NEWBIE.... How to figure out scope clicks for distances beyond 100yds.

R

rem870

New member


Newbie here… I just purchased 3 brand new Nikon Prostaff 3x9 scopes for $150. (hard to pass up). But I have ZERO experience with any type of scopes. I did zero 2 of them in fairly easy on my 2 AR’s and one on my 870 slug gun (Through trial and error).

Now here is my question!!

How do I go about figuring out the proper # of clicks from my current zero, out to 200 yards, and then on to 300 etc.. The scopes is set for ¼” per click. I am sure there is an easy way/explanation for this but I just don’t know how. Thanks for the time and advise!!!!
 
Elevation changes as you go farther out as stated above.
Shoot 100yds set zero.
Shoot 200 yds measure how low it hits target take note.
Shoot 300 yds measure how low, take note.
Compile note to one small sticky & tape to side of gun.
So you have 100yd zero hold dead on.
200 hold X amount of inches high.
300 hold x amount of inches high.
Done.
 
Sorry, I think I didn't fully understand your question.
But if sighted in at 100 yards, as 5spd said shoot a group at 200 and measure how low and use the measurements I gave you to know how many clicks it will take. Repeat at other ranges.
Be sure to shoot the guns afterward to make sure you are on. Sometimes the clicks are not exact.

Shayne
 
I currently have a correct 100yrd zero. But I was asking for info. on how to make click adjustments FROM the 100yrd mark, out to 200yrd., then out to the 300yrd., and so on...

So there is no "generic" chart to follow interms of making these adjustments?

I guess I am not understanding the concept.. I am sure this is much easier than it seems.


THANKS FOR ALL YOUR TIME AND ADVISE!!
 
Souns like to me its amix between a couple of replies. 1/4 in is one click at 100 and 1/2 at 200 and so on. BUt with the drop or trajectory of whatever bullet youre shooting then you just cant go with the simple so many clicks.The replie of shoot at 200 and see where it hits and 300 and so on is about the only real way you can do it. Once youve done the shooting and keeping record then you can count clicks. You will have to make your own chart like the other reply stated.May even have to tape it to the gun or remember it. Sorry Im not much help.
Daryl P.
 
dopeing your scop using clicks will get you really close going for 1/4" @100 1/2"@200 and so on will get your pretty dang close but if you really want to know exactly cause each gun could be a little diffrent theres nothing better than shooting it at those distances.
the way we do it is zero at 100 move to 200 hold DEAD on like you shot at 100..its gonna shoot low...measure that...depending on the gun it might be 1" could be 2 jsut depends...keep going till you get to whatever you concider your max. then you know exactly what your gun does at each distance...then you can dope the scope....if you have a 1/4"MOA scope thats 1/4" per click...so if your gun is zeroed at 100 and your shooting it at 300 and you know it shoots 2-1/2 low...you dope it 3 clicks and its gonna be real close.
think i confused myself on that but if i remember right thats what i was told by a shooter friend of mine.
 
Each load make up will provide a different trajectory, so you really need to know the variations in each...It takes some trial and error but for precision shooting, it's necessary...

That's one reason that I tend to work with one set of load factors for each purpose...I seldom develop loads using a variety of bullets/bullet weights or different powders..Usually two per caliber/rifle, even though most rifles will shoot slightly differently, they stay pretty close and predictable...

I've made up trajectory charts with drop factors and elevation click factors for each load out to 400 yards, with the exception of the one Varmint Hunter reticle and one Mil-Dot reticle, since I know where each stadia line/mil dot will put the round at specific distances..
 
Are you asking us for your 200, 300, 400... yard zero's??
There is no magic answer here, you have to shoot your gun, every gun will be different, every load will be different.

So if you are zero'd at 100 yards with winchester 100gr powerpoints, and you go to the gas station and buy federal 120 grain whatevers, they will shoot differently, your zero for the winchesters is worthless for the federals.

Based on the information you gave us, you need to go study, read up on scopes, DOPE, bullet trajectory etc...
I didn't even see you mention a caliber.

We can give you a generic answer that may get you somewhat close. Say you're shooting a 26" barreled 308 with 168 gr fgm rounds.
100= zero, 200 yards is say 8 clicks up, 300 is say 16 clicks... so on

That generic answer may get you inside a 12" pie plate, but it is not THE answer. You have to go shoot your weapons at the distances you want to shoot and figure out all this information yourself, because your gun(s) are different than mine, your two AR's, even if they are the same caliber, same barrel length will be different.

So, figure out which ammunition your guns like and what you want to shoot. Buy a case or three of it, set targets up at 100, 200, 300, 400..... and shoot.

