Sighting-in Your Deer Rifle
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010
by Jack H. Schick
Too many times shooters go to the local rifle range to sight-in their deer rifle and come home more frustrated than they were when they got there. They shoot up $40 or $50 worth of ammunition, bruise their shoulders and egos and still have no confidence they're going to hit anything. I certainly was that way for many years.
First, you're not going to become a great shot using just your .30-06. It's too expensive to shoot enough rounds to get really good. Also, after the first half box you'll be anticipating the recoil and start to flinch. After the second half box, your barrel will be too hot to shoot accurately and consistantly. To become a marksman, get out your .22. You can shoot over 500 rounds of .22 for the cost of a box of high power rifle bullets. Remember, though, the .22 is a hearing killer. No matter what you think, each shot is doing damage, so wear ear protection.
Also, no matter what your hot shot buddies say, a hundred yard shot is not easy. You're trying to put three bullets into a dot the size of a silver dollar at the other end of a football field. A lot of little things can happen to make you miss at that range. A vice will help, but I'm too cheap to buy one. A rest or even a pillow or rolled up jacket is better than nothing, though. If you have no bench or rest, prone is the best position to shoot from. It's the most steady. Many women prefer to shoot sitting. Depending on their "build" prone can be uncomfortable.
I hate public ranges. Like I said, I usually leave feeling no better than when I got there, worse usually, because I have to go buy more bullets. Finding a safe and legal place to shoot 100 yards on my own is almost impossible, so I always sight-in my deer rifles at 25 yards. At 25 yards, I can see the bullet holes easily through my scope. I can clearly see how far they move when I make an adjustment. I can hold the cross hairs steadier on the bulls eye. I can even use the pistol area of the public ranges if I have to go there.
I know from ballistic charts the trajectory of my bullets, though it really isn't necessary with most calibers. The way the eye, the sight and the muzzle line up, bullets rise as they leave the rifle. The shot is a long, shallow arc. If I zero in my .270 at 25 yards it will be about 1 1/2 inches high at 100 yards, and back to dead-on at about 225 yards. So, out to 300 yards my bullet will only vary from about 2 inches high to about 6 inches low. Good enough to hit almost any big game animal in the vital zone. It's similar with all calibers with similar bullet weights and velocities. You can estimate for heavier, slower calibers. Quicker, lighter ones will be even flatter (less arc).
Why frustrate yourself? Wait till you see the groups you'll be shooting at 25 yards. You'll know the rifle is just the way you want it. Shoot a couple rounds to zero in with the 'aught-six' so you can't blame the rifle, then get out there with the .22 and become a sharpshooter.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)We love our 22 - have much fun with the old kitty litter jugs filled with water too for the rifles - you can see at a glance where you hit (water spout) and it is fun - never mind with 16 paws running around we are never at a loss for kitty litter jugs.I was a Boy Scout and NRA shooting instructor for a few years. We went through a lot of .22 rounds in a summer camp season. I'm an NRA Expert with an open sight .22.- was, that was long ago
If you are lucky enough to live out in the country target shooting can be a lot of fun. Shooting into the bank in the wash out back is great.yes, it's fun
Jack,it is a great information, I have not use a rifle for many years. Thanks good article.thaks for reading
Really ballistically moving article which left me on the floor shell-shocked!!!Well I never knew such a great deal about arms and ammunition but after reading your article certain light was shed onto this obscure topic.Thanks for reading and commenting
Great article, love the inclusive approach, makes us novices seem welcome. Always looking to save a few dollars.See ya in a couple of weeks- sight in before the last weekend so you don't scare the deer off Hartman Hill!!
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