Zeroing a rifle scope is an essential skill for anyone who plans to use one for hunting, target practice, or competition shooting. With proper zeroing, your shots may be off-target, and you could improve your marksmanship experience.
Steps to zero your rifle
The following guide will help you zero a rifle scope in 15 easy steps.
Step 1: Choose the range
Choose a range that suits the shooting you intend to do. If you plan to hunt at close ranges, select a range no further than 100 yards/meters from where you plan to shoot. Choose a range of 500 yards/meters or more for long-range targets and training exercises.
Step 2: Preparing your rifle
Make sure your rifle is correctly secured in a vise or shooting sandbag. Make sure the gun does not move when you take aim and fire.
Step 3: Prepare your ammunition
You will need two types of ammunition for this exercise: one type to use to zero in the scope and another type you will hunt with or use in competitions. Choose cartridges with the same caliber and bullet weights as those you intend to use while hunting or competing. For example, if you plan on using 150-grain bullets for hunting, select 150-grain ammo for zeroing your scope.
Step 4: Mounting your scope
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting the scope onto your rifle. This step is critical, as improper mounting can lead to incorrectly zeroed shots and decreased accuracy.
Step 5: Setting up your target
Place a paper target at the range you selected in Step 1. Set it up at least 12 inches away from other targets so stray bullets do not unintentionally hit them.
Step 6: Aiming at the center of the target
Using your rifle’s standard sights, aim directly at the center of the target from a safe distance away. Ensure you are in an area with no crosswind or wind gusts that could throw off your shot placement.
Step 7: Zeroing your scope
Using the adjustments on your scope, adjust the reticle until it is pointing directly at the center of the target. Once you have done this, ensure the crosshairs are aligned and not pointing in any other direction.
Step 8: Firing several rounds
Once you have zeroed your scope, fire off several rounds using both types of ammo to ensure accuracy, make sure to adjust your sight according to where each round lands so that all shots are centered around the bullseye.
Step 9: Checking for elevation and windage
Observe where each round lands about the bullseye and note whether any adjustment needs to be made for elevation or windage. If so, adjust your scope accordingly.
Step 10: Fire another group of shots
Once you have adjusted for elevation and windage, you can fire off another group of shots to check if the adjustments have been effective.
Step 11: Checking your scope reticle
Using a spotting scope or binoculars, look at the reticle from different angles and distances away from the target to ensure that it is properly zeroed. Ensure there are no errors in the alignment of the crosshairs or any other part of the reticle.
Step 12: Firing groups at multiple ranges
To ensure accuracy over longer distances, fire off several groups of shots at different ranges. This method will allow you to see how your scope performs at different distances and help you make any necessary adjustments.
Step 13: Testing the parallax setting
Using a spotting scope or binoculars, observe the reticle from varying distances from the target while making small changes in position. This approach will help you adjust the parallax setting of your scope so that it is appropriately zeroed even when viewed from different angles.
Step 14: Rechecking for accuracy and consistency
Once these steps are complete, fire off one final group of shots to recheck for accuracy and consistency; if everything checks out, you have successfully zeroed your rifle scope.
Step 15: Enjoying your rifle scope
Finally, enjoy your rifle scope and the improved accuracy it provides. Remember to take proper care of your 6.5 creedmoor scope, so it remains zeroed adequately for as long as possible. With proper maintenance, you can be sure that your scope will provide years of reliable performance.
Finally
These 15 easy steps should help anyone zero their rifle scope in no time. Following the instructions carefully can ensure a more accurate shot each time and improve your hunting or competitive shooting skills. Once you have successfully zeroed your rifle scope, you can enjoy improved accuracy and better results every time you shoot.