Leupold VX III or Burris Black Diamond

I just purchased a Savage 12 BVSS LoPro in .204 Ruger. I'm considering a VX III 8.5-25 50mm Varmint Hunter and a Black Diamond 8-32 50mm Ballistic Mildot.I will be using the gun for different things such as 300 yard targets, wood chuck at up to 600yds upstate NY and crows in the Florida cane fields as far as you can see.

 OK. Here are my questions.

Which scope would have the best clarity?

Which has the best warranty?

Is the Leupold worth the extra cash?

Which reticle is best for range finding and holdover?

My last question may start World War III, are there any better choices for under a $1000?

Thanks for taking the time to read my post, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Nick (iceman)

Leupold 8.5-25x50 vs. Burris 8-32x50

Which scope would have the best clarity?  It's really a toss up.  These two are so close 50% would say Burris and 50% would say the Leupold.

Which has the best warranty? Both are lifetime but Leupold does not take a lifetime to fix it like Burris does.

Is the Leupold worth the extra cash? If you get the loaded version and have a need for the M1 knobs and illuminated reticle.

Which reticle is best for range finding and holdover? Ballistic Plex or Ballistic Mil-Dot because they have been around longer and more data is currently available.

I would also consider an IOR 6-24x50 30mm tube, Illuminated MP8 reticle, side focus.....$1099.95