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Rifle Scopes Top tier scope recommendation

I hate the locking turrets too, but that is an insanely easy fix...although I now can't find who makes the plastic split rings that fit around the turret to prevent it from locking. Have them on almost every scope with a locking turret.
MKM machine makes them. My way around locking turrets is to not lock them down. And yes, I know you can send it to ZCO to have that feature removed.

Why do people load so hot?

Not everyone in the world plays known distance games. I.E A lot of hunters like speed because it extends their PB zero and increases their point and shoot range. There are also games where you need enough power to knock down the silhouettes.
Another consideration is bullet upset. Not necessary in target games, but more important in Hunting situations. I know of several mono metal manufacturers that recommend keeping impact velocity above 1700 - 1800 fps. If you are wanting that bullet to perform correctly at a given distance, it will need to be moving pretty fast at the muzzle.

This example would need a significant velocity boost to be effective beyond 350yds. With the previously stated upset velocity.
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Is the .17HMR really much better than .22LR for varmints?

The 17hmr isn't perfect, but it's very good for a point and shoot solution on small critters out to 150-170y without having to spend time ranging to figure out the drop as with a 22lr, and also no worrying about chasing brass or having to spend the time to reload for the smaller centerfire cartridges like 20VT, 204, 223, etc.

I have a 17hmr that is used for eliminating about 750-1000 ground squirrels per year. I use it in areas where I can't use my centerfires but I also want something a bit more than my PCP air rifle. The PCP air rifle requires very accurate ranging to make hits past 75y or so because of the huge amount of drop, whereas the 17hmr is pretty much point and shoot out to 160-170ish yards being +/- 1 inch from point of aim from 25y to 160y with a 50y zero. While I've successfully hit squirrels out at 200-250 with the 17hmr, that's not typically how I use it, and the ammo inconsistency really shows at those ranges.

Biggest issue with 17hmr in my experience is quality of the ammo. 17hmr ammo typically has a very poor ES/SD and it really shows out at 200-250y. At 150y and in the vertical dispersion from the velocity inconsistency is typically well within the size of the critter you are aiming at; at 150y a 100fps difference from shot to shot is only about 0.4" change in vertical; at 225y that 100fps difference means a 1.5" change in the vertical, which means a miss if you're trying to get a squirrel that's only peeking his head out of the hole at that range.

Also, several times over the last 15ish years of shooting 17hmr I've received ammo batches that develop neck splits after 6+ months on the shelf. It usually manifests as accuracy issues and even worse than usual es/sd, but the split necks will also leave a bullet in the chamber and a "pepper shaker" dumping powder all inside the action if you try and extract an unfired cartridge. Have to be aware of that so you don't stuff another one in with an obstructed barrel.

As long as you are aware of the limitations of the 17hmr it's another good tool to have in the toolbox when it comes to eliminating small critters.

PortaJohn

California continues its war on farmers and business

Last Sugar Beet Factory to Leave California, Devastating Local Industry​

" state mismanagement and overzealous unions have combined with obscure federal policies and industrial collusion to end operations of the last sugar beet factory in California, barring future changes."
Sugar beets are a huge industry in No. Colorado too. The Great Western (sugar company) railroad runs through town here.

Rifle Scopes Top tier scope recommendation

Got a ZCO 5-27 the other month. Frankly, not a huge fan of it. MPTC2 Reticle is too thick at max power IMO, and I hate locking turrets. At the high end of optics, glass quality is very subjective. Hate on me all you want, I still prefer the S&B PMII and NF ATACR. Looked through a new March PRS scope recently and was very impressed with it. That might be my next scope I try.
I hate the locking turrets too, but that is an insanely easy fix...although I now can't find who makes the plastic split rings that fit around the turret to prevent it from locking. Have them on almost every scope with a locking turret.

Rifle Scopes Top tier scope recommendation

I don’t think everyone is looking for confirmation on them buying a fancy scope (and just saying things to make themselves feel better about it)… sometimes one just has to spend what it takes if they see the thing they want.

I’d argue that the most expensive thing we burn in this sport is our time. No matter how wealthy guys are, none of us is getting the time we put into this shit back, and time is running out on us all, so it’s all precious and valuable. So in a way, I’d argue it’d be kind of dumb to not shoot whatever scope floats your boat (if you can afford to). YOLO!

Spending a couple more bucks (or a couple thousand) to get exactly what you want isn’t just some flex, it’s just choosing to get what you want rather than settling for what you have. The same thing applies whether it’s scopes, guitars, or cars/trucks. The whole “diminishing returns” argument isn’t even relevant when it comes to this kind of stuff IMHO.

This shit is supposed to be fun, buy whatever you want.
True, but I think some of the guys on here were trying to clarify the difference between want and need. Some try to justify their expensive purchases by trying to convincing others that it was 'needed'. I think everyone here deserves to get the optic they want. But trying to convince others and themselves it was 'needed' is another point.

Ukraine war Bullshit.

Just under 2M is the number that has been discussed for some time in various circles, but Douglas MacGregor has been very outspoken about the fallacy of the official KIA. The reasoning behind not disclosing the actual number has been argued, but the reasons come down to not allowing the enemy to know the damage inflicted but also to keep the rest of the western populace from being aware of just how bad the losses are so they don't start asking why their tax dollars are being spent on a lost cause.
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