Stubble thanks for your opinion. I am in the break in process right now. I shoot it (reduced loads) three times and let it cool and clean it. I plan on shooting it every week, sometimes twice a week this summer to get ready for rifle season. I will be hunting with both gun and archery this year. I will coordinate shooting it with my bow, which I shoot every day at our family range, or in my backyard. I will shoot my bow when my barrel is cooling. My inlaws have about 1500 acres 1/2 hour east of Idaho Falls, with a shooting range 30-1000 yards and a homemade bench to shoot from. As far as short barrell life, I have known that can happen with the Ultramags and I am prepared for it! I plan on practicing up to 600 yards, but while hunting I am confedent that I can get under 400 yards for a shot. Heck the last three elk I have killed (bow) were all under 20 yards. Which brings us to your point about being close and having low power 2x or 3x. I agree that could be a problem having a 4.5-14 scope up close. But why not a 50mm for light gathering? I am wondering which brand of scope do you prefer, and why? Thanks again.