Sighting in a hunting rifle??

[Moreland]

What's the best way to sight in a hunting rifle?? Should I be shooting it off of my bipod, on a sandbag or on my lead sled?? I've sighted in lots of rifles before but just want to make sure I'm doing it the best way possible for those longer range shots while in the field.

Thanks.

[Homesteader]

Going with your bipod and shooting from a sitting position sounds best.

I’m assuming you aren’t shooting from a bench in the field with a lead sled or sand bags. They will all work to get you close, but you really need trigger time with the load you will use, in the conditions and at the ranges you will use the rifle at.

[Dick284]

Are you practicing with a proven load, or are you doing load development?

Practice how you hunt. Bipod, or sling, or tree etc.

Remove all or as many human variables if developing loads, or finding a “best” load. Bags and a sturdy bench.

[elkhunter11]

I sight in off of bags and a rest, and then practise using my Trigger sticks tripod.

[45-70sapper]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I sight in off of bags and a rest, and then practise using my Trigger sticks tripod.

That’s the way to go. Sight in in the most stable way possible. Usually off of a bench or in the prone with bags etc. Once your point of aim matches your expected point of impact, practice shooting from different positions you could be required to use in the field.

[Moreland]

Thanks for the info guys. I was shooting at the range trying to get it sighted in off of my bipod and I was groping good, just not as tight as I would have liked (that's my own human error), maybe next time I'll take out the lead sled and see what it'll do like that but I'll continue my practice for hunting season how I'll be using it.

[dave99]

Confession time: I use a non-weighted lead sled for load development. I then confirm my zero shooting off my backpack, prone. Nothing beats lots of trigger time in field positions. I also find it more fun to practice and hone my skill, rather than parking myself on the bench.

I have yet to notice any appreciable POI change between lead sled and the field position shooting, in ranges up to 600yds.

There is a lot that I like about load workup with a lead sled. The main thing that I dislike is the containment of the recoil pad, such that the lead sled sits between the recoil pad and my shoulder. This makes me lose the feel of the rifle, if that makes sense. I have toyed with the idea of using a hacksaw to cut away this part of my lead sled.

As many have mentioned, a weighted sled can ruin a stock, so beware.

To the OP’s original question on sight in for a relatively inexperienced shooter. Here is what I recommend (other than lots of practice):

- buy or load at least 40 rounds of the same lot and type of ammo
- practice dry firing from various positions until you consistently know when the trigger is going to break
- find a comfortable and steady position at the shooting range and dry fire some more. Position may be prone off bipod, backpack, seated at bench with bags, bench with lead sled, etc. The point is that the position should be steady enough that the crosshairs move less than, say, 2 inches at 100yds. Ideally 1 inch or less.
- Fire a 5-shot group at whatever range you would like as your zero range. I shoot 200yds. Mark any known fliers, and disregard them. Mark the average POI based upon the 5 shot group
- correct your sights accordingly. Fire another group 3-5 shots to confirm zero
- Shoot a few other groups from field hunting positions to confirm again
- go hunt!




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[lyallpeder]

Originally Posted by Moreland

What's the best way to sight in a hunting rifle?? Should I be shooting it off of my bipod, on a sandbag or on my lead sled?? I've sighted in lots of rifles before but just want to make sure I'm doing it the best way possible for those longer range shots while in the field.

Thanks.

No question you should be sightings in from the most stable position possible. If you have a slead use it if not use a sand bag. You’re trying to take your human error out of it. After that it’s a good idea to practice from your hunting shooting position.

[catnthehat]

I use a Hart front bench rest and Bald Eagleb rear bag to work up loads and zero my rifles but then shoot them from the sand positions I would use in the field - probe of s pack, using a walking staff as a rest, etc.
For my big game rifles I zero at 200 meters then check the point of impact at 300 and 100.
Cat

[Sogseal]

Can someone explain the issue with using a lead sled for sight in? Perhaps i used it wrong; the rifle is just resting on and against it, not strapped down or anything. The recoil against the supported butt end is too high in some cases or what? Thx

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[ceedub]

Originally Posted by Sogseal

Can someone explain the issue with using a lead sled for sight in? Perhaps i used it wrong; the rifle is just resting on and against it, not strapped down or anything. The recoil against the supported butt end is too high in some cases or what? Thx

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I've never had an issue, and have used a lead sled (no weight) for years to sight in all my rifles and for load development.

Craig

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[6.5 shooter]

Wood stock rifles tend to break at the wrist, especially heavy kickers. Rifles are not meant to be locked down and fired...Newtons law.. for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction...the recoil has to go somewhere.. if not into your shoulder then it goes into the stock, the action screws, the recoil lung or....

[270person]

Originally Posted by 6.5 shooter

Wood stock rifles tend to break at the wrist, especially heavy kickers. Rifles are not meant to be locked down and fired...Newtons law.. for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction...the recoil has to go somewhere.. if not into your shoulder then it goes into the stock, the action screws, the recoil lung or....

Lead sled isn't locked down and if you don't weight it there shouldn't be any issues. I really like mine for zeroing my 22's and hmr's and there's zero risk there.

Used it up to 7mm non weighted and again zero issues. Don't expect any with my larger bores either.

The only thing I don't care for is the padding can't be firmly secured to the frame and they harden up pretty good as well.

[calgarychef]

I broke a stock on a lead sled. Someone earlier said “throw it away” I concur.

[gtr]

Originally Posted by ceedub

I've never had an issue, and have used a lead sled (no weight) for years to sight in all my rifles and for load development.

Craig

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Seems some people have difficult time with tools. Only stocks I have personally seen that are broken, were caused by a fall.

[Foxton Gundogs]

I sight in all my rifles from the bench with a solid rest. You want the best possible results when sighting in, then once you know your rifle is bang on the mark practice with different "hunting" shooting positions, that way you know what your rifle is capable of and also what you are capable of in real field situations.