I shot one with a 120 gr Maker's mono in a 280 AI and it rolled him right up. I'd also recommend the 120 gr Nosler, it's my go to deer bullet in 280AI. Haven't shot one with my 7 mag that I can recall but it's going to be essentially the same as the 280 AI. Or just use your med game load and...
My Meopta Meopro 3.5-10x44 is what I consider a great low light and affordable "simple" scope. The NXS scopes outperform it but are much more expensive and heavy. I prefer it to my VX3 as well.
A nightforce SHV in lower power might be a good compromise if you don't want the weight of a...