A while back I was contemplating between the two scopes for my long range hunting rig, kept going back and forth but ultimately went with the x5i with the 4wx-i reticle, now I’m not so sure I made the right choice.

I’ve stretched the x5i out to 1000yds and it performed excellently, but that’s off the bench. This will be the first hunting season with it and just packing it around the past couple days it seems the big turret on top might be it’s only flaw, I’m worried it might get in the way.

The elevation turret on the ATACR is much lower than the Swarovski, I’m just wondering if there’s enough difference in the optical clarity that I should stick with the x5i or if I should make the switch to the sleeker design of the ATACR? I don’t have the ability to look at both scopes side by side so I’m hoping someone here has.

That is probably the easiest choice one could make. Without hesitation- Nightforce! However, I wouldn't mind putting the newer "tactical" Swarovski's through their paces to see how the internals hold up to dialing and such. The ONLY thing I like about the Swarovski is the clear glass (as is most hunters), but it stops there. I've had multiple issues with Swarovski scopes over the years once you start dialing on their turrets. Plus the BMR-I reticle on the Swarovski is about as useful as a monkey humping a football.

The ATACR I’m interested in is the 4-16x42, the only reservation I have is the moar reticle in the first focal plane might be too small at 4x magnification. Anyone using the moar in first focal Plain for Hunting? I suppose a guy can just use the illumination.

Is there anyone who has used the 4-16x42 atacr that can chime in about the moar reticle for Hunting?

My experience with the 4-16x42 atacr is a grand total of two animals to date so not a great sample size. If you're setting up a long range hunting rig, I'd not sweat the reticle at 4x.
But in your country, stuff can happen at 40 yards in the bush just as easy as 600. Even still, I'd still easily choose the ATACR.

Does using the illumination help?