Sight In Conditions

[elkhunter11]

Do you sight in your rifle during the warm summer months, and not check again all fall, or do you verify the zero in colder weather that is more like the weather that you will be hunting in? Do you practice using field positions, or from a bench? I drew antlered moose and deer at Camp Wainwright, so I decided that I should do a final sight in once the temperatures dropped . As well, my friend that will be getting a partner license for my moose wanted to do some cool weather shooting. I use the BRH retical, so I decided to sight in at 200m with the main crosshairs. My first three shots were low and not a very good group, but the barrel was cleaned and stripped of copper, since I shot it last, and my last sight in was at 200 yards on another range, in warm temperatures. I made a scope adjustment, and the next shot was in the bullseye at 200m. Two more shots, and I had a .600" group in the bullseye. We the took out the triggersticks, since my friend had never used them, and shot to 300m off of the sticks, both sitting and standing. We made consistent hits on the gongs off of the sticks, so we called it a day. He was so impressed with the trigger sticks tripod, that he is getting a set of his own , to replace his bipods.

[Smokinyotes]

Nice group for 200yards. I always try and shoot my rifle in below freezing temps to check zero for hunting conditions.

[madball]

I always confirm summer zero in cold temps.

[obsessed1]

I target shoot all year long (even throughout hunting season) I keep good logs on all my rounds at all different temps. I probably have data on every rifle at every temp and zero relative to it

[Cappy]

Lots of variables at play in cold weather.

My experience has taught me there hasn't been a tonne of noticeable zero shift at 100yds. That doesn't mean that there won't be a noticeable difference further out and you should definitely shoot some further distance to confirm

Is the ammo fresh out of the truck or as it been sitting in -30 on stand for a couple hours? Cold powder means lower speed in your bullets and that too will translate down range.

Cold weather and heavier clothing. Are you interrupting some of the principles of marksmanship as you fight with your heavy jacket/overalls and force your natural point of aim?

All the more reason to shoot more and learn more.

[Arty]

I'll try to zero as late in the year as possible, before the season opens, especially to confirm muzzle velocity. As noted, cold will have an effect on the rifle's performance, from powder burn rates to the effect of gloves and coats on POA.

I assume a muzzle velocity from chrony measurements on my range cards, and if I don't have to make any crude adjustments for powder temp I'm happy. I'll take a density altitude reading every morning before legal hours and select the correct card for it. Then I'll know what to dial or how many mils to push for any combination of range, wind, or elevation.

In mixed cover, I'll zero for 100 meters because that will require less adjustment. In open farmland, maybe 200, and prep cards for that zero.

I'll practise prone at the range and use a military sling, but seldom go prone in the snow and tall grass unless I'm lucky enough to be at the crest of a hill on some cutline. I'll sometimes take the camera tripod for shooting support if I'm doing more sitting than walking that day.

[260 Rem]

My routine for zeroing my hunting rifle starts from this point. Today, -9C
*Rifle/ammo left in vehicle outside overnight
Day 1
* Three shot groups at 300/200/100m
* Scope adjustment to zero at 200m
Day 2
* Repeat above...at 300/200m
* Final adjustment if necessary to zero at 200m.
If I have time, I will shoot a cold bore shot at 100m on two different days.



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