Hello!
I'm pretty much a complete noobie to the world of hunting. I grew up around it as a kid and was exposed to it, but didn't have much interest. Now that I'm older I've decided that I want to learn how and purchased my first rifle. I wanted a rifle that would also double for home/personal defense.

I picked up the PWS MK116 MOD 1 in .300 AAC Blackout. With this not being the standard, it's fairly confusing for someone who's new and trying to find what I need. Here's what I want to do - could really use professional opinions and recommendations.

Backup sights - where would you zero them for the home/personal defense side of things? I've heard the standard is 50 yards, but some people do 40? Should it be zeroed the same as your scope (please don't laugh - again, I'm new)? I'm thinking not?

Which .300 BO round would you recommend for hunting deer around the east TX / NW LA area (possibly NW Arkansas)? From what I can find, it looks like the Barnes Vor-TX tipped 110gr seems to be a solid bet? Any recommendations?

Optics - I'm leaning towards a Leupold VX-R Patrol. Would I need the 1-4x or the 3-9x40? I'm thinking the latter? What scope would you buy under $1,000 if the cash wasn't an issue? You want the best for this rifle for deer/hog hunting (mainly deer) - what do you pick? Also, zero this at 100 yards, right?

Thanks so much for the help!! I really do appreciate it!

The 110 Barnes is a good one for a solid copper bullet. But it's fairly expansive to shoot. I have shot many critters with any of the 125 grain bullets. The 125 Nolser BT and the Hornady SST are my tops. I have also shot some stuff with the 115 Bergers. They also do well. I'd recommend the 125 grain options.

http://dallasreloads.com/product-category/300-black-out/

Thank you! I also have some Remington 120gr for practice and could use that as well, but I don't think it's built to expand like the Barnes is. Thanks for the tips!