RC20,
Precisely why I prefer a cheap plastic hardside with egg crate foam inside. I have some pricier versions but the inexpensive ones seem to do just fine for my needs. Good solid rings bases and optics are some reassurance but on the way to the field where there are no fouling shots, warm ups, and do overs, is no time to knock anything askew. That and I like being able to pile gear in a vehicle with the same reassurance. I used to keep a bore snake in my case, but after getting a long loaded bullet jammed in the lands on an out of state hunt, I now keep a good cleaning rod in my case as well and it stays protected. My shotguns on the other hand are usually in a soft side.
It sounds like the OP is looking to protect and carry an long range varmint/target style rig. Why he wouldn't prefer the protection afforded by a hardside puzzles me a little, but hey, his rig, his money.