In terms of scopes in the set-and-forget category, one that'll hold zero through normal field conditions and overall be reliable, I've had good luck with:
Burris Fullfield (II & E1)
Anything SWFA
Trijicon Huron/Credo
Maven RS.2
With burris being the lower end of your budget and maven being slightly above. Also been hearing good things about Sightron S1 but have no personal experience with them.
I have several Trijicon's now, both Credo's and Huron's, and really like them. Used to only buy Leupold.
I have [2] Tikka T3X's with 3-12 Huron's on them and really like them. They replaced Credo 3-9's on those rifles. I really didn't need an illuminated reticle and wanted a little more power for my old eyes. Have some Credo 1-6's on some AR's and like them also.
I have several Tract scopes on some rimfires and like them also.