Red dot for testing

[JamieC]

I've been trying to accuracy test some reloads, I'm using a red dot, testing at 50 & 100 yards. It's cheap unit, (neighbor bought it, gave it to me to see if it is worth anything). I have put it on and off the gun, (TWS, kit I put together), several times, seems to hold zero. My question, I'm starting to wonder if I'm beating my head against the wall, I'm getting some decent feedback on groups although it's inconsistent. I'm shooting off a rest, the dot is a 4 MOA, I'm 61, eyes 'seem' good although admittedly a bit tough seeing the dot on bright days. I want to get an Eotech, (love the dot/circle setup), I guess that would help, (for the money, it'd better!). Opinions?

 

[dogmush]

I don't shoot for groups with a 4 MOA dot. That's working uphill. Even if I'm going to put a red dot on the weapon later, if I'm shooting for group size, slap a scope with some thin crosshairs on there.

 

[strambo]

Yeah, to accuracy test handloads you need a good rest and a magnified scope. Any load you produce may be shooting better than your capability with the dot at those ranges...or maybe not? Too hard to rule out shooter error with that setup and know for sure.

 

[urbaneruralite]

I prefer low magnification scopes for general use, but a scope of at least 14x for load testing. Tasco Target/Varmints and Simmons Whitetail Classics are old designs that work well enough. They're not particularly good, just sufficient for testing loads at 100 yards and closer. One of those in picatinny rings for moving around to different rifles can be done under $100.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Your 4 MOA red dot covers roughly 4" at 100 yards.

You would be better off using a cheap scope:

http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-prostaff-4x32-rimfire-scope-matte-nikoplex.html

Tim G.

 

[Odd Job]

A cheap scope would be better, yes.
If you have to use a red dot then something like a Burris Fastfire III will be better as it has a smaller dot, but you can probably get the scope for that same money...

 

[wally]

You can help yourself if your target has a high contrast center that is about the same moa as the dot at the range of interest, then you can use "vernier" acuity for repeatable alignment of the dot and center.

Another problem with using red dots to shoot groups is that you need to focus your vision on the target and look "thru" the dot to align things. If you focus on the dot the POI will wander from parallax. Odds are you are used to focusing on the front sight or scope reticle.

The Nikon ProStaffs are very good for the price, if a bit on the large side.

 

[chicharrones]

You can also use a red dot for 6 o'clock hold instead of covering the target. In my experience I can shoot a bit more precisely using a red dot with 6 o'clock hold.

It's still not as precise as even a low powered scope, but if it is what you have and your eyes can't use open sights any more, it's not too bad.