How to Zero a scope
If you want to shoot accurately and hit your target every time, zeroing your rifle scope is a crucial step. It's the process of adjusting the scope so that it aligns with the rifle's barrel and ensures that the bullet will hit where the crosshairs are pointing. Zeroing your rifle scope takes time and patience, but with the right techniques, you can do it easily.
Here are the steps you need to follow to zero your rifle scope:
Step 1: Choose your target
Choosing the right target is crucial for zeroing your rifle scope. You need to choose a target that's at a reasonable distance and has a clear and visible aiming point, such as a bullseye. Ideally, choose a target that's at least 100 yards away for maximum accuracy.
Step 2: Set up your rifle and scope
Before you begin zeroing your rifle scope, you need to make sure your rifle and scope are properly set up. Mount your scope on your rifle securely, making sure it's level and straight. Make sure your rifle is unloaded and on a stable shooting rest. This will ensure that your rifle is stable and not moving around while you're zeroing your scope.
Step 3: Rough sighting-in
Rough sighting-in is the process of getting your rifle on the target. To do this, you need to adjust your scope so that it's pointing at the same spot as your rifle. Look through your scope and adjust it until the crosshairs are centered on the target.
Step 4: Make adjustments
Once you've rough sighted-in your rifle scope, it's time to make adjustments. Use the turrets on your scope to make adjustments in windage and elevation. These turrets are usually located on top and on the side of the scope. To make adjustments, use a coin or screwdriver to turn the turrets in the direction you want to move the point of impact. For example, if your bullet is hitting to the left of your target, you need to turn the windage turret to the right to move the point of impact to the right.
Step 5: Fine-tune adjustments
After making adjustments, shoot a group of three to five rounds to see how close they are to the target. If they're still off the mark, repeat the process until you're satisfied with the results. Once you're getting groups of shots that are consistently on target, you've zeroed your rifle scope.
Step 6: Record your adjustments
Finally, record the adjustments you've made to your scope. This will help you remember the settings you used for future reference. It's also a good idea to mark your turrets with a permanent marker to indicate the zero position.
In conclusion, zeroing your rifle scope is an essential step in ensuring that you hit your target accurately. It may take some time and patience, but following these steps will help you achieve the desired results. Remember to always practice safe shooting and follow all the rules of firearms safety while zeroing your rifle scope.
MOA and MIL
MOA and MIL in relation to target shooting and adjusting a telescopic rifle scope. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting out, understanding MOA and MIL is essential to improve your shooting accuracy and make precise adjustments to your scope. Let's dive in and explore these concepts.
What is MOA?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle, which is a unit of measurement used to describe the angular difference between two points. One MOA is equal to 1/60th of a degree, or roughly 1.047 inches at 100 yards. In practical terms, this means that a one MOA group at 100 yards is equivalent to a group that measures one inch in diameter. At 200 yards, one MOA is equal to two inches, and so on.
When adjusting your scope for windage and elevation, you will typically make adjustments in increments of MOA. For example, if your scope is zeroed at 100 yards and you need to adjust your point of impact by four inches to the right, you would adjust your windage by four MOA.
What is MIL?
MIL stands for milliradian, which is another unit of angular measurement used in target shooting. One MIL is equal to 1/1000th of a radian, or roughly 3.6 inches at 100 yards. In practical terms, this means that a one MIL group at 100 yards is equivalent to a group that measures 91mm in diameter. At 200 yards, one MIL is equal to 182mm and so on.
So at 20 yards, a 1/10 MRAD adjustment will move the point of impact by approximately 2 millimeters.and At 50 meters, a 1/10 MRAD adjustment will move the point of impact by approximately 5 millimeters.
Like MOA, MIL is used to make adjustments to your scope for windage and elevation. However, MIL is often preferred by shooters who are using metric measurements, as it is more easily convertible to other metric units of measurement.
Which one is better?
There is no clear answer as to whether MOA or MIL is better for target shooting, as both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and familiarity with the system.
Some shooters prefer MOA because it is easier to understand and has been the traditional unit of measurement in the United States. Others prefer MIL because it is more precise and easier to convert to other metric units of measurement.
Making Adjustments
To adjust your scope using MOA or MIL, you will typically use the turrets located on the top and side of your scope. Each click of the turret will make a precise adjustment to your windage or elevation, typically in increments of 1/4 MOA or 0.1 MIL. It's important to remember that each scope may have slightly different adjustments, so be sure to consult your scope's manual for specific instructions.
Understanding MOA and MIL is crucial for making accurate adjustments to your scope and improving your shooting accuracy. Whether you prefer MOA or MIL, the key is to practice and become familiar with your scope's adjustments to make the most precise adjustments possible. Happy shooting!