Validating zero

Alan

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Moderator
Platinum Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2025
Messages
214
Once you’ve attached an optic, what’s your go-to method for confirming that it’s zeroed before you consider the setup done?
 
For my scoped hunting rifles, centerfire (and especially with my muzzle loader), once I get a 3-5 shot group where I'm aiming (usually around MOA @ 100 yds.) I'll clean the barrel and wait for the barrel to completely cool off. When I can put the first CCB (clean cold bore) in the bullseye at 100 yards I call it good. Depending on the rifle/caliber that usually gets me poa/poi from 100 out to around 180 yds. If I'm shooting 200 yds. and beyond, I will confirm zero at that/those distance(s). I believe in the 'One shot, One kill' adage. At the beginning of each hunting season, I will take a shot or 2 to confirm zero before heading into the woods.

20160808_112109.webp


For my rimfire rifles I just zero them and don't clean the bore until accuracy starts to fall off. I will clean the chamber after shooting to avoid any carbon ring build-up.

KIDD 10-22 @ 100 yards
20250724_180146.webp


Ruger M77 .22WMR (with .17HMR GM Fluted/SS barrel) @ 100 yards
2016-11-09 13.33.32.webp
 
Back
Top