Since it is for a hunting rifle the Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40 would be a great choice. Because it is a hunting rifle I prefer lightweight and the Leupold VX3 2.5-8X36 is the winner for me in variables. It has a very usable power range that will get you way past 300 yards on targets a game. It is the same price as the Conquest as well.
It weighs just over 11 oz and is in between the Leupold Ultralights 2-7 and 3-9 and the Zeiss Conquest 3-9, but with a better field of view at 100 yards than the Ultralights and the Zeiss. Although I'm sure the Zeiss would have a similar FOV if operating the same power range. I do realize that I'm being very picky over just a few ounces, but I hunt the mountains around 7000'+ in elevation and hate carrying around big and bulky rifles. That is another thing I like about Leupold is usually they allow you to mount the scope lower which streamlines the appearance of the rifle. I hate to see light weight hunting rifles sporting Hubble's.
Of course this all depends on where you live and hunt as well. If I was hunting some bean field from a blind or tree stand then I probably wouldn't care much about the weight of the rifle. However I feel anything under 8.5 lbs "all up" (rifle, scope & mounts, sling, and ammunition) is good and anything from 7-8 lbs "all up" is even better. I don't see much point in getting lighter than 7 lbs as I still want enough heft in the rifle to keep it steady when I'm breathing hard from lack of oxygen.
There are other things I look at as well when researching for rifle scopes besides usable power and weight. Size and forgiveness of the eye box, eye relief, reputation, warranty, and customer service is all important as well, far more to me than price.
But I have a hard time justifying paying over $250 for a scope when there are so many wonderful offerings under $250!!
While this is true you'll never notice a great difference in the light of day or the sporting goods store. However, a true hunting scope earns its price tag at dusk and dawn in the beginning and end of shooting light. Being able to distinguish your target from the back ground and see your crossharis to place a precise shot in low light is worth the extra money.