Zero at 100, shoot at least a 10 shot group at the bullseye on the 200 yard target, I say at least 10 to help eliminate flyers screwing with your results. Measure the bullet drop from that bullseye (your point of aim or POA)to the center of your group (point of impact or POI), lets say it drops 4", that is 8 clicks or 2MOA. Then adjust your scope the 2MOA or 8 clicks and shoot another 5 shot group, maybe a few groups even, to check and make sure your dope is correct. Your groups should now be in the bullseye.

Click your scope back to your 100 yard zero and repeat for 300 yards, then do it all again for 400 and 500 and however far you would like to shoot. You will now have the answer to; "how many clicks do I need for 200, 300, 400... from a 100 yard zero."

Again remembering, this data is for the specific gun and load you used to get it, if you change anything, everything changes.
This isn't a joke, if you don't care, or don't want to put in the time, do us a favor and take up golf. Taking "generic" info and assuming it is correct for your setup will just result in wounded animals and dangerous situations. Ignorance and firearms doesn't mix
 
ON top of all that, if your inexpensive scopes don't track correctly, then you're back up sh!t creek without a paddle.

Have fun, good luck, go read up on all the subjects you wish to be knowledgeable in.
 
Thanks for everyone's input and advise!!! Tons of great info., and I cant wait to get out to the range within the next couple of days to try these scopes out....
 
RE: calling4life.....

Thanks for the help and info. but I am not too sure about your last your last comment???


"This isn't a joke, if you don't care, or don't want to put in the time, do us a favor and take up golf. Taking "generic" info and assuming it is correct for your setup will just result in wounded animals and dangerous situations. Ignorance and firearms doesn't mix".

I think ignorance comes from those who do not look for any help, and attempt to use fireamrs in manners in which they were not intended. I think that me asking for help and advise is the proper thing to do, "before" I attempt to use any type of firearm or accesory related to them, particularly considering many members on these forums may have great advice or pointers which they can share with "newbies" such as my self.

Also doing the required work to get familiar with my "set-up" is something I look forward to. I feel that asking for tips or help should be welcomed by those who already have the knowledge.



So are you saying "my ignorance" comes because I am looking/asking for help and advice? Really?


 
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Rem870, that's not what I was trying to imply buddy. If you took it that way, I missed my mark(not the first time). For some people(me included) the simple explanation just doesn't translate. I highly recommend a PR1(precision rifle 1) class. It's not cheap, but it really helped me to understand what everyone was trying to explain to me.

Chupa
 
No, that isn't what I am saying, but, ignore it, it doesn't matter, I'm not going into this as it is irrelevant, if you hold up to what you are saying.

Good luck and good shooting.
 
rem870 you got some good info here. We were all new at one time. I have wondered how some of these people have gotten so smart on this stuff and there are some that flat know what there talking about. You will quickly find those that you can PM for advice. Sometimes people are a little grouchy but let it slide off your back. I left golf and took up reloading if it helps. Rick
 
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Keep a DATA book. If you learn to use minutes not clicks, the math will be much easier and faster in your head. A minute is roughly 1inch at a hundred. Google MOA and converstions. A minute will be 4 inches at 400yards. You can look at the dial and turn to the correct number. You cant skip a click that way. If you have a chrono,the new ballistic calculators will get you real close. This is not recomended on live targets. They are great if you got a solid 200yard zero and get to bang steel or paper at say 800yards. Each gun, bullet and optic perform differently. get to know your weapon. A scope will not always track a true 1/4minute click. I think guys are trying to tell you there is no replacment for range time. I need a half minute less correction at 200 yards compared to my buddies identical 308. I need 1/2 more minute of correction at 600 than he does. Same ammo, same scope and mounting system same barrel, smithed by the same guy using the same reamer. Go figure.
 
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Rem870,,The first thing I would do with your scope to develop a degree of confidence in it, would be to shoot a "Box Test" to insure that it is tracking, or repeating, accurately...

Set your target at 100 yards and fire one round into the center bull...A small dot on a large piece if light colored paper in one of the better targets for this...Keep your point of aim on the dot...

Run your elevation up 40 clicks and windage right 40 clicks and shoot a single round again...Run the windage left 80 clicks and shoot one round...run the elevation down 80 clicks for another round then the windage right 80 clicks for the 5th round...Now dial the elevation up 40 clicks and the windage left 40 clicks and fire your final round...

Hopefully your last round will wind up in the center spot and all the other rounds will have created a perfect square pattern around the center dot...One key element that will help is to refrain looking for your hits while doing the exercise...Just concentrate on your point of aim and maintain the same cheek weld and method of holding the rifle..You can measure the results when finished...

It's a necessary exercise to insure that your scope is functioning as it should...

In the event your scope doesn't have 80 clicks of adjustment, use what is available...You can use the large numbers on the dials instead of actually counting clicks...If it works as it should, you have no problems, if it doesn't then you may be needing to call the manufacturer's customer service..
 


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