The 6.8 SPC cartridge is a versatile powerhouse, bridging the gap between the .223 and larger .308 rounds. Its flat trajectory and potent energy make it a top choice for hunters pursuing medium game and for those who demand precision at extended ranges. To fully capitalize on the cartridge’s potential, pairing it with the right optic is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity.
A mismatched scope can leave performance on the table, while the right glass can turn a good shot into a great one. Whether you’re in a dense forest or an open field, the best scope for your 6.8 SPC will enhance your accuracy and confidence. After extensive field testing, we’ve compiled a list of the top scopes that complement this cartridge’s unique ballistic profile and diverse applications.
Our Top Picks for 6.8 SPC Scopes
- Leupold Mark 3HD 4-12x40mm Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP
- Trijicon Acog 4×32 Scope Dual Illuminated Chevron
- SWFA SS 3-15×42 Tactical Rifle Scope FFP
- Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone
- SIG SAUER WHISKEY4 5-20X50mm FFP Hunting Rifle Scope
- Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Riflescope, Dusk & Dawn
- UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, Mil-dot
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold Mark 3HD 4-12x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 3HD is built for the shooter who requires precision and repeatability. Its P5 dial offers precise, repeatable 1/10th MIL adjustments, allowing for fine-tuned corrections in the field. The illuminated FireDot TMR reticle provides a clear aiming point in all lighting conditions, from bright midday to low-light dusk.
Durability is a cornerstone of this scope, featuring scratch-resistant lenses with extreme military-standard protection. The matte finish helps eliminate glare, keeping you concealed. This combination of robust construction and advanced optical features makes it a reliable partner for your 6.8 SPC rifle across various hunting scenarios.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 First Focal Plane Riflescope
Versatility is the defining trait of the Vortex Viper PST Gen II. This first focal plane riflescope is ideal for close to long-range scenarios, making it perfectly suited for the 6.8 SPC’s effective range. The EBR-2C reticle offers highly functional and intuitive hold points without appearing cluttered, ensuring a clean sight picture.
For shooters who actively dial for elevation and windage, the features are exceptional. Laser-etched turrets, an adjustable parallax, and the RZR zero stop provide a solid, dependable interface. A fiber optic rotation indicator lets you track your turret position at a glance, a small but significant detail for fast-paced shooting.
Trijicon Acog 4×32 Scope Dual Illuminated Chevron
The Trijicon ACOG is legendary for its ruggedness and battery-free operation. Its tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light, ensuring a clear aiming point from dawn to dusk without ever needing a battery. This is a significant advantage for hunters who need a always-ready optic.
Housed in a nearly indestructible forged 7075-T6 aircraft-aluminum-alloy body, the ACOG is built to withstand extreme conditions. Its “both eyes open” design, utilizing the Bindon Aiming Concept, allows for rapid target acquisition and situational awareness, making it effective for both precise shots and closer, fast-moving targets.
SWFA SS 3-15×42 Tactical Rifle Scope FFP
The SWFA SS 3-15×42 is a workhorse scope known for its exceptional tracking and mechanical reliability. As a first focal plane scope, the Mil Quad reticle’s subtensions remain true at any magnification, allowing for accurate holdovers and windage calls throughout the entire magnification range. The 1/10 MIL adjustments offer shooters fine control for precision shooting.
This scope is built with a no-frills approach that focuses on core performance. It provides a clear, sharp image and is constructed to handle recoil and rough use. For the hunter or shooter who values repeatability and a straightforward, functional design, the SWFA SS represents a solid choice.
Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone
Designed specifically for the modern sporting rifle, this Bushnell AR Optics scope is a capable and fast-deploying optic. The Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle in the first focal plane provides hold points out to 600 yards, which can be effectively matched to the 6.8 SPC’s trajectory with proper load verification.
Speed is a key benefit here. The Throw Down PCL lever allows for almost instantaneous magnification changes, which is crucial when a target appears unexpectedly. Exposed turrets facilitate quick windage and elevation adjustments, while the IPX7 waterproof rating and fully multi-coated optics ensure performance in various weather conditions.
SIG SAUER WHISKEY4 5-20X50mm FFP Hunting Rifle Scope
For the hunter who requires high magnification for long-range shots, the SIG SAUER WHISKEY4 is a formidable option. The 5-20x magnification range and large 50mm objective lens gather ample light, providing a bright and clear image even at higher powers. The MOA Milling Hunter 2.0 illuminated reticle offers a precise tool for holdovers.
This scope is built for the backcountry with rugged durability and weatherproof performance. Argon gas purging prevents internal fogging, and factory-installed flip-back lens covers keep the optics protected. A removable throw lever is also included, facilitating swift magnification changes when you need them most.
Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Riflescope, Dusk & Dawn
The Bushnell Banner series is engineered for hunters who operate during the critical low-light periods of dusk and dawn. Its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coating on the lenses enhances light transmission, delivering a brighter and higher-contrast image when many animals are most active.
This 4-12x40mm model offers a versatile magnification range suitable for everything from woodland hunting to longer shots across a field. The fully multi-coated optics ensure a quality sight picture, making it a dependable and value-conscious choice for hunters who need performance when the light begins to fade.
UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, Mil-dot
Built on UTG’s True Strength Platform, this compact scope is a robust and feature-rich option. The 30mm main tube provides a wider range of adjustment and greater strength. It is sealed, nitrogen filled, and rated to be shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof, ready for tough outdoor use.
The scope includes an Adjustable Objective (AO) to eliminate parallax at various ranges, and the full 36-color EZ Tap Mil-dot reticle aids in range estimation and holdover. With best-in-class multi-emerald coated lenses and an integrated sunshade, it offers a lot of functionality for shooters looking for a capable tactical-style scope.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom is a classic American-made hunting scope that offers exceptional value and performance. The 3-9x magnification is arguably the most versatile and popular configuration for a reason—it’s effective for everything from close-range brush shots to reaching out to several hundred yards.
Known for its rugged reliability and waterproof/fogproof construction, the VX-Freedom features Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System for increased light transmission and enhanced image contrast in low light. It’s a lightweight, dependable scope that focuses on the essential features a hunter needs without unnecessary complexity.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Scopes for 6.8 SPC
After spending a lot of time behind a 6.8 SPC, I have a good feel for what this cartridge can do. It is a fantastic medium-game round that really shines when you pair it with the right glass. The goal is to match the scope to the rifle’s inherent capabilities, which for the 6.8 SPC means quick, ethical shots on game from thick brush out to a few hundred yards. Here is what I look for when picking one of the best scopes for 6.8 SPC in 2025.
First, let’s talk magnification. You do not need a huge, high-power scope. The 6.8 SPC is not a 1000-yard cartridge. A low-to-mid power variable optic is the sweet spot. Think about a 1-6x, 2-10x, or 3-9x. This gives you a wide field of view on the low end for fast target acquisition in close quarters, and enough magnification on the top end to make a precise shot at 300 yards or so. I find a 2-10x scope to be just about perfect for this cartridge, offering a great balance for all realistic hunting scenarios.
Next is the objective lens size. A larger objective lens (like 44mm or 50mm) gathers more light, which is great for those low-light moments at dawn and dusk. However, it also makes the scope heavier and often requires higher-mounted rings. A 40mm or 42mm objective is a very common and effective size that keeps the package sleek and lightweight without giving up too much performance. For a hunting rifle that you might carry all day, this is a trade-off worth considering.
The reticle is your interface with the target. For a fast-handling round like the 6.8 SPC, I prefer a simple, uncluttered duplex-style reticle or a modern illuminated BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle. A BDC reticle can be a game-changer, as it gives you holdover points that correspond to the trajectory of your specific load. Just remember, these are calibrated for a specific bullet weight and velocity, so you need to test it at the range to confirm your holds.
Finally, do not forget about durability and optical clarity. You need a scope that can handle the recoil impulse and maintain zero. Look for scopes that are nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for fog-proof and waterproof performance. The quality of the glass—the coatings and the precision of the lenses—is what separates a good scope from a great one. A sharp, bright image is less tiring on your eyes and helps you make a positive identification of your target, which is always the first step of a safe and successful hunt.
FAQ
What is the best magnification range for a 6.8 SPC hunting rifle?
For most hunting applications with the 6.8 SPC, a variable scope in the 1-6x, 2-10x, or 3-9x range is ideal. This gives you the versatility for quick shots in dense cover and enough magnification to place a shot accurately at longer ranges where the cartridge is still effective. I have found that a 2-10x scope offers the best all-around performance for the types of game and distances the 6.8 SPC is meant for.
Is a First Focal Plane (FFP) or Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope better for the 6.8 SPC?
For a hunting rifle, a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope is usually the more practical choice. In an SFP scope, the reticle subtensions (like the marks in a BDC reticle) are only accurate at one magnification, typically the highest power. This is fine for hunting, as you are likely to be on max power when taking a longer shot where you need the holdover points. FFP scopes, where the reticle size changes with magnification, are great for long-range precision and tactical shooting, but add cost and complexity that most hunters do not need with this cartridge.
How important is an illuminated reticle?
An illuminated reticle can be a significant advantage, but it is not strictly necessary. It really helps in low-light conditions against a dark background, like a deer in heavy timber at last light. The illuminated center dot or crosshair stands out, allowing for a precise aiming point when a black reticle might get lost. If you frequently find yourself hunting during the first and last minutes of shooting light, it is a feature worth the investment.
What type of mount should I use for my 6.8 SPC scope?
You need a strong, reliable mounting system. I recommend a one-piece picatinny rail base or a set of sturdy two-piece bases paired with quality rings. Make sure the rings are the correct height for your scope’s objective bell to clear the barrel. Using a torque wrench to properly tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s specifications is critical to maintaining zero and preventing damage to your scope tube.
Can I use a .223/5.56 BDC reticle for my 6.8 SPC?
I would not recommend it. The 6.8 SPC and .223 Remington have very different ballistic trajectories. The holdover points on a BDC reticle calibrated for a .223 will not match the drop of your 6.8 SPC rounds. This will lead to inaccurate shots at extended ranges. Always use a scope with a reticle that is either generic (like a simple duplex) or one that is specifically calibrated for the 6.8 SPC cartridge with the bullet weight you shoot.