Watch for a used Leupold VX-6 with a TMOA reticle and CDS. They can be found close to your top price range and are very impressive glass. They are a bit heavy though, might be more than you want. I really like that reticle and the fact that the elevation turret has a cap. With it covered I never have to worry about it being accidentally turned, but it doesn't take long to remove it. If I have time to get a solid shooting position, range, check wind, and dial, I have time to take it off. The TMOA is my favorite reticle I've ever used, the open center really works for me.
I have a Leupold VX-6 3-18x44 with this reticle and a Swaro Z5 3.5-18x44 with the 4W reticle. The Swaro is a 1" tube and the Leupold 30mm, so the Swaro is lighter. The Leupold is every bit as good in low light. I can't tell a difference with them both side by side waiting for full dark. The Swaro even used would be to high for you though, just illustrating how good the Leupold really is. I have the Swaro on my mountain gun, the Leupold on my heavier rifle. They are my favorite scopes.
A cheaper option would be the Vortex Viper or Leupold VX-3 scopes. I have a 270 with a Leupold 4.5-14x40 VX3 with the wind reticle and CDS. Its a darn nice scope for the money and reasonably light. It can't hang with the two above in low light, and the reticle is a touch heavier than I like, but it does the job just fine. I like a reticle with MOA marks on the horizontal crosshair to adjust for wind.