Rifle Scopes SS 5-20 vs HDMR

J

Jeremybj

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Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 13, 2011
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Council Bluffs, Iowa
#1
Hey guys,

Looking for a higher end scope for my 308. I was kinda thinkin go with the SS HD 5-20 with the current promotion. THEN I decided to look at the HDMR just for fun and thought, maybe that is the way to go.

My question to you guys is this, if the price is equal(yes I know its not but lets pretend it is) which scope would you get and why?

Right now, I think the HDMR has better reticles(in my opinion. BUT the HDMR only has 5 mils per turn and no zero stop(kinda my biggest concern at this point). If anyone has experience with the HDMR, what is your opinion of the pop up turrets on it, like em or hate em?

I will be shooting out to 1100 yards with the scope. I have experience with the SS HD, but none with the HDMR

Any input you guys have would be great.
 
#2
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

Flip a coin.

Glass is subjective and so close you'd never know the difference if they were covered and were with out their reticle. BOTH have 10 mil knobs, neither has a zero stop and one is illuminated (though close to worthless) while the other is not.
 
#3
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

I got my 5-20 in a few days ago and it's been good so far. I wouldn't worry about the adjustments and lack of a zero stop on the HDMR. The excellent choice of holdover, xmas tree reticles really negates the need for either.

The current promotion SWFA has going makes the 5-20 a great value and the SS has built a solid track record while it seems the HDMR is suffering from some growing pains. That said, Bushnell's CS is gtg so it's gonna come down to money and whether or not you're willing to commit to a holdover type reticle. Otherwise, I'd buy the SS for the 10mil revs.
 
#4
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

Bullseye - I thought the HDMR only had 5 mils per revolution...?

Mr juden bear - what growing pains you talkin bout(Willis)?

As far as the Christmas Tree type reticles. I would PROBABLY dial elevation and hold windage. But that could all change once I get used to using a reticle like that.....
 
#5
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jeremybj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bullseye - I thought the HDMR only had 5 mils per revolution...?

Mr juden bear - what growing pains you talkin bout(Willis)?

As far as the Christmas Tree type reticles. I would PROBABLY dial elevation and hold windage. But that could all change once I get used to using a reticle like that..... </div></div>

A few from the initial batches had some issues but if I'm not mistaken Bushnell has addressed it. It's just part of releasing a brand new product; same with Vortex and the early PSTs. Eventually the bugs get worked out but personally I like to wait until some good data has been established before I make that kind of investment.
 
#7
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THEBEARRRRRRJEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A few from the initial batches had some issues but if I'm not mistaken Bushnell has addressed it.</div></div>

Please elaborate on this. Are you referring to the chromatic aberration?
 
#9
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

the zero stop function on a scope can be nice to have
it can also cost you, my nf gave me an odd feeling at a comp
making me believe i was at zero when i wasnt, well i was off one entire rev so no points on that stage.
with the hdmr i now have no zero stop but it is marked on the turret so i can tell where im at. after having both i prefer the marks.. no way to misinterpret that
as for 5 mils per turn... even shooting a slow 175 smk its 10-11 mils to a 1000. now with a moa scope... 5moa per turn would suck
5 mils per turn not so bad.... 10 is better but i can live with 5 for now
i also like the ss hd
tough choice
you will be happy no matter which u choose
 
#10
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

Google hdmr problem. There are reviews on several websites. Bushnell lost me a long time ago, but to be fair I have not tried any of thier newer products. My 5-20HD has been great and I do not find myself wanting more. SWFA has some of the best customer service. I can't imagine the bushnell glass being better. I came from an S&B and don't see any difference in the picture quality. Just my experience. Happy shooting.
 
#12
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

HDMR is my choice right now, the 5 mil per turn is a little cumbersome but does give you plenty of space between so you know you are in the correct adjustment. I shot my friends S&B last weekend and missed a small target at 550 yds because I thought I dialed the 2.9 dope I needed but was actually on 3.0, the schmidt's are 12 per turn and really close together, and it's a 3,000 scope! Be glad you have choices now for medium priced ffp tactical scopes with decent reticles, they've been a while coming and expensive. Or you can be like a lot of us, buy a scope every other month! Good luck.
 
#13
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

HDMR all the way.

I would be very suspect of the supposed "problems" people are having with Bushnell. I thorough investigation will show the claims are usually BS.

Next, I think the 5 mil per turn is nice. It's a very distinct click with plenty of room in between clicks leaving no question as to what dope is on the scope.

Finally, I never really understood the zero stop issue. Only in rare, actual battle conditions are you not taking your eye off the scope to look at your dope. And when you set your zero, remember there are only two white horizontal lines showing. If you return to zero and there are not two white horizontal lines showing you're not on zero. It's that plain and simple and takes all of two seconds to realize.

The Bushnell's are compact, sturdy, have a nice choice of reticles and are great values for the money.

HDMR's are my choice by far (in this category).
 
#14
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

Here is one for the HDMR. Firing solution for 12mil hold (for me) would be dial 7 hold 5. Keeps me near center of reticle on max power. That way 5 mil turret does not matter as much.

