Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

zero issues

  • 30-12-2011 11:37am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭


    Hi lad i'm having some issues with the zero on my .223. I've had the rifle for a few months now but in the past couple of weeks i've started missing my targets. I took her out just the other day to check zero and it wasn't to bad @ 100yds so I adjusted so I was hitting the bull 1/4" high @100yds. I came home put her back in the cabinet till last night. I fired at 5 foxes from 80yds to 200yds and missed each one. Shes been bang on till now,I've shot lads from 50-365yds with no probs. Any thoughts chaps.

    This is my set up.

    Howa .223
    Docter optics
    Wildcat p8
    Hornady SP 55gr


Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 793 ✭✭✭declan1980


    lee70 wrote: »
    Hi lad i'm having some issues with the zero on my .223. I've had the rifle for a few months now but in the past couple of weeks i've started missing my targets. I took her out just the other day to check zero and it wasn't to bad @ 100yds so I adjusted so I was hitting the bull 1/4" high @100yds. I came home put her back in the cabinet till last night. I fired at 5 foxes from 80yds to 200yds and missed each one. Shes been bang on till now,I've shot lads from 50-365yds with no probs. Any thoughts chaps.

    This is my set up.

    Howa .223
    Docter optics
    Wildcat p8
    Hornady SP 55gr
    A mate of mine was having the same problem. He'd set his rifle and he'd be out lamping and next thing all the shots would be hitting low.
    He's got a doctor scope too on a cz 527. He took off the scope, gave the gun a right good cleaning, put back on the scope and made sure his mounts were good and tight.
    We then went out and set his rifle 1" high at 100yds and it was grouping less than an inch.
    So far it's been holding it's zero since then, but it was startin to wreck his head


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,147 ✭✭✭dev110


    I would agree with Dec.
    Give it a good cleaning and check that all screws are tight (action and scope).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    Your right there,its a right head wrecker


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 793 ✭✭✭declan1980


    There was one thing I noticed him doing sometimes when we were zeroing. That was leaving his thumb on top of the barrel, which caused a couple of shots to go a couple of inches low


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,728 ✭✭✭deerhunter1


    declan1980 wrote: »
    There was one thing I noticed him doing sometimes when we were zeroing. That was leaving his thumb on top of the barrel, which caused a couple of shots to go a couple of inches low

    Ha haaa could be the problem


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 653 ✭✭✭kakashka


    Hello Lee,do you take the sup off when stored?like said check all simple things first incl your action screws,(screws holding action and stock together),also check you have clearance between barrel and stock..change anything between zero time and missed shots?bipod etc etc?

    Yeah anything touching the barrel can be troublesome alright


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    What mounts, and rings are you using, exact make/model would be helpful.

    Maybe worth your while, after cleaning, to try a box test.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    Ezridax wrote: »
    What mounts, and rings are you using, exact make/model would be helpful.

    Maybe worth your while, after cleaning, to try a box test.
    Not sure of make/model of rings i'll try and get a pic and stick it up


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    Ezridax wrote: »
    What mounts, and rings are you using, exact make/model would be helpful.

    Maybe worth your while, after cleaning, to try a box test.
    Here's a pic of mounts and rings

    mount3.jpg

    mount.jpg


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    Sako optilocks.

    I have an idea what your probelm is as its a common problem, but it means removing the scope.

    Leave the scope in the rings, and take scope & rings off. Under the base mount there is a screw that attachs the rings to the mounts. These have a habit of coming loose. You need to tighten them.

    Twice in the last 2 months i've had lads with this problem. When the scope is on the rifle there is not a budge out of it. However under the recoil of the rifle (short, sharp kick irrespective of caliber) the scope moves. Now on a .223 this could be minute, but in the case of the two lads i helped they had a .308 and 6.5 . My Father even had the same problem on his 30-06 and wasted many a bullet trying to resolve it.

    Again when i checked the scope on the rifle it was fine, and tight. When i took of the scope and rings the base was freely moveable with my fingers.

    So as above, take it off and tighten up all screws. Unfortunately this can happen again so what i done was took out the screws, and placed a pinhead amount of red thread locker on them. Never had an issue after that.

