Anyhelp would be appreciated - I have a 243 that needs another scope due to rought conditions and handling - Going to use the scope on the 30-06 for the 243 - I am in the market for another scope for this gun (30-06)- price range will be up to 500 dollars - thanks for any help!

I would go for a 3-9 or a 4-12leupold or any of the same power scopes but from Nikon i have good things to say about those scopes.

Leupold or Nightforce for any caliber rifle. However, the nightforce is out of that price range you mention.

best of luck

You can get a Zeiss Conquest 3x9x40 for about $400 or a Bushnell Elite 3x9x40 for about $270.

go with Nikon. great scope for a great price.

For all around use you really can't beat a variable. I like something in the 3-9 range, but don't eliminate a 2.5-10 or 3.5-10. Since you have $500 to spend there are a number of good scopes out there for you. The Leupold VXIII 3.5-10X40, Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40, Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10X40, & Nikon Monarch 3-9X40. These are all in your price range and I've listed them in the order in which I think they perform. I own all of these scopes and this is how I categorize them. I would say the Leupold & Zeiss are a toss up and I don't think one clearly outperforms the other. Also, they have the best eye relief.

I agree with superpigs comments. those are all very good scopes and I am sure you wouldn't be disappointed by any of them. I have a 30-06 myself and couldn't afford any of the scopes listed and I have a simmons 3.8X12X44OA (I know it isn't top of the line) and I am pleased with it. It hasn't caused me any issues to date and I only paid a little over $200CAD for it.
If I had a $500 budget for a scope I would probably go with the Leopold. Just my 2 cents worth

I've got a Bushnell elite on my 30-06, I love it, and only paid a little over $200 for it.

Nikon or Leupold. Leupold is American made, if that matters?

$350-500 is a real nice price range for hunting scopes. You get a lot for the dollar. The Ziess conquest would be my choice butthe Burris sig select/Lupie VXIII, 3x9x40 Nikon Monarch and the Bushnell 4200 2.5x10x40are quite nice as well. You wouldn't wrong with any of them.

If you could forgo the 9X or 10X I saw that Natchez has the 1.5x6x36 elite 4200 on sale for $250. That would be a great scope for someone who hunts the thick stuff.