Zeroing for varminting what your preference???

[Plowboy]

G'day shooters! I have had my .223 for a few months now and have been doin a fair bit of fox and rabbit shooting with it. When I first got it I decided on a zero used for military rifle(250m zero) but I have found it wanting due to the small targets I am shooting. Not so much the zero, but a combination of my shooting ability, ranges where foxes can be clearly seen and the range where I am comfortable having a crack at them. So I decided to re zero(ok just a bit bored and wanting to shoot ) I have changed the zero to 175m. Now that I know the range that most of my shooting is done I reckon I will be more happy with that. Just wondering what others preferences are? Not limited to .223s just interested to know what range most shooters are "engaging" their targets.

I suppose my thinking when I first bought it was that "if it's good enough for a soldier, it's good for me. But no it's more shooters preference now

[macca]

I think its always the shooters preference.I only use target turrets and have my drops worked out so I'll click on if using a range finder and have the time.Like working a warren etc.
For quick shots I return to a 250/300 yard zero.I'm more likely to shoot over a close target then go under a distant one.I pass a lot of close shots nowadays.Like a bit of a challenge.I culled for lot of years and just popping things at 50-150 yards has lost its appeal.
Spot lighting I sometimes drop to 200 yards,mostly depends on which rifle I'm using.
cheers,
Macca

[Plowboy]

Yeah I was finding I was goin over a bit. Most of my shots are within 180m and no real time to dial in although I would love to sit off a warren and "work it" but alas no time for that either!

I suppose my shooting is not just sport although I really like it. I am after everything I can get at whatever range. Even though my HMR comes along for the ride, I never use it for foxes now as I want to make sure they don't get up!

[trevort]

about inch high at 100 and point and shoot at most targets

[MISSED]

about inch high at 100 and point and shoot at most targets

I have to agree with Trevor on this .I have my 222 sighted in 1 " high at 100 and I think it zero`s around 170 m.My 204 is 3/4" and the Swift is 1 1/4 as well .I found when sighted in at longer ranges I was over shooting on the closer ones.

[Plowboy]

Trevort I will try it when I can get good shooting conditions(windy up here today) but pointblank says thats about right so I'll take it out in a minute and see.

[Plowboy]

Yep happy now! Got a fox at about 80m(STUPID!!!!) and another at about 150 both head shots and holding between the eyes! One lost it nose and most of its throat and the other copped it in the eye. Should have done it a while ago. Also found the rifle was shooting a little to the right too so that's sorted too. How often do you guys check your zero? Was a little surprised to see it out as I was still hitting stuff but then again I have not had any long shots for a while so that could explain it. Although I did miss the last fox I shot at the other week....3 friggin times! Gotta love it when you CAN blame the scope!

[BIG E]

not always the scopes fault can b the nut behind the butt

[andrewk]

not always the scopes fault can b the nut behind the butt

second that. have had the odd miss and gone that was not me, gone to re-sight in and it's smack on still

my scopes that i don't adjust while shooting i put at an inch high at 100m for my hummer and centerfires, 308 the exception i have that 2 inches high, goats are bigger. my 22lr is set at 50m for subs.

all that and i like my 204 set at 100m zero, rangefind, drop card, dail turret and shoot. if i use the 204 for spotlighting i give it 1 moa up, inch at 100 and off i go

[Rumpus]

about inch high at 100 and point and shoot at most targets

Me too.. Works well on all my rifles,and if its say a 300m shot, I know my hold over.

[Dr G]

G'Day Plowboy

I used to have my 223 sighted in at 1" at 100m, like many other 223 users. This gave me a 2" vital out to 200m and required around a 9" holdover at 300m (using 50gn projectiles)

As for checking the zero these days I do this prior to most nights spotlighting, it serves a couple of purposes.

1. I clean my rifle after every shooting session so it ensures the rifle has had a couple of fouling shots

2. I dont like uncertanties, if i miss a cat or a fox I want to know it was because of me not some variable with the equipment

3. I dont like missing cats and foxes

4. I shoot in a variety of temperatures from -4C in the winter to over 50C in the summer this can effect your load and the pressure it develops so it gives me a clue as to what is going on

5. I really dont like missing cats and foxes

It may be a bit anal but I love shooting so I see it as a bit more fun

Dr G

[Plowboy]

not always the scopes fault can b the nut behind the butt

The scope is my excuse and I am stickin to it!!!!

I have never put some fouling shots through before goin out as the two bastards I most want to get hang not to far from the house(actually only one now! the other has no right eye!) and don't want to scare shit out of 'em. As I never go shooting in windy stuff I don't ususally make a decition until night falls. Dont really want to put fouling shots through just incase!

[Dr G]

fair enough, my normal spotlight run is about 120km so scaring the locals isnt an issue

I would still zero at a minimum once for every new batch of ammo you use.

ps I never blame the equipment, you bought it so ultimate responsibility is yours

Dr G

[andrewk]

i'll put bullets through paper every chance i get to make sure things are still sweet as.

[Plowboy]

I may have to do it more often but yeah never do with the HMR or the old .22

I gonna copy a design of shooting rest from a car jack to use for that sort of stuff. Once I start reloading I will probably be doing a fair bit of paper punching and want to make sure that the load development is working.