Re: Scope $200 to 300 range
there's alot available as a deer hunting scope in that price range.
usually a simple 30/30 reticle is good as it's simple.
for something with a little more trinkets / gizmos and upgrade in reticle, millet TRS or weaver tactical
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/598484/...t-reticle-matte
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/740823/...r-reticle-matte
for the deer woods whether it's nebraska or new jersey, the 3-9 or 4-16 range is the way to go, close shots the lower end of magnification doesn't get you just an eyeful of fur, for longer shots you have the higher magnification with the added benefit of zooming in / checking out your game before you fire to confirm that it is legal game, and brings in more detail of rack size, etc.
nikon & bushnell offers some good hunting scopes for under 300.00, and leopold does too around 300.00. a leopold is a leopold, probably your best choice for deer glass, keeps it's value.
there are the BDC (bullet drop compensating) reticles out there, although i'd rather dial in rather than holdover, those reticles are useful ---- just make sure you actually practice with them first to confirm that the holdover circles / lines are correct for your ammo / caliber.
replace rimfire with centerfire:
Thoughts on picking a scope for a rimfire. scroll down, there's a glossary of optics terms that will give you an idea of what manufacturer's are talking about.
GOOD POST ON OPTICS SELECTION, RETICLES, ETC.
make a pros and cons list of scopes you've searched and it'll narrow things down for you.
for 100 - 200 yards in the deer woods, you don't need to strap on the hubble with all sorts of do dads, it's actually sometimes a detriment. the drop out to 200 from a 100 yard zero isn't that much that you'll need turrts and such for a center shot into vitals.
budget in for scope caps, butler creek or weaver polar caps (see thru, my personal hunting favorite) for misty, rainy, snowy days or for just keeping the lens clean they are worth every penny X 10.
next question is rings, bases, etc.
PICATINNY RAILS, WEAVER BASES, RING CHOICE & SIZES
when checking out scopes, bases, etc keep in mind you may want to do other things with your rifle besides deer hunting, a few "extras" on the same optic you pick for deer can help with target applications, which is why i suggested the TRS and Weaver earlier.