Mosin M44 Question

[Lone_Sheep_Dog]

I'm going to shoot my m44 for the first time tomorrow. What distance should I shoot to begin with to check my groups? I was thinking 25 yards. My range is only 50 yards maximum. Should I expect it to shoot high at those distances? This will also be my first time shooting a Mosin.
I'm going to try some 148 grain surplus light ball ammo and some 46 grain hollow core practice ammo.
Thanks for the advice.

 

[Cosmoline]

I've sighted in a great many, so I can give you my procedure.

--Bring a suitable brass punch and hammer. If the front sight is extra stiff consider a kroil application the night before.

--Bring multiple weights and types of 54R. At a minimum bring standard light ball (148 grains or so) and some of the 203 grain commercial. You will usually be able to tell very quickly which the rifle prefers. The more types you have, the better you can find tune.

--Leave the bayonet folded. Make sure action screws are tight.

--Start at 25 max and test your loads from a rest. Shoot for best group only at this point, do not try to sight in.

--ONCE you have identified the load the rifle likes, then get out that hammer and tap and adjust your windage, again with the bayonet folded. I'd suggest sighting in at 50 yards since that's as far out as you can go.

--If elevation at fifty is way too high you can get a high sight or Mojo.