Advice on Rifle Zero Distance

[dak0ta]

Hi,

I want to zero my Savage 22lr, M1A, and Marlin 30-30 at the range this weekend.

What distance is best to zero the .22lr heavy barrel using a 2-7x33 scope? 50 yards? I would like to be able to hit things out at 100 yards while also hitting things at 25 yards.

What about the M1a? I want a 200 yard zero, should I zero at 25 yards? This is using iron sights. I've also read about the 250 meter battle zero using the 25 meter target: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=m14%2025%20meter%20battle%20zero%20target&source=web&cd=3&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fm14.ca%2Faccurizing%2Fbattle_zero.pdf&ei=H0ogUZnRAqjWiAKCnIBI&usg=AFQjCNF0rugJMDbb2ZAQ0D-2_BX5owNcYA&bvm=bv.42661473,d.cGE

The marlin will have a fixed 4x scope. What's a good zero distance for the .30-30 to hit game out at 200 yards?

Thanks!

 

[splithoof]

I like your numbers.
I zero .22LR at 50 yards for rifles, 25 yards for sidearms.
.308 zero at 200, provided any optic used is not one that has a BDC calling for 100 yard zero (bullet weight matched reticle, ballistic drop compensating).
.30-30 100 yards when using round-nosed bullets. I shoot no game with it farther than 150.

 

[dak0ta]

I read Chuck Hawks MBPR tables. He said for the 150gr .30-30's, if you sight in 3'' high at 100 yards, you're -0.6'' at 200 yards. That sounds pretty reasonable for a 0-200 yard deer gun with a 4x scope. This means that you can aim at the vitals from 0-200 yards and pretty much hit within the 9'' paper plate circle of a deer's vitals?

I have a 1911a1 Commander with fixed sights. Are these sighted in a 25 yards from the factory usually? I've never fired it or pistol before for that matter. Should I start at 15 yards and work out to 25 yards?

 

[jim243]

Really will depend on what you plan on using them for.

For the 22 LR I usually find myself shooting at the 50 yard range but like to take it out to 75 yards. A 50 yard zero will do that without any problems.

For the M1A 200 yards will be no problem, but you may want to take a shot out a little further with it so I would suggest unless you plan on shooting shorter distances to do a 200 yard zero.

For the Marlin, it is unlikely that you will be shooting it further than 75 yards, but maybe 125. A 75 yard zero should keep you in the kill zone of any deer with that zero.

Just my view on it, others will be along with what they think.
Jim

 

[jmr40]

Zero the 22 at 50 yards
Zero the 30-30 at 100 yards
Zero the 308 at 200 yards.

If you want to shoot at game at ranges significantly closer, or farther actually shoot your rifles at those ranges to see what happens.

Do not depend on charts of others research. There are too many factors than could be different in your situation to make them completely unreliable. Shooting at 25 yards and hoping to get a reasonable idea of where you will hit at longer ranges is a really bad idea.

 

[taliv]

for precision rifles, i use a 100 yard zero and a graduated reticle and keep a dope card so i know exactly how far to hold up from 100. and by precision, i mean if i occasionally need to be able to hit a half-inch target at 100, i need to know exactly how far away it is and can't rely on point-blank range.

for battle type rifles, where i typically have a red dot sight, i like the 50/200 yard zero. zero at 200 and it will also be close to zero at 50, and within an inch or so from 25-230 or thereabouts. and you can hit a torso from 0 - 300 which is about as far as i can see without magnification anyway

 

[JDGray]

Depends on the scope...
I zero all my target rifles at 100, but dial in my dope with target turrets.
Standard adjusters get zeroed at what ever distance I plan to shoot it most, and learn hold over, hold under values.

 

[45crittergitter]

I only use MPBR method with my intended target size, regardless of caliber.

 

[Hummer70]

FWIW if you have a POA/POI at 300 yards with 308 you will"

Aim 4" low at 100,
6" low at 200
on the money at 300
12" high at 400.