Bullseye size vs scope magnification? Dots vs Diamond alignment?

[Tesoro]

All this at 100 yds: Dont really hear alot of talk about paper target size vs magnifications. I used to have some 18x scopes which would enable me to 'cross' my center hairs on a 1 in. pasty dot. I focus on the imaginary center of the bullseye and the fuzzy cross hairs seem to magically self center, much more than the technique of super imposing the x-hairs on the more common diamond guide line versions. But now I have a fine 12x on my 22 and a thicker 10x on my centerfires. On 10x centerfire a 1 in. dot is nearly covered. Using a 2 in dot gives me some centering, but I found I was able to shoot tighter using a 3 in version. It seemed like my eye is better able to center the xhairs when there is a more even proportion of bullseye to cross hair coverage. On 12x with the .22 a 2 inch dot gives me the perfect balance to shoot some tiny groups. much more than using a 1 in dot.

I guess everyone shoots differently as evidenced by the std 1 in/100 yd bulls so commonly seen on the range on the range by users of varying scope magnifications. I have rarely shot great groups using the common diamond shaped bullseye with horizontal/vertical center lines which, in the first place, never seem to be level with my sight unless I use a level to hang them. I have never shot great groups when my reticle subtension was too great for my aiming point. My best groups have always been when my eye does the aiming vs the x-hairs, but relative target size is equally as critical as my form. At least I can make one of those two a constant!

Obviously I am not a competitive target shooter, but neither are many on this forum.

 

[Topwater]

We have started using the ring binder reinforcement adhesive circles. We color them with a magic marker. Dark blue is my choice. The center hole just appears much more vivid at 100 yds. Just an idea.

 

[Tesoro]

Good idea but I would need more than 12x for that! In the past I have stuck 1/2 in round white price stickers on the black of orange target dots

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

When zeroing scopes, no matter the caliber/distance I plumb the target. Load testing I will plumb the line of dots for each load. With the digital night vision scopes I use the floating dot type reticle with a white 1" square bullseye.

 

[CharlieNC]

In addition to magnification you need to consider the subtension of the reticle, ie the size. It is usually expressed as moa. I find 10x with a sub moa reticle is adequate for aiming small.

 

[Todd-67]

I use a 3" shoot-n-see target at 50/100yrds. These were shot at 50yrds in so-so conditions.

The center dot on these is .25" and so is the center dot on my Vortex PST Gen II 5X25 x 50. I cover the dot on the target with the one on the scope so it is a pretty distinct point of aim. At 100yrds I use the full 25X unless the mirage starts to get bad which isn't often at 100. 50yrds I dial it back to 18X.