Rifle Scopes Bushnell HDMR vs SS 5-20x

[aubie515]

Well finally got my SS 5-20x optic today and unpacked it and must say I like it a lot. The glass is clear, it has an illuminated reticle and is FFP. What more can you ask for in a 1k optic?

I've had my Bushnell HDMR for a few weeks and was able to mount it onto my TRG42 and now it's on my Savage 308. Both rifles shot to 580 yards with the HDMR without issue.

My initial thoughts on both of these optics is that they are both well made. If I have any issues down the road, I am confident that both companies will take care of my needs.

I am no expert on optics, so with that being said, the glass quality on both optics are very good. I'd have to give the slight edge to the SS 5-20.

I listed some of the pros/cons of each scope...now, this is my opinions about the pros/cons, so I understand if someone disagrees with my comments. There are more qualified folks on this forum when it comes to optics. I don't think that the optics "need" zero stop, but I wouldn't complain if they were offered.

Bushnell HDMR pros
mil/mil in FFP
Horus H58 reticle
34mm tube
great customer service
beefy optic/quality build
26 mils of total travel

Bushnell HDMR cons
5 mils per revolution
no illumination
no zero stop feature

SS 5-20x pros
mil/mil FFP
new variant of the MD reticle
customer service
illuminated reticle-every other click on the illumination knob will turn off the illumination
10 mils per revolution
30 mils of total travel

SS 5-20x cons
30mm tube
I prefer H58 reticle over the SS reticle
no zero stop feature

If I could change things about these scopes here is what I would do...

Bushnell HDMR-add zero stop feature, offer the Horus reticle with illumination and make the knobs 10 mils per revolution.

SS 5-20x add zero stop feature, offer it in a larger tube.

Overall, both of these optics are awesome for the money. I know my budget does not allow for $2k + optics, so these are solid performers at $1,500. If I could afford more of these optics, I'd buy one more of each.

I am going to be using the SS 5-20x on my Sako TRG42. I like the fact that I can dial to 1,000 yards with this scope in under one revolution.

Pictures to follow...

 

[jasonk]

Re: Bushnell HDMR vs SS 5-20x

I too have owned both and agree with most your statements. I also gave an edge to the SS in glass, but in features the SS has a huge edge imho. With the illuminated reticle, 10 mil per turn and 4 mil more of elevation the SS is the clear winner.

I don't know that the SS "needs" a larger tube, they did fit 4 more mil in to the elevation than the 34mm tubed HDMR. While more is always better, the SS is an awesome scope for the size, package and price that it is!

Winning!!

 

[prplhaz72]

Re: Bushnell HDMR vs SS 5-20x

Nice write up.

Although, I don't understand the larger tube need either. I am curious why? It will just make the optic heavier, and force you to mount it even higher. My 5-20x has 34 mils of elevation. Not sure how anyone could ever use more than that.

 

[shaneinhisroom]

Re: Bushnell HDMR vs SS 5-20x

Thanks for the write up. Bushnells have always been the bargain scope for me, and now it's quickly being replaced by SWFA.

 

[CanPopper]

Re: Bushnell HDMR vs SS 5-20x

Why should the elevation per turn on the Bushnell matter? I thought with the Horus reticle, one will shoot using holdovers.

One other advantage the HDMR have is it is the shorter, more compact scope. The SS HD comes out to 14+ inches in length while the HDMR is more "Hendsoldtesque" in its physical profile.

 

[SingleShot85]

Re: Bushnell HDMR vs SS 5-20x

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shane135</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the write up. Bushnells have always been the bargain scope for me, and now it's quickly being replaced by SWFA. </div></div>

Before throwing the word "bargain" around, this Bushnell if far from bargain, as is the new SS which used to always have the note 'well for the price its good" tag associated with it.

I can't comment on the new SS, but based on there other HD models I would assume this one is top notch. Clearly both have advantages, one is locking turrets, one is an illuminated reticle, one a 34mm main tube, both have fancy new reticles......the list goes on and on

Glass quality, its a funny thing....if you like a scope, it has the best glass ever, if you don't than its the worst. I'll only say this I have looked through every major player and at the end of the day scopes will be put in two groups clear, which both these scopes are and not clear which these two are not.

