help for zeroing a scope? - Page 2 - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Deacon Dave · 07-13-2006, 01:21 PM

Don't forget, as you move out in range a rifle will shoot a group. Even if you hold the rifle perfectly still, use the same lot of ammo, etc. you won't be able to put the bullets into the same hole on the target (well depending on range, with my 6.5 Grendel I can do it fairly regularly at close range, but very rarely beyond 100 yards). So to confirm sighting in, shoot 3 shots. Then make adjustments based on the center of the triangle that the group makes.

I have seen many people "chase" their zero around the target, making 1/2 to 1 inch changes at 100 yards, while only shooting single shots. This was all because their rifle setup was a 3 inch grouper, but they were treating it like a 1/2 MOA setup!

After centering the "group", then let your rifle cool down for a while, and then shoot a "cold barrel" shot to confirm your zero. Especially if you are going to use the rifle for hunting, that first "cold barrel" shot needs to be right on the money.

dave_in_delaware · 07-13-2006, 01:56 PM

Thanks everyone for your responses. I guess I'm making more out of this than it really is. I just want to get it right the first time, so I don't have to constantly fuss with it.

I read the scope's "manual" that came with it. Seems pretty cut and dry. I'm not expecting any big issues with it.

Still haven't gotten my BKL mounts... I'm hoping they'll show up later today or tomorrow. I really want to sight-in the scope this weekend.

Thanks again!

07-13-2006, 01:56 PM	#12
dave_in_delaware XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 6,186	Thanks everyone for your responses. I guess I'm making more out of this than it really is. I just want to get it right the first time, so I don't have to constantly fuss with it. I read the scope's "manual" that came with it. Seems pretty cut and dry. I'm not expecting any big issues with it. Still haven't gotten my BKL mounts... I'm hoping they'll show up later today or tomorrow. I really want to sight-in the scope this weekend. Thanks again! __________________ Dave Daily carry = XD-9 service in a Blackhawk CQC SERPA holster, a Spyderco Native, and a Streamlight Scorpion. "Everything matters... unless it's antimatter." “A person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home and State, and for hunting and recreational use.” [Delaware Constitution, Article I, § 20 Right to keep and bear arms]

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07-13-2006, 01:21 PM	#11
Deacon Dave XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Athens, Alabama Posts: 130	Don't forget, as you move out in range a rifle will shoot a group. Even if you hold the rifle perfectly still, use the same lot of ammo, etc. you won't be able to put the bullets into the same hole on the target (well depending on range, with my 6.5 Grendel I can do it fairly regularly at close range, but very rarely beyond 100 yards). So to confirm sighting in, shoot 3 shots. Then make adjustments based on the center of the triangle that the group makes. I have seen many people "chase" their zero around the target, making 1/2 to 1 inch changes at 100 yards, while only shooting single shots. This was all because their rifle setup was a 3 inch grouper, but they were treating it like a 1/2 MOA setup! After centering the "group", then let your rifle cool down for a while, and then shoot a "cold barrel" shot to confirm your zero. Especially if you are going to use the rifle for hunting, that first "cold barrel" shot needs to be right on the money.