I saw a vx-1 on sale today for 159.99 after coupon. Looking at something for my .308 for deer season but would like it as accurate as possible. I could get a used Nikon cheap from a friend but have also read about vortex. WhT is the best scope for 200 bucks to achieve the accurate groups?
Nikon's are a great value. I have been very happy with my Rimfire Prostaff. As an alternative take a look at the new Leupold VX Freedom. You can pick one up new in your price range. I have the 3-9 x 40 with the Tri MOA reticle. Great clarity and eye relief and it is light weight. It holds zero and I have shot .5 moa 100 yards a few times. My only ding and it is minor is it didn't come with lens caps. I picked up some rubber bikini covers for $8 so no biggie.
I was very happy with my first Vortex Diamondback Rimfire for my 10/22. I looked at the other two you mention but ended up buying another Vortex Diamondback for my RAR 300Blk.
Warranty, price, etc. Hard to beat.
Vortex and Sightron are pretty well the industry leaders in this price bracket.
Personally, if I have Vortex Diamondback money, I am searching for deals on scopes in the next price bracket though. Seems like lots of Weaver LOW Japan glass has been selling for extremely cheap recently.
I would recommend saving $50 bucks more and check in to the diamondback HP 3-12 (parallax adjustable) or diamondback tactical 4-12. 12 power is just enough for good precision work with a 308 in Indiana.
For deer you want lower magnification. I can still shoot at pretty much whatever distance I want with the 3 and then crank up to 12 if I have time. With the bdc or VMR1 you can hold over if you are shooting 400-600 ish easy. After that it is trickier...but for me my scope was on 3 power most of last deer season. The one deer I did shoot I might have killed it by dropping my rifle on it just the same as a 165 grain. nosler.