As with most things, the answer lies somewhere on middle ground. The cheaper Tasco scopes that I have seen recently are not worth putting on a precision rifle. Their reticles wander and turrets refuse to stay locked in "zero". Tasco's medium-to-higher priced models are considerably better and pretty rugged. I still have a drawer full of the old World Class Target/Silhouette Tasco scopes ranging from fixed 24X through 6 x 24X and 8 x 32X that I refuse to part with. They have proved to be very rugged and of more than acceptable clarity. All have the 1/8" target dot and make excellent target or field scopes. Anything over 10 to 12X is really not necessary in the field under most conditions, but it sure is handy from the bench. You have to remember too that parallax becomes a real issue once any scope climbs over about the 12X range; making an adjustable objective (AO) essential.

Another option would be the new Simmons series with their patented erector design. It is extremely sturdy and very repeatable. It is a good enough feature that Leupold has leased the right to use the design in some of their scopes.

I have also been trying a couple Millet scopes recently and am impressed with both the clarity and strength in an affordable package. They too are manufactured in China, but to Millet's very stringent specs.

Everyone has different opinions and are welcome to them (that's what makes life interesting) but I have little use for any objective over 44mm simply because of the increased area for sun-glare and the need, in most cases, for the scopes to be mounted so high that the shooter's head is raised out of position which can contribute to scope canting.

Bottom line is that you can't condemn all scopes from most reasonably reputable manufacturers. There are good bargains at reasonable prices as well as junk. You will need to research each and make an informed decision. After all, I trust my old Tascos but have seen two medium-high priced Leupolds that gave up the ghost after less than 20 rounds. Even the best manufacturer can have a bad day.

I'm currently buying Bushnell Elites or Burris. I also like an old Simmons AETEC I have. The only two optics I've had fail were both Tasco but, as has been said above, that might just be the luck of the draw.

As for the original question ... Both scopes would have an exit pupil of less than 2 mm at full magnification (1.75 for the 42 mm objective and 1.83mm for the 44) so there would probably be little noticeable difference between them in that respect. I think the ideal range for an exit pupil is 5 to 7mm.

AS for reticles, I don't have one but the mil-dot seems more versatile. That’s why I went with the Burris “Ballistic Plex”.