Re - zeroing

[garandman]

How often and how much do you have to re zero the scope on your precision rifles?

I've got a Athlon ETR that I usually have to re zero A click or 2 at a 100 yd.

Yesterday though I had to come a full 5 clicks right to get back on target.

That doesn't seem right to me…

 

[STOMP442]

That's because it's not right. It sounds like it's not tracking properly or you have a loose screw somewhere. Check your base and scope ring screws and do a box test. I have ran into this problem with only one Athlon scope so far but this happens all the time with the Vortex Viper series of scopes.

 

[ballisticxlr]

Only after I take the gun apart. In general use, never and that includes it getting banged around a good bit on the way to matches and then at the matches themselves.

 

[rammac]

Any constant changes in zero is not normal.

If you can, try to twist or push the scope with your hands while you hold the rifle as solidly as possible. If you feel any kind of pop or tick then something is moving. If you have the tools you can try clamp the rifle in a gun vise and then put a dial indicator on the scope's objective bell.

I recommend taking the scope, rings, and mount off. Clean everything and look for signs of movement (rub marks, changes in the finish, oversized screw holes). Reassemble everything using a torque wrench and a blue thread locker. One of the reasons I don't like aluminum rails or rings is that it's not uncommon to find that the screw holes will become oversized over time and then there will be small amounts of movement.

And by the way, I've got three different Vortex scopes (two Viper models and a Razor) and none have ever had issues with a changing zero.

 

[284winner]

Everytime I remove a scope from a pic rail then replace it, it's been exactly where it was before removing it. As far as checking zero occasionally, I do. Just for piece of mind. I think it's good practice if your a hunter anyway.

 

[dstoenner]

I check zero on every batch of long range ammo i make. I rezero the knobs if i have to. Usually no more than 2 clicks off.

This is all tested at 100 yards. As my barrel is wearing it is slowing down. I load in a batch of 100 and roll for concentricity and sort for 68 rounds plus 6 backups just in case. Then the remaining become zero and velocity confirmation plus a little practice on the full match load. Update all that info in my ballistic program. Now i am ready for the match

David

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Wind? It's not at all unusual to need to adjust a scope for it. In fact, it's a given, especially from day to day. A complete reversal, of even a very light wind, can easily account for a half inch at 100.

 

[garandman]

Wind? It's not at all unusual to need to adjust a scope for it. In fact, it's a given, especially from day to day. A complete reversal, of even a very light wind, can easily account for a half inch at 100.

I'm referring to having to re-zero from last range session, where I was dead on, when my range session yesterday had a light 2-4 mph wind.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I'm referring to having to re-zero from last range session, where I was dead on, when my range session yesterday had a light 2-4 mph wind.

Look up the ballistics for a 4 mph crosswind and then a complete reversal. If it still doesn't make sense, we can talk more. Wind is almost certainly the culprit! Of absolutely course it changes poi! Did you even have flags out both times? Flags are THE most important tool to shooting small, consistently. No doubt about it!

 

[garandman]

Look up the ballistics for a 4 mph crosswind and then a complete reversal. If it still doesn't make sense, we can talk more. Wind is almost certainly the culprit! Of absolutely course it changes poi! Did you even have flags out both times? Flags are THE most important tool to shooting small, consistently. No doubt about it!

When I dialed the scope back to teh right back to the bullseye....in the same wind conditions, it grouped where i had re-zeroed, to the bullseye. Not off to the left by the first group.

Maybe if I posted the pic it would make more sense.....

I compete 22 rf benchrest. I took first and second place (last nite) in my club matches. I know the efects of wind. This wasn't wind....

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

When I dialed the scope back to zero....in the same wind conditions, it grouped where i had re-zeroed.

Maybe if I posted the pic it would make more sense.....

I compete 22 rf benchrest. I took first and second place (last nite) in my club matches. I know the efects of wind. This wasn't wind....

Tune is all that's left.

 

[1911nut]

How often and how much do you have to re zero the scope on your precision rifles?

I've got a Athlon ETR that I usually have to re zero A click or 2 at a 100 yd.

Yesterday though I had to come a full 5 clicks right to get back on target.

That doesn't seem right to me…

Something must be moving or changing position, bedding, scope, mount, rings. I shoot several “precision” rifles and never had to move 5 clicks after a previous range session.
You bangin the scope when cleaning or transporting?

 

[mikehotel]

My NF's never have that problem.

 

[garandman]

Something must be moving or changing position, bedding, scope, mount, rings. I shoot several “precision” rifles and never had to move 5 clicks after a previous range session.
You bangin the scope when cleaning or transporting?

No, super careful.

I think a Box test is in order to see if the tracking is on because I've checked all the other fittings and fixtures and everything seems tight.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

A question remains...Did you have flags out both sessions?

 

[243Lapua]

I usually rezero 1 or 2 clicks on my Leupolds from Summer to Winter. Which is a normal thing down here in S. Texas. We have all 4 seasons in one day during this season.

 

[Jarhead6870]

Not counting scope, rings, base, etc., several other factors can also come into play including enviromentals (mirage), parallax, eye fatigue, cheek weld and eye position related to the reticle/target picture.

Establishing a repeatable position behind the gun and seeing the reticle and target in exactly the same line of sight takes a lot of time behind the gun. An example of this is shooting groups. Try shooting a group standing between each shot and then shoot a group staying in the rifle and maintaining your check weld while you run the gun. Most people will have a better group staying in the gun. This same principal can occur when shooting/checking zero on different days.

 

[Hi-NV Shooter]

How often and how much do you have to re zero the scope on your precision rifles?

I've got a Athlon ETR that I usually have to re zero A click or 2 at a 100 yd.

Yesterday though I had to come a full 5 clicks right to get back on target.

That doesn't seem right to me…

Were you using the same lot of ammo? was the barrel seasoned with same number of shots as last outing?
same conditions temperature, wind?
I noticed the same thing and I know my scopes have no problems. as long as it holds the new zero, I am not concerned about it.
at 100yds. and lot of things can happen from the muzzle to the target

Lee

How often and how much do you have to re zero the scope on your precision rifles?

I've got a Athlon ETR that I usually have to re zero A click or 2 at a 100 yd.

Yesterday though I had to come a full 5 clicks right to get back on target.

That doesn't seem right to me…

 

[garandman]

Heres the (crappy ) groups... 224 Valkyrie... fired in order.... 5 clicks right to re- zero after grp 1 ... this is not wind...

 

[1911nut]

That’s five 1/4” clicks to the right and it looks like it needed one more. I’m not the expert here but I don’t think that’s right..