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Sight-In/Zero Target
A simple approach to how I use Shoot! ballistics software to setup/fine tune ANY Hunting/Varmint Rifle in just 5 easy steps.
Here is an example…
STEP 1 - Lets assume we have decided to use the Remington 130gn Core-Lokt factory ammunition in our 270 Winchester for the upcoming Whitetail deer season. Find this load in the Shoot! database then input as usual.
STEP 2 - Set target range in Shoot! to 50 yards. Click 'Optimise Load' from the calculate menu. Select Vital zone for Whitetail deer, then click 'Find Optimum Settings' button. What we need to do next is transfer the calculated zero range to the main window by clicking 'Transfer Zero range to main window'.
STEP 3 - Run a ballistics report on this factory load (go to 'Calculate' menu, then click 'Ballistics Report'. Do a print preview, then print an actual copy to paper. Note: the 'Optimum Settings' heading just before the columns of ballistic data - you'll need this info for the next step.
STEP 4 - Print several copies of the 50 yard sight-in target (Go to 'Settings' menu, then click 'Sight-In/Zero Target'). Use a ruler to mark the exact zero point for Optimum sight settings on each target. For example, if our optimum settings on the ballistic report tells us to sight-in so that the bullet impacts 1.5 inches above the bullseye (while aiming at the bullseye), then measure 1.5 inches up from the center of the target and mark that spot.
STEP 5 - Go to the gun range and setup your sight-in target at 50 yards. First sight-in the gun so the bullet strikes as close as possible to the bullseye. Now adjust your scope's elevation up 1.5 inches, so the next shot will impact the correct distance from the bullseye for optimum zero. Your next shot should be close to 1.5 inches high from the bullseye.
Well done! Your hunting/varmint gun is now optimised for your chosen factory ammunition or reloads.
Hints on Adjusting your scope:
NOTE: Use the CLICKS TO ZERO tool in the Calculate menu to quickly and easily determine the number of clicks at whatever distance to target.
If your scope has ¼ minute clicks this means for every click the bullet impact will move ¼ inch at 100 yards. However, since we are shooting at only 50 yards, we need to double the clicks to achieve the same shift in impact.
For example, to achieve a 1.5 inch movement in bullet impact, we need to adjust the elevation dial 12 clicks UP.
Remember at 100 yards, 4 clicks results in 1 inch movement (4 x ¼ = 1 inch).
And at 50 yards, 4 clicks results in ½ inch movement (because the distance is halved), so we need to double the number of clicks to get the same 1 inch movement.