    I must stress that i am only talking about the single large screw under the square mount base. Not the 4 screws that sit in the rings. Make sure if you use the thread locker than the bases are lined up square to the front of the rings so to avoid loosing windage MOA when re-zeroing the rifle.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 653 ✭✭✭kakashka


    Are you sure??i'm not very familiar with the sako mounts but never seen them like this before,are they an old type?never knew they had screw fit,always thought Picatinny or Sako only??i cant see picatinny or weaver mount hidden here but again i'm not into sako mounts(i know Howa though:D)

    You dont spare that rifle Lee do you lol


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    kakashka wrote: »
    Are you sure??i'm not very familiar with the sako mounts but never seen them like this before,are they an old type?
    Very sure as i am familiar with them. They do look like an old set, but Lee70 could answer that better than i.
    never knew they had screw fit,always thought Picatinny or Sako only??
    I think you are reading orpicking it up wrong.You slide the mount base onto the dovetail rail of the receiver, and tighten with a screw on the side. Thats for mounting the bases. I am refering to if you take off the base, and look under it you will see a large -ish screw (single one) that screws up through the base into the bottom of the ring, and this is how the ring is held onto the base.
    i cant see picatinny or weaver mount hidden here but again i'm not into sako mounts(i know Howa though:D)
    They are designed to affix to the dovetail rail of a eceiver meaning no picatinny or wearver rail needed.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 653 ✭✭✭kakashka


    OK,i understand the system you described ok but the thing thats confusing me is the dovetail,i Cant see model number but i'd be very surprised if that Howa has a dove,both those blocks should be screwed to action,two screws each,Howa use a pattern simular to 700 with step and different radius:confused:
    And the rear block looks like it's on wrong way round


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,181 ✭✭✭landkeeper


    i thought the howas used a remington type system mounts screwed to the action too
    they must be prehistoric optilocks, any i remember have two screws on the rings and a very big obvious one in the side to clamp the block to the dovetail and have a recoil/locator lug


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    kakashka wrote: »
    .........i Cant see model number but i'd be very surprised if that Howa has a dove,both those blocks should be screwed to action,two screws each,Howa use a pattern simular to 700 with step and different radius:confused:
    Not overly familiar with Howa actions having only seen two of them.
    And the rear block looks like it's on wrong way round
    Seems okay to me. The locater pin will only allow the mount to sit in one position so it really cannot be wrong.
    landkeeper wrote: »
    they must be prehistoric optilocks, any i remember have two screws on the rings and a very big obvious one in the side to clamp the block to the dovetail and have a recoil/locator lug
    Any i've seen have the four screws in the rings, none holding it down onto the receiver, and a side screw to clamp it to the rail/dovetail.


    As with the suggestions above this may or may not be the issue. In the last 2 months or so i have done this with 4 rifles and his sorted the issue. One only a few weeks ago. A friend of my Father's was going to buy a new scope. When i checked the mounts, and screws, and tightened it all up the scope tracked, and held fine, and he didn't have to buy the new scope.

    If Lee70 does all this, and the problem persists then if nothing else it has eliminated the mounts/rings as an issue. then look to any mod on it, or the scope itself.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    I took the mounts and rings apart and gave them a good soak in m-pro7 and gave her a good clean. I've put her back together now I'll head out in the morning to rezero fingers crossed


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 653 ✭✭✭kakashka


    Ezridax wrote: »
    Not overly familiar with Howa actions having only seen two of them.

    Seems okay to me. The locater pin will only allow the mount to sit in one position so it really cannot be wrong.

    Any i've seen have the four screws in the rings, none holding it down onto the receiver, and a side screw to clamp it to the rail/dovetail.
    No dovetail on any Howa i know of,basically same mounts as a 700(actually a copy of 700)and there is no side screw shown here anyway,these mounts in pic look to be screwed directly on to Howa action so defo no dove between either,might be sako mounts if they made them to fit another action but AFAIK they never did,except to fit Pic or weaver rail and they look totally different to these..
    If you took a pic of it disassembled Lee maby you'd post so we could look out of interest if nothing else..hope you cure the problem either way


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    kakashka wrote: »
    No dovetail on any Howa i know of,basically same mounts as a 700(actually a copy of 700)and there is no side screw shown here anyway,these mounts in pic look to be screwed directly on to Howa action so defo no dove between either,might be sako mounts if they made them to fit another action but AFAIK they never did,except to fit Pic or weaver rail and they look totally different to these..
    If you took a pic of it disassembled Lee maby you'd post so we could look out of interest if nothing else..hope you cure the problem either way
    Your right there's no dovetail on the howa. The mounts screw directly onto the howa. If this doesn't cure the problem then I'll take it apart again and stick up some pics for you.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    Whether they are Sako original optilock or a copy of them, whether they screw directly to the receiver or sit on a dovetail the advice i gave above still stands.

    I never said it WAS the problem i said it was a common problem i've encountered, and i gave a process to see if it resolves the issue. So instead of trying to narrow down the name and make of the rings/mounts etc lets try and focus on solutions.

    If what i said doesn't work then you know its not the rings, and mounts. Move on. Its a process.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 653 ✭✭✭kakashka


    lee70 wrote: »
    Your right there's no dovetail on the howa. The mounts screw directly onto the howa. If this doesn't cure the problem then I'll take it apart again and stick up some pics for you.
    Awh no Lee dont worry,just knew they were not sako mounts;),if no recoil lug on rear base then you might be better trying to turn it round and spread the distance between rings


  • Advertisement
  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    kakashka wrote: »
    Awh no Lee dont worry,just knew they were not sako mounts;)
    i'm not very familiar with the
    I said they looked like Sako optilock mount which they do. If they are ot the original ones then its a variation as there are other brands of them out there.

