Rifle Scopes : Scope for a 6.8 SPC II tactical and hunting

The tactical VX-R Patrol is indeed a worthy scope. Based upon your stated requirements, I would want a little more power on the top end, but it is easily good out to 1000 +.  I'm not a Leupold fan, and really not a 3-9 fan, but the Patrol is an acceptable option. 

Personally, I would drop the illumination requirement and get the SS 3-15.  It is an awesome scope and a REAL value.  I like IR scopes a lot, but have only encountered a few situations where I REALLY needed IR. 

Certainly, if you want IR really badly, get it... don't leave yourself wishing "if I had only gotten...".  I could forego it for "more power",  the guaranteed, all out toughness, and range of adjustment of the SS...