I am going out to Wyoming to hunt mule deer for the first time in October and need some rifle scope suggestions. I am going to use my grandfathers Remington Woodsman 742. If you have suggestion for a good cartridge....it would be appreciated as well.




You have a TON of options depending on what you want to spend on a scope. I really like the Nikon Monarch series of scopes. Super optics for the price. On the next price level, you have the Leupold Vari X III line and the Zeiss Conquest line of scopes. I've always been a Leupold guy, but I think I'm actually MORE impressed with the Zeiss Conquest series. SUPER bright optics in low light conditions, ONE piece tube construction, and etched recticles for superb durability and fantastic contrast in those low light conditions. I've seen the Conquest 3X9X40 priced around $399 at Gander Mountain and Bass Pro. There's a pretty significant price jump when you go to higher magnification and larger diameter bell at the end.
You also asked about a "good cartridge" for your Remington 742. What caliber is it chambered in? Most everyone I've know that's owneda 742 had it in .30-06. If you're in a spot where shots could be very close all the way out to as far as you can shoot comfortably, take a look at something loaded with Nosler Accubond bullets. Very good flight characterists for the longer shots and built with a tapered jacket that will hold together and not "blow up" on the closer shots too. You could probably do just about as good with good ol' Remington CorLokt ammo also and save yourself some $$$.
Good luck on your hunt! I'm jealous!