Zero @ 50

[USMC22]

You guys ever find yourself refining your zero almost every match. Like 2/10th windage and maybe the same elevation?

The floating dot on my vortex is tough to see sometimes and think that and being human is what I’m having. Some days better than others.

Anyways, just wondering if it’s just me or others. Shooting Vudoo’s and Lapua Center X. Same lots. Chronos well, groups no issues. Just moving groups to punch USBR targets seems to be my norm.

 

[oldrifleman]

Can happen, the existing Zero is close but Rimfire ammo can be temperature sensitive and that will cause a shift.

 

[KnowNothing256]

I don't see this, actually. I often move my scope between my RF and CF rigs, so I don't always get the data you're asking about, but recently I got to shoot a few RF matches in a row. After a few fouling shots, I see pretty darn consistent POI; I'll think it's slightly off, put one click on to correct, and end up the same amount off on the other side, so I just put it back. Which is a long way of saying that I'm generally less than 0.1 mil off of zero.

I did have some curious behavior recently that I didn't have time to troubleshoot, new Lapua lot and new range and farther distances and in more wind than usual, so just a lot going on; I'm not ready to make decisions based on that experience, though.

For OP's question, if you're seeing it happen across different temps, then it can be ammo related, but I'd also be very meticulous setting your parallax. You need to truly confirm with your eye that the reticle doesn't move on your zero target, rather than just dialing to "50" on the knob. My scope's parallax settings are highly variable match-to-match, and at 50 yards a very small error on the knob can easily explain a 0.2 mil shift.

Parallax would be my first suspect, then I'd check that everything is tight (scope/action screws, muzzle devices and/or thread protectors, etc.), then I'd verify the POI off of a bulletproof prop and front bag (I don't trust my bipod + rear bag technique), then I'd start checking ammo/MV/tuner stuff.

 

[M4orturnate]

Yes but it can be many things. Parallax has to be perfect at shorter distances and will have a bigger effect, direction of the sun from range to range, wind and aj can make a difference at that range. I've seen .4 of wind on a 50y target and I'm in the northeast region I can imagine what guys get where it's really windy

 

[Doctorwho1138]

I re-zero every time I shoot. It’s not a lot but it’s enough to miss a small target especially if I change ammo.

 

[oldrifleman]

I re-zero every time I shoot. It’s not a lot but it’s enough to miss a small target especially if I change ammo.

This! It is advisable to ALWAYS take a few minutes to re-establish your zero each time. As I said before it will be close, but "close" can cost you Xs or points and the match if in competition and it is good to check each to build the habit.

 

[USMC22]

Thanks all. I'm checking parallax and know everything is torqued to spec (i.e. obsessively check).

Sounds like I'm just OCD and setting the zero to conditions each time rather than add math to a firing solution. I'm also trying to hit the x ring out on USBR targets, not just get on paper.

Sometimes I just need to bounce it off some other folks.

 

[oldrifleman]

Thanks all. I'm checking parallax and know everything is torqued to spec (i.e. obsessively check).

Sounds like I'm just OCD and setting the zero to conditions each time rather than add math to a firing solution. I'm also trying to hit the x ring out on USBR targets, not just get on paper.

Sometimes I just need to bounce it off some other folks.

All good we all need confirmation from time to time

 

[M4orturnate]

Thanks all. I'm checking parallax and know everything is torqued to spec (i.e. obsessively check).

Sounds like I'm just OCD and setting the zero to conditions each time rather than add math to a firing solution. I'm also trying to hit the x ring out on USBR targets, not just get on paper.

Sometimes I just need to bounce it off some other folks.

I like to check 50, 100 and somewhere between 180-210 before a match. Even if they don't have targets I'll laze a rock and check my dope and if the wind jives with what I'm seeing at shorter ranges

 

[USMC22]

I like to check 50, 100 and somewhere between 180-210 before a match. Even if they don't have targets I'll laze a rock and check my dope and if the wind jives with what I'm seeing at shorter ranges

yeah, definitely feel better when I check / adjust a zero prior to a match. I'm usually .1 one way or the other. Small but it makes a difference on the 1/4" KYL's and other targets not leaving room for error.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

I think it all comes down to dispersion. I'm down to the four bricks of lot-tested Center-X out of the two cases I bought throught the Mesa test center four years ago. Yeah, sometimes I adjust a tenth or two... and then next time I end up right back where I was.

.22s be a little world all their own... glad to be playing in it.