Finally Checked Zero’s - Hunting Season is Close

[memtb]

A question for you folks that do a lot of longer range shooting, with fairly precision rifles. Would you consider this decent shooting, for sporter weight rifles....the .338 WM is box stock", the .375 AI is semi-custom. Both, scoped, loaded, and slung go right at 9 pounds. The AI a couple ounces over, and the .338, several ounces under!
Finally got to do a zero check this morning. Waiting on temperatures to cool some to somewhat replicate hunting conditions, waiting on no wind, and catching a break between chores. These were shot at 300 yards. The wife's rifle (.338 WM - 225 TTSX's) was a little high and left, but groups were about what is to be expected from her rifle. My first 2 shots from mine (375 AI - 250 TTSX's, where hideous...5" right and about 5" apart. Don't know if, the rifle needed to settle-in, or I needed to settle-in!

The photo shows the two-shot groups for each rifle at 300 yards. Left 2 shots....wife's.338 WM, upper right 2 shots....my rifle! Pretty pleased with the groups, only needed to "tweak" the adjustments a little....and go hunting! memtb

 

[cohunt]

cold bore, 1st shot is what counts--I find a cold day with steady wind and test my zero-- 1 shot then let rest for over 15 minutes to make sure it's 100% cold bore, then do it over again--I shoot 3-5 shots that way if nec so I know I'm good--I check group size and cold bore POI then go hunting

 

[memtb]

cold bore, 1st shot is what counts--I find a cold day with steady wind and test my zero-- 1 shot then let rest for over 15 minutes to make sure it's 100% cold bore, then do it over again--I shoot 3-5 shots that way if nec so I know I'm good--I check group size and cold bore POI then go hunting

Though I 've never done it, I've read where some folks.....shoot once, pull the target, on a different replace the target shoot again, approximately 10 shoots fired on different days under different atmospheric conditions. If the rifle can shoot a good group under this criteria.....you have a pretty darn good rifle! memtb

 

[ShtrRdy]

What position were you shooting from?

I've been checking sight in of my hunting rifle off of shooting stix from a seated position.

 

[memtb]

This was from bench, to verify zero. Will shoot from sticks, hopefully poi is same! memtb

 

[jjmp]

not bad at all , that's good control , thks

 

[WildRose]

I'd write it off to shooter error with the impacts being that far apart.

Just check it again to be sure and remember what you're shooting HA!

 

[memtb]

I'd write it off to shooter error with the impacts being that far apart.

Just check it again to be sure and remember what you're shooting HA!

Given ideal (very rare) shooting conditions.....what range do you think we should limit our shots to. Understanding of course, our shots under field conditions will likely double the group size? memtb

 

[cohunt]

Given ideal (very rare) shooting conditions.....what range do you think we should limit our shots to. Understanding of course, our shots under field conditions will likely double the group size? memtb

You should limit your shots to the maximum range you have practiced at, in the conditions you have practiced in.

Personally when I practice shooting at the range I do 2 things, 1st is get off the bench ...shoot from a backpack or bipod prone, sitting, kneeling, use a tree or shooting sticks as front rests....
2nd thing I do to simulate "stress" is I jog or run to/from my target to get my heart rate and my breathing rate up, then shoot before they calm down, that simulates "buck fever" and hill side climbing in the field.

Dont take a shot that you aren't confident you will make. If you are uncomfortable in the shooting situationthen pass on the shot and just get closer to your target.

 

[memtb]

You should limit your shots to the maximum range you have practiced at, in the conditions you have practiced in.

Personally when I practice shooting at the range I do 2 things, 1st is get off the bench ...shoot from a backpack or bipod prone, sitting, kneeling, use a tree or shooting sticks as front rests....
2nd thing I do to simulate "stress" is I jog or run to/from my target to get my heart rate and my breathing rate up, then shoot before they calm down, that simulates "buck fever" and hill side climbing in the field.

Dont take a shot that you aren't confident you will make. If you are uncomfortable in the shooting situationthen pass on the shot and just get closer to your target.

Using that criteria....we probably should stay home this year! In the past, we've done similar training drills. It's been a very busy summer....shooting of any nature, took a backseat to work around the place. Hopefully conditioning via work, counts for something. And hopefully, with the many previous years of shooting....there are still some residual skill-sets. memtb

 

[WildRose]

Given ideal (very rare) shooting conditions.....what range do you think we should limit our shots to. Understanding of course, our shots under field conditions will likely double the group size? memtb

I'd just recheck the zero and then decide. Anyone can pull a shot or two or blow one because they weren't ready for the recoil.