I'd look at the Leupold Freedom 2-7x33. The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50 could be interesting. Personally, I wouldn't mind a fixed 4X on a .357.
The Leupold and Vortex budget lines should have something. Burris could have options as well. I think that shots over 150 yards with a rifle like that on any medium game or larger is getting questionable. The low power scopes can be a bit heavier and I think that an illuminated reticle on an optic like that can be more weight and unnecessary tech, but that is just my personal stance.
$300 can buy you a very nice scope for that, in my opinion. Unless you really plan on banging it around I don't think you need anything "special". The Leupold Freedom line is where I would start.