Truing without knowing Zero Offset

[Tim_WNC]

My Kestrel is good to go with my normal hand load. Today, I shot some factory (Hornady Am Gunner) loads for practice. I put the numbers into the Kestrel, got initial numbers and started banging steel at 550, 665 and 700 yds.

I ended up adding .3 mils to the Kestrel's solution. So, I can "true" to my actual solution, but now that I'm home and getting it set up, I'm wondering if I really needed to drop back to 100yds and get the "Zero Offset".

If I skip entering the Zero Offset, am I screwing myself on solutions that I haven't trued?

 

[Dthomas3523]

I think you’re asking if the solutions at distances you didn’t verify will be good, the answer is probably.

The issue you will see is your data is likely only trued to that rifle as long as the zero is exactly where it is now.

If you zero it another day and say for example, you were offset .1 or so, and next time you get it perfectly zero’d to POA, then your trued data will not line up.

This is because your calculator currently thinks you have a dead nuts zero when you don’t. So it’s adjusted the solution accordingly once you true it up.

If A) you zero doesn’t move at all and retains the same offset every time you shoot or B) you have access to a range to true data a lot

Then you can get away not using the offset. Otherwise, you should use it.

 

[Tim_WNC]

To clarify, I DO have a solid, repeatable/consistent zero for my usual hand load.

 

[natdscott]

WNC, what are you shooting, and how far?

 

[Tim_WNC]

WNC, what are you shooting, and how far?

Tikka TAC A1 6.5CM

Today I was shooting ~700 yards with the factory 140gr American Gunner.

My normal load is 140gr ELD-M at ~2750fps

 

[natdscott]

You don’t need to “true” your trajectory.

 

[Tim_WNC]

You don’t need to “true” your trajectory.

Why not?

Practice at 700 today, but 1000+ is a regular occurance

 

[natdscott]

Because it’s bullshit. Long range zeroes are +/- more than your “trued” opinion of your zero will allow...at least if you follow the rest of shooters that get wrapped around the axle of their iPad instead of running the bolt and LEARNING the trajectory pat, in various conditions.

If you find yourself regularly tasked with using multiple ammunitions to make first round hits on 1/2 minute targets at ranges exceeding 1,000 yards, and you can do so well enough to be paid for it, then I concede.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Why not?

Practice at 700 today, but 1000+ is a regular occurance

Pay no attention. Calculators are here to stay. True your calculator to your rifle and keep getting it.

Learn your dope well enough you can decide if for someone reason the software is screwy and needs attention. Or if you use the rifle for work or hunting you can still make a shot if your electronics go down for some reason. But by no means, don’t bypass utilizing a calculator.

Anyone who is a true professional (like actually works behind a rifle) has a calculator/software.

 

[natdscott]

Indeed, calculators are a wonderful thing, and should be used regularly. I would go one more and say that it would be ideal if a person knows enough to get hits withOUT one, if necessary, with a NEW rifle and ammo.

Can be done.

 

[natdscott]

Anyone who is a true professional (like actually works behind a rifle) has a calculator/software.

That is a really big statement Mssr. Thomas.

Large enough to be both as massively rhetorical as it is untrue, even by internet standards.

 

[Dthomas3523]

That is a really big statement Mssr. Thomas.

Large enough to be both as massively rhetorical as it is untrue, even by internet standards.

Ok, I’ll restate.

Anyone who is a real professional (actually makes a living behind a rifle) and isn’t using a calculator (whilst obviously having an analog copy of dope) is a fucking idiot who needs to quit being antiquated and close minded.

 

[Tim_WNC]

 

[Deleted member 10043]

Have Gun Will Travel,

If you can shoot beyond your zero how long does it take to actually verify your zero offset?

 

[LawnMM]

Takes about 60 seconds and software will measure it for you

Plug the ATZ values into the Kestrel, true trajectory at 800 or so and you should be good to go at any distance while supersonic.