Great to see you posting your obs again! Excellent write up... you're definately getting more advanced with your skills.
NGC 6302 aka the "Bug Nebula" is one of my favourite PNe. As you've noted it shows excellent detail in this size of scope and is nice and bright aswell.
Couldn't agree more on M17, infact there is an entire thread on Cloudynights about its visual awesomeness. It's a stupendous sight in the 12" at high power especially with a filter.
You're doing well with those galaxies, you'll be busting open those Abells in no time