Funny how one would bitch about a 34mm tube on a Bushy but not a S&B or Hensoldt???? so not sure where your going with that one.

If you want a scope that you will primarily dial and has an IR, hands down SS, If you are a Horus ret. fan and want the option to dial your corrections the Bushnell it is.

Basically if you want a Horus ret, then Bushnell, if not you have a few choices with in this basic price set.

one is no better than the other

 

[bcw1284]

Re: Bushnell HDMR vs SS 5-20x

Companies who are "in tune" with what shooters want are finding ways to fit more travel into existing tube sizes. Weaver has done it with a very affordable 1" scope (great for a .223 or something like that), and SWFA has now done it with a 30mm for the bigger toys. I think that is a noble goal, since you are basically getting "more scope" in the proverbial "same package". By doing this, you don't have to deal with added size/weight, and you don't have to buy new rings if you are already committed to a specific mounting solution (for example, if you've invested in a fairly expensive NF or KAC one-piece mount).

I like that Horus has teamed up with Bushnell on the HDMR scopes, because it puts a highly sought after reticle into a platform of known quality (Bushy elite series). Having owned a horus hawk, it is my personal opinion that they don't do great quality control in-house. So, this has basically sidestepped that issue by using a proven platform with some unique upgrades. More power to them, it's like a budget version of what USO does with the Horus reticles. I'd give one a try.

That said, I have to agree with others that SWFA has the edge here just based on features. If you don't actually NEED a horus reticle, then you're going to get more for your money with the new SS.

I'm very happy to see SS, Weaver, Bushy, and Vortex all chasing the same budget-conscious bacon this year. Competition is healthy for the industry, and I personally relish the chance to own scopes with features that until recently were out of my fiscal league. Plus, I like to see the "good old boys" (Leupy, etc.) sweat a little at the new market pressure.

 

[shaneinhisroom]

Re: Bushnell HDMR vs SS 5-20x

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SingleShot85</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shane135</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the write up. Bushnells have always been the bargain scope for me, and now it's quickly being replaced by SWFA. </div></div>

Before throwing the word "bargain" around, this Bushnell if far from bargain, as is the new SS which used to always have the note 'well for the price its good" tag associated with it.

I can't comment on the new SS, but based on there other HD models I would assume this one is top notch. Clearly both have advantages, one is locking turrets, one is an illuminated reticle, one a 34mm main tube, both have fancy new reticles......the list goes on and on

Glass quality, its a funny thing....if you like a scope, it has the best glass ever, if you don't than its the worst. I'll only say this I have looked through every major player and at the end of the day scopes will be put in two groups clear, which both these scopes are and not clear which these two are not.

Funny how one would bitch about a 34mm tube on a Bushy but not a S&B or Hensoldt???? so not sure where your going with that one.

If you want a scope that you will primarily dial and has an IR, hands down SS, If you are a Horus ret. fan and want the option to dial your corrections the Bushnell it is.

Basically if you want a Horus ret, then Bushnell, if not you have a few choices with in this basic price set.

one is no better than the other </div></div>

I apologize- I meant if I were to get a bargain scope, Bushnell would be the one to get. You're right though- and I do own 1- about to be 2- SWFA scopes. Both HD's.

 

[taseal]

Re: Bushnell HDMR vs SS 5-20x

I haven't had a chance to look at a SS HD (and probably wont) but I think they are both great scopes. SS HD will probably sell more because horus isn't for everyone.

HOWEVER, with the HDMR, i can shoot 1000 yards no problem (I get 23 mils of travel with a 20moa base)

I believe both have excellent glass and optical quality. maybe SS HD has the 'edge' but that doesn't mean it's not good.

if you think S&B has the edge over NF glass, doesn't make NF sub-par

anyways, if you can get the HDMR for the military discount ( about half off MSRP) there is no other scope in it's price range. and you will make your mile shots with it if you can do your part.

I would add as a benefit, the HDMR has more FOV at 100 yards, and also more mag range (5-20 vs 3.5-21)

the HDMR also doubles as a baton if need be