Just one guys opinion.....and you know about those.
 
#16
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

Having shot through both numerous times, I honestly dont have much of a preference.

I would pick whichever rect you like better and go with that.

If I had to pick one, I would choose the HDMR though, for personal preference/reasons/applications.

DO a search, there many threads like this one already.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3046268&page=1

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...520#Post3012520

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2482877



Regards,
DT
 
#17
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

I agree these two scopes are pretty similar and that 5 mil/turn gives better spacing between clicks. I like the illuminated reticle option on the SS for low light targets on dark backgrounds.

That said, the G2 (christmas tree) reticle looks cool but I have not seen much discussion on how big it gets and how much target it covers when the mag is turned up to 21x. At what point does it cover so much of the target that a finer hold is difficult? On is one better off with just the plain mil dot reticle.
 
#18
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jeremybj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bullseye - I thought the HDMR only had 5 mils per revolution...?</div></div>

When they first came out last year they did. If you go to Bushnell's website and many others now, you will see them with a 10 mil turret. All things considered if I was to choose between the two scopes I'd probably go with the HDMR. Really the only thing I can think of that it lacks is a illuminated reticle, even if it had just a small part of the reticle.

Flyingbullseye
 
#19
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mdesign</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That said, the G2 (christmas tree) reticle looks cool but I have not seen much discussion on how big it gets and how much target it covers when the mag is turned up to 21x. At what point does it cover so much of the target that a finer hold is difficult? On is one better off with just the plain mil dot reticle. </div></div>

It is an FFP scope so the reticle always covers the same amount of the target.
 
#20
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

I have had both the G2DMR and the SS 5-20x50. Both are excellent scopes. My other two precision rifles have S&B scopes on them. I sold the SS 5-20 and kept the Bushnell G2DMR. The glass in the Bushnell is slightly clearer than the SS, but not much. The click adjustments were accurate in both scopes, but the clicks are more distinct in the Bushnell. The Bushnell's glass is close but not quite up to par with my S&Bs, which is quite impressive considering it costs half of the S&B. I liked the G2 reticle better than the SS 5-20. I did not notice any problems caused by chromatic aberration in my shooting. It would be nice if the G2DMR had illumination but for what I'm using this rifle for, matches and target shooting, I don't need illumination.
 
#22
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Vinson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mdesign</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That said, the G2 (christmas tree) reticle looks cool but I have not seen much discussion on how big it gets and how much target it covers when the mag is turned up to 21x. At what point does it cover so much of the target that a finer hold is difficult? On is one better off with just the plain mil dot reticle. </div></div>

It is an FFP scope so the reticle always covers the same amount of the target. </div></div>

I think you have it confused, a SFP reticle stays the same size, a FFP reticle will grow with magnification.
 
#23
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slivoman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Vinson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mdesign</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That said, the G2 (christmas tree) reticle looks cool but I have not seen much discussion on how big it gets and how much target it covers when the mag is turned up to 21x. At what point does it cover so much of the target that a finer hold is difficult? On is one better off with just the plain mil dot reticle. </div></div>

It is an FFP scope so the reticle always covers the same amount of the target. </div></div>

I think you have it confused, a SFP reticle stays the same size, a FFP reticle will grow with magnification. </div></div>

Nope, Vinson is correct.
 
#25
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

I like the G2 reticle very much. The center of the reticle has a hash mark every .5 mil and the outsides have .2 mil hash marks. In addition the lower vertical has a "christmas tree" horizontal every mil starting at 4 mils low and that horizontal has hash marks every .5 mil which is very useful for holding off for windage and elevation. My S&Bs have the P4F reticle and I have to say I like the G2 reticle a little more than the P4F
 
#26
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

The G2 reticle works well enough that one doesn't need to dial elevation for about any shot you are going to take. This makes you very quick.
 
#28
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

I run the SS, and so far I love it, my only complaint would be the piss-poor illumination. Not that it matters much since I dont use that feature often, and it is usable.
I have looked through the HDMR and was impressed, my only concerns were the christmas tree reticle, its a bit busy for me. But that, as well as the image quality depend on the user. I too have had very poor experience with bushnell in the past, and swore them off forever. But like others, to be fair, their newer stuff is much better product. But Im leary to give them any more money.
 
#29
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slivoman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Vinson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It is an FFP scope so the reticle always covers the same amount of the target. </div></div>

I think you have it confused, a SFP reticle stays the same size, a FFP reticle will grow with magnification. </div></div>

The problem is when talking about this you must define whether you are comparing the reticle to the target or your eye. If you compare the reticle to the target an FFP reticle stays the same size and an SFP reticle shrinks as magnification increases. Some people take that difference and think of it as the FFP reticle growing and covering more of the target, but they're just used to an SFP reticle covering less and less as magnification increases.
 
#30
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

I can't comment on the Bushnell, but I am very impressed with my SWFA5-20. I have used it in three comps so far, placing 2nd in one of them. The last one it got used and abused and performed very well. I had to rapidly dial from 240yd to 720yd engaging six targets in between. I never got lost on the dial, but of course I didn't need to go past 10mils at 700+ even with my slow .308. The glass worked great, enabling me to clearly pick up the target, a ~12" non-painted steel plate against a hillside at 720. Built like a tank and backed by SWFA's above and beyond CS, I know I made the right decision in buying. Good luck in your decision.
 