    I fail to see why you are so pre-occupied with naming them rather than providing a solution other than to prove i do not know the name of them. If thats the cae i'll save you the trouble by saying it again. They are either Sako optilock or a variation of the original mounts, and based on them.
    ,if no recoil lug on rear base then you might be better trying to turn it round and spread the distance between rings
    That would work if you were having trouble getting a zero, but it will not resolve a constant loss of zero unless the screws/mounts/rings are loose, and while turing them you tighten them.

    As said above its a process so might as well try it if they can be turned.

    Personally if it were me i would strip the entire rig down. Mounts, bases, screws, etc. Clean everything, and check the threading on everything. Then rebuild, and remount the scope. Once done i would rezero, and fire a 3-5 shot group. Then do a box test to check the tracking, adjustments of the scope.

    If that solves it great. If not them look at the mod to make sure it remains tight, and is on straight. The crown is clean and non pitted. Lastly the ammo. Is it what is always used. Chrono-ing the rounds would be of huge helpp here as even th best ammo is subject to producing a poor batch. As i said on another thread i had a box of Lapua and one flyer was way off then the rest at 100 yards. Only for i had the chrono i could have been scratching the head for a while. It shoed the flyer was 200 fps slower than the others from the same box.:eek:

    If in doubt, not sure or you would like a hand i cannot gurantee to solve the issue but i would ahppily meet you on the range some day, and go through everything with you, including stripping it down, cleaning, checking, remounting, testing, chrono-ing, etc.

    Its a standing offer.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 653 ✭✭✭kakashka


    Ezridax wrote: »
    Sako optilocks.

    I have an idea what your probelm is as its a common problem, but it means removing the scope.

    Leave the scope in the rings, and take scope & rings off. Under the base mount there is a screw that attachs the rings to the mounts. These have a habit of coming loose. You need to tighten them.. Unfortunately this can happen again so what i done was took out the screws, and placed a pinhead amount of red thread locker on them. Never had an issue after that.

    I must stress that i am only talking about the single large screw under the square mount base. Not the 4 screws that sit in the rings. Make sure if you use the thread locker than the bases are lined up square to the front of the rings so to avoid loosing windage MOA when re-zeroing the rifle.
    kakashka wrote: »
    Are you sure??i'm not very familiar with the sako mounts but never seen them like this before,are they an old type?never knew they had screw fit,always thought Picatinny or Sako only??i cant see picatinny or weaver mount hidden here but again i'm not into sako mounts(I KNOW MY HOWA THOUGH:D)
    Ezridax wrote: »
    VERY SURE as i am familiar with them.

    They are designed to affix to the dovetail rail of a eceiver meaning no picatinny or wearver rail needed.
    Ezridax wrote: »
    I said they looked like Sako optilock mount
    Er no you did not


    I knew they were not optilocks because i know howa actions and know weaver/pic opti's cant have been fitted here without weaver/pic mount.(obviously sako opti's would never work on a howa).i stand by my statement that i'm not very familiar with optilock
    I fail to see why you are so pre-occupied with naming them rather than providing a solution other than to prove i do not know the name of them
    The first steps on trying to solving the problem were posted 3 times prior to your post,OP Did same and we are waiting on the result, i would not be bothered but for the fact that your advise could actually have been misleading or confusing to someone,

    Personally if it were me i would strip the entire rig down. Mounts, bases, screws, etc. Clean everything, and check the threading on everything. Then rebuild, and remount the scope. Once done i would rezero, and fire a 3-5 shot group.
    As done by OP

    If that solves it great. If not them look at the mod to make sure it remains tight, and is on straight. The crown is clean and non pitted. Lastly the ammo. Is it what is always used. Chrono-ing the rounds would be of huge helpp here as even th best ammo is subject to producing a poor batch. As i said on another thread i had a box of Lapua and one flyer was way off then the rest at 100 yards. Only for i had the chrono i could have been scratching the head for a while. It shoed the flyer was 200 fps slower than the others from the same box.:eek:

    If in doubt, not sure or you would like a hand i cannot gurantee to solve the issue but i would ahppily meet you on the range some day, and go through everything with you, including stripping it down, cleaning, checking, remounting, testing, chrono-ing, etc.

    Its a standing offer.
    All good advise and compliments to you sir for a generous offer..Oh and turning the rear mount was just a suggestion to improve not fix,will work either way and not the problem here but i just think spreading mounts is a little stronger,


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    kakashka wrote: »
    i would not be bothered but for the fact that your advise could actually have been misleading or confusing to someone,
    Misleading and/or confusing?

    How so?

