What distance to Zero in at

[turbomilton]

So i have a 16in barreled AR and was wondering at what distance i should zero my new 1-4 scope in at. I just got into shooting 3 gun matches so that is what i am planning on using it for. So far the farthest we have shot out to has been 300 yards.
Thanks for any help

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

100 is the standard but you can use anything. You didn't mention what scope so whatever may have marks that you can rapidly change to for your various known distances

 

[turbomilton]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

It is a Viper PST 1-4x24

 

[Redmanss]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

What scope/reticle do you have, what size targets are you shooting at, what type of ammo are you running, and what are the ranges the majority of your targets at?

 

[turbomilton]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

The reticle is Moa and we shoot on targets that about 4 feet tall, upper torso targets. Im running 55gr 5.56 round, and most targets are right around 50 yards with the longest so far at 300

 

[Redmanss]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

200yd zero and you will need to hold about 2moa high for the 300yd shots. 1moa high for 250yds.

Everything within 200yds will be well within the capabilities of the rifle/ammo anyhow, so POA/POI for there. Good luck.

 

[DWood]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

50 yard zero = 1 inch low at 25, 1 inch high at 100 yards and back on target at 200 yards. My ARs are zeroed at 50 yards.

 

[57Strat]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DWood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">50 yard zero = 1 inch low at 25, 1 inch high at 100 yards and back on target at 200 yards. My ARs are zeroed at 50 yards. </div></div>

Agreed. This is the best setup if you are using sights or a scope that offers no range adjustment. I have my Troy BUIS and my AIMPoint setup with a 50/200 yard zero.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

So where are you going for a 3 gun in San Diego? South Bay Rod & Gun Club?

 

[Tactical_Tom]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

Its easiest to zero at 50.

 

[turbomilton]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So where are you going for a 3 gun in San Diego? South Bay Rod & Gun Club? </div></div>

They do 3 gun matches and idpa matches up at pala and then there are some private ones around.

 

[turbomilton]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

 

[Flynn]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

For general shooting (up to 300 yards/meters) the 50 yard zero is optimal.

 

[marduk185]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

i zero at 3 miles. that way when i go prone 5 feet from a burka dirka, ill still make a clean head shot even if i aim at ther toes. no one talks about mom.

 

[Flynn]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mar2012</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i zero at 3 miles. that way when i go prone 5 feet from a burka dirka, ill still make a clean head shot even if i aim at ther toes. no one talks about mom. </div></div>
The op was looking for useful information.

 

[Bearwalk]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

After reading some of Arthur Pejsa material, he has convinced me to shorten my zero ranges from 200 yds to no more than 100 yds. So, for your application, 50 yds is probably ideal, 100 yds max.

 

[neoinarien]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Redmanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">200yd zero and you will need to hold about 2moa high for the 300yd shots. 1moa high for 250yds.

Everything within 200yds will be well within the capabilities of the rifle/ammo anyhow, so POA/POI for there. Good luck. </div></div>

I endorse this position.

 

[Tactical_Tom]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

50 yard zero and 200 yard zero are almost the same, and it’s a lot easier to zero at 50.

 

[BaileyMoto]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

50 and 200 can be close, depending on sight height and ballistics of the rounds you're using. They can also be a bit off depending on your setup and ammo. I find that with pretty much all ammo, a 200 yard zero works best for my 14.5" AR with a 1-4x Trijicon.

Some data using 1.5" height and 77gr SMK. Notice a 200 yard zero gives no more than 2" of "rise" out to about 230 yards. Makes great for POA/POI shots on wascally wabbits and other varmints.

 

[whiskeytangofox]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

I use a 25 yd zero. less than 25 yards is height over bore. Beyond 25 yds you stay a little over point of aim till 275, and then you start to see drop. I use a Aimpoint T1, and most of my shooting is done at 25 and less. Sometimes I ring the steel at 100 and 200 though.

 

[judgedelta]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

How will the "50-yard zero" theory apply to .308, 30-06, 270? I'm thinking deer camp, with hunting ammo, to get some of the dudes a little quicker off of the range at noon when I'm trying to catch a little after-lunch nap...

 

[WRM]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: judgedelta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How will the "50-yard zero" theory apply to .308, 30-06, 270? I'm thinking deer camp, with hunting ammo, to get some of the dudes a little quicker off of the range at noon when I'm trying to catch a little after-lunch nap... </div></div>

Scope bolt action will need different zero than an AR, due to sight height, and this discussion was on AR's....

Rule-of-thumb for scoped bolt actions (sight ~1.5" above bore) is dead-on at 25 yards puts you dead on at 200 yards (and ~2" high at 100, ~8" low at 300). With "fast" cartridges (270, 7RM, 300WinMag, etc.), 1/4" low at 25 yards puts you dead on at 200 (~1.5" high at 100, ~6.5" low at 300).

Download a copy of Point Blank and check it out, you'll see what I mean.

Good luck,

Bill

 

[marduk185]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

me inputs was useful flynn, stop tweekin me gig bra. i be layin down the skinny fo the yung pups so's they can upspeed they distance tricks, dig?

 

[Patriot Prepper]

Re: What distance to Zero in at

I zero at 50 yds which gives me close to zero at 200 yds. In between 50 and 200 the flight path is only an inch or two off at ranges in between.

If you zero at 25 yds, you will be close at 300 yds. Have fun.