As for a scope you would be hard pressed to find a better scope for your money than a Burris Fullfield II or a Nikon Prostaff. You can get either for less than $200

I was looking at the Nikon Buckmaster 3x9x40 is this a good choice

Marc

TheNikon buckmasteris a step up from the Nikon prostaff and about almost equal to the Burris fullfield II.

AS far as you ammo question........ a good 130 grain pointed soft point like a Remington core lokt, Hornady innerlock, etc.... will handle deer from 20 yards to 400 yards no problem at all.

Though not much heavier Norma offers a 156gr loading.Slight increase but very high quality ammo.