#31
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

I am very happy with the quality of my SS HD 5-20 and personally would never put anything on my rifles that says bushnell on it no matter how good it is.
just my feeling.
 
#32
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: attherange</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am very happy with the quality of my SS HD 5-20 and personally would never put anything on my rifles that says bushnell on it no matter how good it is.
just my feeling. </div></div>

I was just as ignorant as you are and felt the same way until I saw one. Sold both my SS and bought 2 HDMR. Very pleased with the Bushnells. These are not blister-pack scopes.
 
#33
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Vinson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slivoman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Vinson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It is an FFP scope so the reticle always covers the same amount of the target. </div></div>

I think you have it confused, a SFP reticle stays the same size, a FFP reticle will grow with magnification. </div></div>

The problem is when talking about this you must define whether you are comparing the reticle to the target or your eye. If you compare the reticle to the target an FFP reticle stays the same size and an SFP reticle shrinks as magnification increases. Some people take that difference and think of it as the FFP reticle growing and covering more of the target, but they're just used to an SFP reticle covering less and less as magnification increases.


</div></div>

you are missing the point. the original question was how much bigger(thicker) the lines of the reticle get when the magification is increased on the scope. regardless, the reticle will be smallest(thinest) at lowest magnification compared to maximum magnification. all that matters is how your eyes perceive the reticle. We all know that FFP allows ranging at all magnifications and SFP usually at the highest.
 
#34
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slivoman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Vinson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slivoman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Vinson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It is an FFP scope so the reticle always covers the same amount of the target. </div></div>

I think you have it confused, a SFP reticle stays the same size, a FFP reticle will grow with magnification. </div></div>

The problem is when talking about this you must define whether you are comparing the reticle to the target or your eye. If you compare the reticle to the target an FFP reticle stays the same size and an SFP reticle shrinks as magnification increases. Some people take that difference and think of it as the FFP reticle growing and covering more of the target, but they're just used to an SFP reticle covering less and less as magnification increases.


</div></div>

you are missing the point. the original question was how much bigger(thicker) the lines of the reticle get when the magification is increased on the scope. regardless, the reticle will be smallest(thinest) at lowest magnification compared to maximum magnification. all that matters is how your eyes perceive the reticle. We all know that FFP allows ranging at all magnifications and SFP usually at the highest. </div></div>
No, whatever the scope is set on, the reticle will cover .05mil of the target. At least that is the line thickness of the SS reticle. Saying the reticle "grows" and "covers" more of the target is only true of a SFP scope as you turn down the zoom from the "reticle correct" position. Perception is not fact...
 
#35
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

I dig my HDMR with the H59 reticle. I find the glass great for the price, and I don't mind the 5 mil turrets at all. As others have said, the distance between clicks makes for ease of being sure you have the right dope dialed in. I like the option of having the Horus reticles (which I really like). My $0.02 would be go HDMR and don't look back.
 
#37
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

I have both and like them both for different reasons. The SS5-20 has 10 mil per rotation, which I like.

I like the Horus reticle better than the SS reticle.

HDMR cost less than the SS 5-20 even with GB...I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.
 
#38
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

Had an SS 5-20 and liked everything about it accept the 10 mil per rev (marks were too close together for my eyes) same with the NF high speed I had. Sold both and replaced them with USO's but have been wanting to get behind one of these HDMRs to try em out!
 
#39
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

Sounds like the general consensus is both are good scopes and which you like better will come down to personal preference with regard to the features they offer.

I've got a SS, my only negative is that the parallax and mag knobs are very tight to twist. The good thing is that they aren't going to move by accident.
 
#40
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

I've had both and about every other scope made at one time or another. SS got my vote, loved the eye box and the 10 mil per turn knobs. Just the right spacing for me.

As a side note, my SWFA SS scopes were much brighter at dusk then the 3-15 and 5-22 NXS's I had. Didn't have the HDMR there for a comparison that time.

J
 
#41
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've had both and about every other scope made at one time or another. SS got my vote, loved the eye box and the 10 mil per turn knobs. Just the right spacing for me.

As a side note, my SWFA SS scopes were much brighter at dusk then the 3-15 and 5-22 NXS's I had. Didn't have the HDMR there for a comparison that time.

J </div></div>

I have compared the SS and HDMR side by side at a variety of lighting conditions. During the day they were close with HDMR having marginally better resolution. As conditions got a little trickier, SS was a little better since it had better stray light control and was less susceptible to flare.

Generally, I like both scopes quite a bit and these two together with the Razor make the $3k+ German scopes a hard sell for most of us.

ILya
 
#42
Re: SS 5-20 vs HDMR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ILya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... these two together with the Razor make the $3k+ German scopes a hard sell for most of us.

ILya </div></div>

THIS ^

Actually makes any $3000 glass damned difficult to justify.
 
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