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Rifle Scopes How to tell which Zoom to zero my scope on

So I have a very easy question I am sure for some of you. I am new to long range sniping and bought a very nice scope ( I'm considering it an investment ). I bought a Leupold Mark 4 LRT 6.5 - 20 x 50. I am having trouble getting a good grouping on my zero. Any advice would be great.
 
Re: How to tell which Zoom to zero my scope on

To Zero a scope, put a target at 50 yards (or 100 if you dont have a 50 yard range), the bigger the better, but 2'x2' or so is usually good enough.

Put your rifle on a good rest. One where you can adjust the scope without the rifle moving. It doesnt have to be an expensive rest a $50 maintenance cradle or bags will work.

Take the bolt out of the rifle and look down the rifle barrel and adjust the rest so the barrel is pointing at the center of your target.

Adjust the scope so the scope cross hairs also point at the center of the target. (The major crosshairs that go all the way to the edge of the scope) It doesnt matter what zoom level (aka magnification) you are on.

Shoot 3 shots. You should be on the paper. If you aren't you need to get a bigger target, move the target closer or have a friend look and tell you where the bullet is hitting the backstop.

Once you are target, fine adjust the scope from there.
 
Re: How to tell which Zoom to zero my scope on

thanks sniper, ya I bore sighted it and it was good the first time I went out but I just went yesterday and it was off by a bunch. The place I bought the scope at sighted it for me but from me messing with the turrets it is off target now.

@pvwpwr - yes I am very new to shooting. Always love it when I did get a chance to shoot a bolt action and finally convinced myself that I wanted to start getting better at long range tactical shooting. I have a GIANT learning curve ahead of me but I am very interested, I read a TON on the topic but reading only gets you so far.

I guess another quick question I am shooting a right handed gun Remington 700 SPS Tactical with the scope previously mentioned. The issue is that I am left handed and in turn hold it left handed. Any one do the same thing and have any pointers for prone positions, working the bolt with my right hand ect.
 
Re: How to tell which Zoom to zero my scope on

Pinshot, are you saying the store you bought the rifle from, sighted it in for you. But since then you have gone shooting and moved the turret setting and the zero is off? If this is the case, and the scope was zeroed correctly you might need to turn the turrets back to zero. Also with regards to a lefty shooting a right handed bolt gun, LonewolfUSMC on the Hide has a good video posted on the tube demonstrating bolt manipulation, worth looking at.
 
Re: How to tell which Zoom to zero my scope on

I think maybe what the OP is saying is that the place he bought the scope from bore sighted it for him.

To the OP: I believe I'd just start all over. Either bore sight the rifle again or have it done for you. Reset the turrets to "0". If you don't know how to do this there are little allen screws in the top edge of each turret. Loosen those and rotate the turret to 0 then tighten them back up. Go shoot and fine tune your zero and then reset your turrets to 0 again.

If you are wanting to know how to improve your grouping. Well if everything on your rifle is good to go, meaning your scope rings, base, and stock are all tightened properly then the problem more than likely lies with you. Focus on the fundamentals. Make sure you have a good stable shooting position and a solid rest. I prefer prone with a bipod and use a bag under the butt stock. Other than that......practice!