scope power setting for sight in ?

D

Dave Allen

New member
hello, just wondering what most do in regards to the power of magnification for sight in ? for example if most of your kill shots were at 4 power do you stil use the higher magnification say 9 power for setting your zero ? realizing the zero may change slightly with the change in power. i,m using a 2x7 which i really like for the wide f.o.v. but the 1" red dot is pretty small @ 100 yards. will a higher powered scope help with the sight in ? i just hate to drop a few c-notes to find out.. thanks dave..
 
Here is what I think:

I am an experienced long-range shooter.

If you have a quality variable power telescope sight, use the highest power magnification for you sight-in. Once Zero is made (at whatever distance YOU think is correct for you "target" and situation), dial you "quality variable scope" to the minimum magnification and shoot another group at the Known Distance (KD) range, and see where the bullets land. This will let you know if there is a shift in POI (Point of impact). A "quality" variable scope will not show any significant change in POI.

I like to use a 2.5-10 B&L 4200 Series on my .221 Fireball CZ rifle. I sight-in at 10 power and generally hunt at 2.5 power. Periodically, I check my zero in the field and zoom my scope to 10X to fire a group at 100 yards and am very satisfied with the results.

Please bear in mind that your 2-7 power variable scope is likely superior to what ever the WW2 Sniper scope optics were. Zero at 7X and confirm zero at 2 power. You will be doing fine.

As long as your shots (at 7X) are landing on the 1moa dot at 100 yards (or where ever you want the Point of Impact), and the shots are landing in the same general area at 2 power, you are good to go. Don't worry, go hunting.

Cheers,
 
I have always set my scope in on the highest power for (fine-tuning)yardage zeroing.

While I'm stalking in on a target(coyote). I'll back if off to around 4-6power for quick running acquisition, if need be. If the yote is still balled up, when I get there. Thats when I go prone & zoom back in to the highest power.
 
I sight mine in at full power. It should be very close at min power or something is way off. If it is, usually a slight adjustment in torque in the ring set screws should straighten the scope bore/alingment out. There's also the factor of how close the reticule is over the chamber face.

jerryboy
 
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Full power for sure! That's why you buy the full power. If at 14, 16, 18 or 20+ power you are a little off, you can easily fine tune and git'r dialed in. Then in normal hunting situations go with the power that provides YOU with the field of view your the situation dictates: Under 100 yards go low: (2.5 to say 5) 150 yds? 6,7,8,9...out farther? You make the call. Is the target on a steady bearing, but moving... or crossing or stationary? All the factors have to be considered. Time is also a factor...if it's a running coyote, full power really isn't an option under most circumstances. Unless you are a super shot. I usually leave my scope at 6 when hunting here in the desert. If I get back-doored...I go to plan B...sidearm.
 


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