Vortex Diamondback or Nikon Prostaff Rifle scopes?

Looking for a new scope for a 308 rifle. I've narrowed my search down to 4-12x40 scope, and looking at the Nikon Prostaff and the Vortex Diamondback.

My goal was to find a reliable scope with crystal clear glass and BDC 'recticle' for under $250. I've handled a few of the Nikon's at the Hunting shops and am pleased with the feel of it. Both brands have really good reviews. I'm not too familiar with Nikon's warranty? I have a Vortex Sparc on a tactical sporter, and feel very comfortable with their lifetime warranty.

Will be used primarily for game up to 300-400lbs, and on ranges stretching up to 450-500 yards. I live in Wisconsin, so hunting up north can range from open farm land to a tree stand 20 feet up in relatively dense wooded area. Not that this effects the scope as much as the rifle but something I'm considering… Weather, humidity, shock absorption… Etc… Any thoughts/opinions on these two particular scopes?

Added (1). I started looking at the SWFA SS 10x42. Gonna keep reading up on it, but, quick question… What the difference between the MRAD and MOE dials? For hunting/target shooting? I'm assuming the MRAD maybe more then what I need.

Both are fine, but note that Nikon manufactures high-end cameras, whereas Vortex does not. Why is that important? Because Nikon has lots of experience with high-quality glass.

But really, you're choosing from two good scopes. I'm just partial to Nikon.

I have a Nikon Prostaff on my 25-06. I really like it. One of the best features of the Nikon scope is their website. Obviously, the reticles won't be exactly zero, 100 yards, 200 yards, and so on. Their website allows you to plug in your gun, and ammo, plus shooting environment, and it tells you where the reticles are accurate. You can choose the zero point as well. It was so close to spot on for my set up I could hardly believe it. It told me if I zeroed at 100 yards, the first reticle down would be on at 227. At 227 I shot a 3 shot group smaller than a quarter that was 1/2 high. I'll take that. The scope has clear glass, and it's given me no problems. I have no experience with the Vortex, but I really do like the nikon.

One thing you have to think about is that at 500 yards, your BDC reticle will NOT be accurate. It may get you in the ballpark, but most of those BDC's only take gravity into the equation, and they leave altitude/barometric pressure, ambient temperature, and ammunition temperature out of the equation, which will all affect your point of impact at 500 yards. If you really want to be making accurate shots at that range, you will need a scope with turrets that track reliably and a good mil-dot type reticle (or MOA reticle if your scope comes with MOA adjustments). At $250, you are really limiting your choices. Of the two you listed, neither has turrets that track reliably; in fact, both of them appear to have the type of turrets that require you to unscrew the top cap to dial your adjustments in. For shooting at fairly long distances, you are going to want to be able to quickly dial in your adjustments. If you can get to $300, then the SWFA SS in the fixed 10x42 with MRAD adjustments would make a great choice. If you don't plan on pushing out past 500 yards, then you could really go with the fixed 6x42 that will gather light better.