Re: Bushnell HDMR Vs. SS 5-20 HD
Depends on the application.
For all round, I'd say the SS is better. The reason is at low mags, the HDMR's reticle is really hard to see. This makes the SS a better short range scope since you would be operating at low mag for those ranges.
For medium to long range, the question becomes rather interesting. The H59 reticle is more easily viewable at 8x and higher (12x is optimal). This makes the HDMR really good for holdover shooting at medium to long range.
The H59 has 38 mils of holdover so if you are shooting a really long range gun like a 50, Cheytac, or Lapua Mag, you can really holdover out very far in brighter light.
In terms of tube toughness, the HDMR's tube is stronger and the baffling is better. So the HDMR is probably the tougher scope.
Overall, I don't think the two are direct competitors. They seem to fill different niches. Both have really good glass too. I have the SS on my .223 tactical bolt trainer while the HDMR will go onto my medium to heavy bolt guns.