How to Sight In a Scope Rifle

you can make your own targets, it's easy!

Start off by checking the internet and look up the ballistics of the size of your rifle, example: 30-06, 22 magnum etc.., as each shell has a different weight and the flight pattern is different. For the purpose of this article we'll discuss a 30-06 with a 180 grain shell. As a box of shells costs around $30.00 for a 30-06 and that is expensive, you'll need to zero your scope in at close range to save costs.

Things You'll Need

• rifle
• shells
• targets
• tape measure
• table stand or pillow for stability

Instructions

1. 

   Bore sight your rifle so you are hitting paper at 25 yards. Measure the distance. Get a stable stand for your rifle if you're not experienced enough to free hand it. My husband personally free hands it with a pillow under his rifle for stability, he lays on his stomach to do this.

2. 

   Important to follow B.R.A.S.S. Breathe,Relax,Aim,Sight,Squeeze.
   Never adjust your rifle after the first shot as you may have made a bad shot, you want your shots to be grouped together. When you have a tight grouping (2-3 shots) then you need to follow your scope manufacturers recommendations for making elevation and windage adjustments. Elevation is top to bottom. Windage is from left to right. Make small adjustments one at a time.

3. 

   Walk your bullet in slowly to the bullseye. Here in S.C. you don't get over a 200 yard shot, so my husband zero' s in a 180 grain, 30-06 shell one inch high @ 25yards. Ballistic calculations on the internet show he's 2.7" high @ 100 yards. If you're deer hunting you have a 6" circle for a kill zone to hit the vitals. That means @ 200 yards you're dead on. At 250 yards you're 3" low, but still in the kill zone. Therefore don't adjust your shot for distance, just put it right on where you want to hit it.

4. Use a smaller rifle like a 22 to improve your accuracy, the shells are also less expensive, it's like a 30-06 as the technique is the same.

5. 

   You can make your own targets out of copy paper & bullseye stickers from Dick's Sporting Goods. Or if you prefer to buy pre-made targets, you can do that too.

6. Be aware of your background as bullets can travel quite a distance. have a stable stand, table or lay prone position with a pillow under your rifle so you'll know you're accurate. Good Luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Wear ear and eye protection.

• Be familiar with your gun!

• Pick up all casings and targets when you leave.

• Leave your area clean!

• Always use extreme caution when handling a rifle, use your safety.