dawn till when the sun sets.
The scope is made to offer unmatched durability. It is housed in a heat-treated single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is shockproof for use in rough terrain and fully waterproof and fog-resistant to be operable in any weather.
Above all, the scope has its reticle etched on the glass to offer greater durability as well as higher resistance to recoil.
Neos 4-12x40mm Side Focus Rifle Scope is one of the best BDC scopes for 308 for those on a budget. A high-quality construction, illuminated reticle to boost performance at dawn or dusk, top-notch optics, and weatherproofing abilities sum up this hunting rifle scope.
Features
- Shockproof mechanical system
- Glass-etched second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Heat-treated one-piece tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 4-12x magnification
- 1-inch main tube diameter
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Clear glass
- Illuminated reticle
- Solid construction
Cons
- Slightly mushy windage and elevation turrets
Read Also
- 5 Best Vortex Scopes for 308 Bolt Action, Long Range & Hunting
- 10 Best LPVO for 308
- 5 Best AR 308 Scopes
- 7 Best Scopes for 308 at 500 Yards
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best BDC Scopes for 308
Magnification
A riflescope for use with the .308 should have a magnification that is versatile enough to match its capabilities. Since the 308 is ideal for long-range hunting and shooting, you should get a scope that has a high zoom power.
High magnification results will let you observe distance targets even in less ideal environments. Typically, a scope with more than 10x magnification should sufficient.
Objective Lens
You must get a scope with a large objective lens especially if you plan to use it under low-light settings. A large objective lens which is also called the aperture will collect more light into the scope for bright and clear image views. It also provides a large field of view.
Glass Quality
Get a scope that is made with the best glass quality that you can afford. A scope that employs high-quality glass such as XD or ED yields crisp clear sight pictures rich in color contrast.
Also, ensure that the scope has fully multi-coated or fully-coated lenses to ensure optimal transmission of light.
Durability
You want a rifle scope that will endure the high recoil the 308 generates and stands up to anything nature throws at it. To achieve this, the scope should have robust housing made from high-strength materials like aluminum.
The best BDC scopes for 308 should also be fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog resistant to be usable even in harsh weather conditions.
Weight
Weight is the other important factor you should consider. The last thing you want is a cumbersome scope that not only hinders your movement in the field but also interferes with the accuracy of your firearm.
To avoid this, look for a scope that is compact and lightweight. It will not just be convenient to carry around, but also simpler to use. A light scope will also disperse the .308 recoil more effectively.
Is a 3-9×40 Scope Good for a 308?
The .308 rifle is a sufficiently accurate and powerful cartridge capable of handling several shooting applications efficiently. From medium to big game hunting to competition shooting, the 308 Winchester is your go-to round.
In the USA, 308 Winchester is widely used in the hunting of deer, elks, black bears, and medium-sized game. For hunting applications, a scope 3-9×40 is an excellent partner for your .308 rifle.
Moreso, most of these games are acquired at medium-range distances of 200 to 500 yards and 3-9x scope power is suitable for covering the range.
FFP or SFP for .308 Scope?
The FFP vs SFP debate isn’t ending anytime soon. In the right set of hands and eyes, both focal planes deliver the intended results. When choosing the best focal plane for your .308 rifle, there are important questions you need to seek answers to first.
First up is what is the intended use of the rifle? The answer to this question will help you to gauge whether an FFP or SFP reticle is more beneficial for your particulars. A reticle for hunting will not yield the same results in long-range shooting so application matters.
What distinguishes the two focal planes is how the reticle behaves with power changes. In the FFP scope, the reticle changes as the power are changed while in an SFP scope, the reticle remains static in all power settings.
FFP reticle has two main advantages. First, the reticle subtensions are constantly facilitating accurate ballistic holdovers at any power. Second, as the reticle expands as the power is increased, it is more visible at higher magnification so holdover points can be seen easily.
If you plan to use your .308 rifle for competition or target shooting, an FFP scope is a better choice. Hunters who demand long-range performance can also opt for the FFP scope.
SFP scopes are more popular in the hunting world. Since the reticle doesn’t change when the magnification is changed, they offer crosshair visibility for lower power settings. At higher powers, SFP scope improves the visibility of smaller targets.
Other important considerations to keep in mind when deciding which reticle focal plane fits your needs more are the magnification requirements and how the scope will be used most of the time. Generally, FFP scopes are limited to certain applications while SFP scopes have a broader spectrum. The best reticle plane for a .308 scope is SFP.
What is a 308 Winchester Good For?
We can all agree that .308 Winchester is an exceptional hunting cartridge. Its relevance in the hunting world for all those years is a clear testament. .308 Winchester is one of the best centerfire rifle cartridges in America.
The .308 rifle is a highly versatile weapon. Mainly used for hunting medium to big-sized games, competition shooting, target shooting, and some defense roles. The .308 has a large fan base among deer and elk hunters because of its accuracy, moderate recoil, and outstanding performance.
Best BDC Scopes for 308 FAQs
Q: What Scope Magnification is Needed for 308?
The magnification that you need for use with a 308 rifle depends on what you are going to use the scope for and the distance you will be shooting at. The longer the distance, the higher the magnification needed.
Q: Are BDC Scopes Worth It?
Absolutely. A BDC scope will be really helpful, particularly when hunting. It enables precise shot placement when hunting or shooting at different distances where there can be an issue with holdover correction.
Q: What Scope Should I Put on My 308?
The scope that you put on your 308 meets your needs and that of your firearm. Whether it’s for hunting or competitive shooting, no one scope is said to be ideal for all.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best BDC scopes for 308 doesn’t have to be an unpleasant and daunting task. With the right guide and knowledge of what you need in scope, you should be able to find your ideal scope swiftly. Regardless of the scope that you end up choosing for your 308, we are hopeful that you have found this post to be enlightening.