I've been bustin' my chops deciding on a scope. I'm trying to consider all of the variables and found that any of the upper end scopes will do the job. But doing the job the most efficient way is what's important.
You have defined your "job" quite nicely. Paper or PDs only. Thus the fixed power is a good choice.
Your shooting will be done in daylight hours only so you don't have to worry about dawn and dark. However the fixed power scopes are better for light transmission than the variables. Thus, objective diameter isn't that much of a consideration. Except for size, weight and bulkiness.
Target definition and clarity out weights power and brightness. An example is good eye glasses that darken are better than poor eye glasses that don't. The sight picture is darker but definition is much better.
With most targets in the 3 to 400 yd range and even if it went regularly to 1K, 10X will work well.
Next the reticle. I'd suggest that the MP-8 is the only way to go. But it would be better if it were MOA vs Mils. But a drop chart printed in both MOA and Mils will save shot adjustment time if the occasion arises.
Conclusion: First choice: 10X42, Second Choice: 16X42, third choice: 10X56
If you're spotting through the scope then I may, just may, move the 16X42 to teh #1 spot. If you're switching from a spotting scope to the rifle, then target acquisition will be a bit quicker/easier with the 10X with its larger field of view.
