Parallax for 50 yd benchrest/ precision

[garandman]

For most of my shooting life, I've used the parallax adjustment knob basically to focus the target clearly.

Now that I am obsessing about hundredths of an inch at 50 yd, I've done a fair amount of research on parallax settings. It confirms what I have seen… that the parallax settings on the scope don't actually perfectly match the distance to target and Good focus.

I've also Started using the "bobblehead" method to check parallax… moving my head up-and-down left and right to see if the reticle moves on the target.

Is all this correct? How much do you worry about parallax for bench rest shooting? What else should I be thinking about/know to maximize scope accuracy ?

Is being centered up on the rear eyepiece enough? Or is parallax setting critical to bench rest accuracy? what do you do to check parallax ?

 

[holstil]

I see the numbers on parallax dials as mere reference marks. In fact, I prefer no numbers at all. I rely on no movement between reticle and objective while "bobbleheading", not a number or a mark on a dial.
I've had issues with some scopes removing parallax and not being able to focus on objective.
Better to be fuzzy than moving imo.

 

[RGRobinett]

With ZERO discernible parallax, you are forced to re-position (aim) the rifle: with any parallax, being a human (lazy), you'll probably just move your eye and re-position the reticle.RG

 

[dolek]

With ZERO discernible parallax, you are forced to re-position (aim) the rifle: with any parallax, being a human (lazy), you'll probably just move your eye and re-position the reticle.RG

Perfect analogy right there.

 

[garandman]

I see the numbers on parallax dials as mere reference marks. In fact, I prefer no numbers at all. I rely on no movement between reticle and objective while "bobbleheading", not a number or a mark on a dial.
I've had issues with some scopes removing parallax and not being able to focus on objective.
Better to be fuzzy than moving imo.

I'm kinda seeing that with this Athlon Ares ETR. Reticle movement is totally removed at a point where target is jusssssttt slightly fuzzy.

That something I should contact manufacturer about? Or is it just being at 50 yds the problem?

 

[holstil]

The scopes that I had that did it didn't matter what distance. I think it is more likely to be in lower end scopes. I haven't noticed it in my better scopes. Probably wouldn't hurt to call mfg. I'd be interested in hearing what they would do. I'm guessing one of the lenses distance is off a tick? Then again I'm feeling old, might just be my eyes!

 

[garandman]

Yeah... I got old man eyes , but I may just contact Athlon anyway. I'll test it again, tomorrow hopefully.

 

[holstil]

Had a fella tell me once that he just compensated with holding his head for parallax when I asked if he removed it when looking at his groups.
I told him that parallax is a condition of difference between the focal plane of objective and reticle and that would be a feat.

 

[okie]

my groups are typically of a larger dispersion than the error introduced by parallax...

 

[holstil]

You can get an idea of how much potential the group size can grow by observing how much the reticle moves on the target while moving your head.

I shouldn't worry with it cause I couldn't hit a wall if I was standing in the middle of the room.

 

[garandman]

Im pushing 0.33 - 0.39" at 50 yd. Even a 0.1" parallax error is huge, at this point.

In match shooting that will move you from the middle to the bottom of the pack.

 

[Tim s]

I'm kinda seeing that with this Athlon Ares ETR. Reticle movement is totally removed at a point where target is jusssssttt slightly fuzzy.

That something I should contact manufacturer about? Or is it just being at 50 yds the problem?

That may very well be because the reticle is likely not focused properly with the eyepiece, lots of guys get this basic step wrong.

 

[garandman]

That may very well be because the reticle is likely not focused properly with the eyepiece, lots of guys get this basic step wrong.

The reticle seems sharp and crisp with the eyepiece, but I will dblck.