Scope and ammo for savage mark II btvs

Hey guys,

I am a proud new owner of a savage mark II btvs .22LR. I have heard nothing but great things about them and cannot wait to take it to the range. However, I have a few questions that need to be answered before I can do so. I have been researching scopes for a while now and I think I have decided on a Nikon Prostaff 4-12x40 with a BDC reticle. This scope is right on the outer limit of my price range and has gotten great reviews. I love the software Nikon has for the BDC reticle. Any other suggestions on scopes?

Also, what ammo have you guys found shoots the tightest groups?

Lastly, at what distance should I zero my scope at once I get it and what is the effective range of this gun? I will be using it to hunt small game but would also like to impress people at the range.

Sorry for all the questions! Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Travis

A BDC for a 22LR......
Been using a $19 fixed 4x Tasco for the past 20 years, does what it's supposed to.
As to the ammo question, without testing your rifle, none of us can answer that. Each is it's own animal. I built 2 identical 10/22's years back, "the same" Bentz match chambers from the same mfg. One likes Federal gold medal match, the other likes plain Jain CCI