Scope Newb, could use some help.

[Synergy]

I went a little off the deep end today. I just went shopping for a new upper for a lower that needs a mate. I came across a Stag H6, 24" SS heavy barrel, 1:8" twist. So I started thinking about a Varmint AR, been wanting one for a while. Next option was glass. I picked up a Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40mm and got a good price. Its paired with a GG&G Accucam QD Base. Its BDC is matched to 55g, though I commonly load 62g. Would like to experiment with heavier especially in the 1:8" barrel. Now I have read some good reviews here and other places about this model, yet I am seeing more and more that Leupold quality has declined. Whats the consensus for this 300 buck scope, good entry level scope? better than a NC star, Barska but not NXS or USO quality. Any other suggestions. I don't quite want to break the bank, but I do want quality. This is for a Varmint/Target AR. 2-500 yd range

Any links for sites on proper setup would be appriciated.

[Barney Gumble]

If you don't want to break the bank then don't compare to Nightforce and USO because you're talking about $1500+ scopes there.