Yardage to check loads question

[Jdscada]

So I finally get a day off, but wind is gusting 20mph, there is a shooting range that offers 50yd indoor range. I need to check several loads on several rifles but don't get many days off, any opinions?

 

[bpl]

you should be able to figure this out with an online ballistics calculator if you know the info on your loads and the sight in distance. that should get you close. I use hornadys site a lot. your zero at <50yards is gonna be dependent on your actual sight in distance. I'm thinking your close range zero will be around 35yards give or take on a hunting rifle with 200 yard zero, but I havent done the math lately.

 

[Art Eatman]

Checking sight-in, or checking group size in comparing loads?

 

[rcmodel]

Might want to ask the range if it is for 50 yard handgun, or if the allow hi-power rifle.

Not many indoor ranges allow rifles because they wreck havoc on the target backstops.

rc

 

[jmr40]

You can possibly get a chronograph reading, but that is about it. 50 yard group sizes might help eleminate some really bad loads, but I don't decide if a load is truly accurate until I can get it to 200 yards.

If you are trying to zero a rifle it wouldn't be a total waste. With a 50 yard zero I'd think it could tell me enough to feel comfortable with shots on deer sized game out to 100 yards. I wouldn't shoot at game farther than that until I had actually shot on paper at longer ranges.

Sounds like a day better spent plinking with a 22 than serious load development or zeroing.