It was not so much that I did not understand the Mil-Dot, it was more the fact that I was looking for an easy or practical way of using it. I have heard good things, I was merely being honest by saying that I have had no practical experience with the Mil-Dot. I got a really good deal($699) on the 6.5x20 Conquest, which just happened to have the Mil-Dot. I have two Leupolds with the Varmint reticle, and one Burris with the Ballistic Plex. One is on a ML, one is on a 22 LR, and one is on a 223. I have had great luck with them. I also tried to order one of the 5.5x15.5 Nikon's, and I believe they were actually about $20 less than what you said. Since they did not have them I ordered the 3x9, and 4x12. The 4x12 is going on a Custom 10-22, and I gave the 3x9 to a friend for a ML. I hope you get your scope, and I hope the reticle works for you the way mine have for me. I ordered the calculator that you spoke of, and I also ordered a tutorial program for the Mil-Dot. Good luck, Tom.