I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 tactical 5-15x40 on my AR that I use for coyote huntin and love it, I like to dial turrets and I've never had any issues with this scope returning to zero, im pretty sure that falls into your price range too.
The only experience I have with drop compensating reticles is the burris which I wasn't very impressed with, the leupold B&C reticle which worked pretty good but I think the reticle is a little thick for precision shooting, I have a Leupold with a varmint hunter reticle that I do really like though, I have it on a rem 700 22-250 and all the marks line up perfect out to 600 yards, the scope I have is a 6.5-20x40 with the 30mm tube and don't remember the cost on the scope but I know it was more than what you want to spend, they might make a scope with a 1 inch tube with the same reticle that would save you some money
Most of the time I prefer dialing turrets for shooting and hunting but quick references on a hold over reticle are nice for a quick reference if a coyote bust you and runs out to 400 500 or 600 yards before he stops to take a second look