As any seasoned shooter knows, properly zeroing your rifle is crucial for accuracy and successful hunting. But let’s face it – with today’s ammo prices, spending all day at the range burning through box after box can put a serious dent in your wallet. The good news is that with some smart techniques and a bit of know-how, you can get your rifle dialed in quickly while conserving precious ammunition. Let’s explore some proven methods to zero your rifle efficiently and effectively.
Understanding the Basics
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s review what we mean by “zeroing” a rifle. Simply put, zeroing is the process of adjusting your sights or scope so that your point of aim matches your point of impact at a specific distance. Most hunters zero their rifles at 100 yards, but depending on your hunting scenario and the cartridge you’re shooting, you might choose a different distance such as 50 yards or 200 yards.
Start with a Solid Foundation
The key to efficient zeroing starts before you even fire a shot. Make sure your rifle is properly maintained and that all scope mounts and rings are tight. A loose mount can cause frustrating shifts in your point of impact, wasting time and ammo.
Next, ensure you’re using a stable shooting platform. A good set of sandbags or a sturdy rifle rest like the Bulls Bag X7 I use can make a world of difference. The more stable your rifle, the easier it will be to identify and correct any shooting errors.
Bore Sighting: Your First Step
One of the best ways to save ammo when zeroing is to start with a good bore sight. Many modern rifle packages, like the Savage Axis II XP, come from the factory with a scope that is already bore sighted. If yours doesn’t, consider investing in a laser bore sighter. They are not overly expensive and can save you money over time in ammunition costs if you have multiple rifles and like to swap out scopes. Models such as the Sightmark Laser Bore Sight can cost as little as $20 to fit a specific caliber, while more versatile models such as the Bushnell Arbors Laser Boresighter or LaserLyte Laser Bore Sight Deluxe Kit will run you between $40 and $90. These handy tools can usually get you on paper at 100 yards without firing a single round.
To use a bore sighter, simply insert it into the chamber or muzzle of your unloaded rifle and align the laser dot with your target. Then, adjust your scope or sights until the crosshairs line up with the laser dot. Another option is to remove the bolt from your rifle, and look through the barrel to find the target, and then adjust the crosshairs line up with the target. This method isn’t perfect, but it’ll get you close enough to start fine-tuning with live fire.
The 25-Yard Method
Here’s a nifty trick that can save you a ton of ammo: start your zeroing process at 25 yards instead of 100. At this shorter distance, small errors in your sight picture or trigger control won’t be magnified as much, making it easier to get on target quickly.
For most modern hunting cartridges, like the popular 6.5 Creedmoor, your point of impact at 25 yards should be about 1.5 inches below your point of aim for a 100-yard zero. This method works because of the arcing trajectory of your bullet – it rises slightly after leaving the barrel before dropping back down to your point of aim at 100 yards.
Start by firing a three-shot group at 25 yards, aiming at the center of your target. If your group is reasonably tight (say, 1 inch or less), go ahead and make your sight adjustments. Move your point of impact up until it’s about 1.5 inches below your point of aim. Once you’ve done this, you should be very close to zeroed at 100 yards.
Fine-Tuning at 100 Yards
Now it’s time to move out to 100 yards and fine-tune your zero. Thanks to your work at 25 yards, you should already be on paper and fairly close to your desired point of impact. Fire another three-shot group, taking care to use good technique and a stable position.
If your group is close to your point of aim but not quite there, go ahead and make the necessary adjustments. Remember, most scopes adjust in 1/4 MOA increments, which means each click moves your point of impact about 1/4 inch at 100 yards.
The Importance of Good Ammo
When zeroing your rifle, it’s crucial to use the same ammo you plan to hunt or compete with. Different loads can have significantly different points of impact, even in the same caliber. For instance, when I was zeroing a Savage Axis II in 6.5 Creedmoor, I found that the Hornady Outfitter CX 120 grain and the Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X 143 grain had different points of impact.
If you’re on a budget, consider using less expensive practice ammunition for getting on paper and initial zeroing. Remember to use a similar grain weight as your hunting ammo for best results. Then you can confirm and fine tune your zero with your hunting ammo to save rounds for the hunt.
The One-Shot Zero Method
If you’re really looking to save ammo, consider the one-shot zero method. This technique requires a rock solid shooting platform and a steady hand, but it can get you zeroed in only two or three shots.
Here’s how it works: After bore sighting, take one careful shot at your 100-yard target. Don’t adjust your scope yet. Instead, without moving the rifle, adjust your scope’s crosshairs to align perfectly with the hole you just made in the target. If your rifle did move during the shot, get the crosshairs back on the target’s bullseye, and then adjust the crosshairs to the initial bullet impact. In theory, you’re now zeroed.
Of course, it’s always wise to confirm with another shot or two. But if you’ve done everything right, you should be pretty darn close to a perfect zero.
Using a Ballistic Calculator
In today’s high-tech world, ballistic calculators can be a huge help in zeroing your rifle efficiently. These tools, many of which are available as smartphone apps, allow you to input data about your rifle, scope and ammunition, and then provide detailed trajectory information.
By using a ballistic calculator, you can predict where your bullet should impact at various distances. This can help you make more precise adjustments and understand how your zero at one distance will affect your point of impact at others. For best results, test your actual load velocity with a chronograph.
Don’t Forget About Temperature
Here’s something many shooters overlook: temperature can have a significant effect on your bullet velocity and zero. Extreme heat or cold can change the point of impact of your rifle by several inches at 100 yards and beyond. If possible, try to zero your rifle in conditions similar to those in which you’ll be hunting or competing.
Better yet, check your zero a day or two before your hunt in similar weather conditions. Many hunting outfitters require this before taking a client out in the field. It’s worth spending an extra round to be confident in your shot during the moment of truth.
Wrapping Up
Zeroing your rifle doesn’t have to be a time-consuming, ammo-burning ordeal. By starting with a good bore sight, a stable shooting platform and applying one of the zeroing methods, you can get your rifle dialed in quickly and efficiently.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to save ammo – it’s to attain a precise zero with your rifle and ammunition combination. This knowledge will serve you well whether you’re hunting whitetails in the back 40 or ringing steel at 500+ yards. So get out there, zero that rifle, and remember – every shot is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Check out Ammo To Go, the ammunition retail sponsor of TTAG, when sighting in your next rifle.
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