    I'm wrong on the brand name - okay. We all make mistakes, and i'm by no means to "proud" to admit if i'm wrong. The ring still attachs to the bases/mounts and this is done by a screw, hex head screw, etc. Again checking this to make sure its tight is the same advice as others have given.

    If you are refering to the exact way i described them based on the Sako model then fair enough. It may not be that way exactly. But the basis for my advice still stands as good. Take them off and check, re-tighten ANY screws.
    As done by OP. All good advise and compliments to you sir for a generous offer
    My only intention was to offer advice, help, aid, etc. As i've said many times its hard to fix a problem unless you are infront of the firearm. Sometimes it seems like a problem a person may have dealt with before, as in this case, and i thought the solution i provided before to others would work in this case.

    Quite frankly i'm not interested in "winning" any argument on the name of the mounts so long as the advice given, whether by me or the other lads, works, and the OP gets back shooting. I would be happy to be wrong so long as it gets resolved.

    As always a jack of all trades, but master of none.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 653 ✭✭✭kakashka


    Ey i never said i knew the name of mounts,i dont and that was never my point ,my point was the detail for screws etc that did not exist may be confusing etc,not saying thats the case with Lee but maby someone

    certainly no master here either
    Of course hope problem gets fixed and if nothing else the rifle got cleaned:D(did i tell you your rifle was in shocking state Lee?:D:D)


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    kakashka wrote: »
    ............,my point was the detail for screws etc that did not exist may be confusing etc,not saying thats the case with Lee but maybe someone
    When writing my first post i could see the screw on the side of the ring itself that immediately made me think, but any mounts/rings that i see like those above i class as Sako Optilocks whether they are so named or not.

    I have only dealt with these rings, and variations of them;
    picture.php?albumid=939&pictureid=11600

    As i have marked the ring sits into the base, and is affixed via single screws from the underside as is shown in the picture.

    Now Lee's ones are different in that they have no side tightening screw for the base which on reflection is clear cut evidence that it attaches directly to the receiver, but as said earlier i'm not overly familiar with Howa actions. I appreciate they are a Remmy copy as are alot of actions, but never made the connection.

    It would appear, and i may wait on confirmation from Lee70, that the ring sits into the base but the hex screw on the side of the ring would suggest that the base has some form of pin, nipple, etc that it sits onto and the hex screw tightens it to the base via this method.

    picture.php?albumid=939&pictureid=11601

    As always i could be wrong. Until i see the rings in their seperate pieces i cannot be sure the way i've just described is the case hence my reason for "guessing" based on my dealings with the original Sako optilock ones.

    Anyway i believe i am now flogging a dead horse so i'll quit until we get a report back from Lee.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 653 ✭✭✭kakashka


    Here is a ring and base which you might think when on rifle is also screwed together and in the optilock class but far from it,no screws but dove cam twist lock!!and the dove is on the ring ,Lee's looks like a reverse dove dowl with locking screw but thats only a guess


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    I've seen those before, but never apart (in pieces), and never in person. As in this case always a picture.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,181 ✭✭✭landkeeper


    ezri you may run for the dail :D


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    They wouldn't be able for me. :cool::D
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    After taking apart the mounts cleaning and putting back together I got the chance to zero. Had her hitting 1" high @ 100yds so I fed a good few round through her and after about 10 or more she was still hitting the same 1"@100yds. I put her back into the cabinet the way It has always been put in. Went out last night fow a few shots and after a while spotted two lads in the one field and managed to call one up to 80yds stuck the crosshairs bang on his bib and squeeze off a round and missed the same happend later that night but the next one was at around 180yds. I can't understand what can be wrong as she was firing grand from the first day I got her.:mad::mad::mad:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,181 ✭✭✭landkeeper


    sounds to me as if there is something amiss with the scope is something moving internally when the rifle is vertical
    i'd rezero it then stand the rifle vertically give it a few thumps with your hand and shoot it again and see what is what


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    landkeeper wrote: »
    sounds to me as if there is something amiss with the scope is something moving internally when the rifle is vertical
    i'd rezero it then stand the rifle vertically give it a few thumps with your hand and shoot it again and see what is what
    I'm going to try a take a few shots at some paper later today I'll give it a few thumps and see.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    Put up a sheet of paper (blank) at 100 yards. About 24" square would be fine but if you have bigger then grand. Find the dead centre of the sheet of paper. Place a half inch black dot in the centre. This is your aim point. You want no other markings on the paper to distract you.

    You need to be very careful that its 100 yard and no more or less than 100 by a yard. Most scopes click values are designed to work at 100 yards so you really need to be sure of the distance. Fire a couple of shots, and make sure you are in the bull with each one, and your zero is perfectly on for 100. That means not an inch high, or low.

    Once you have the "perfect" zero put up a fresh target or if they are all in the black dot you can use the same sheet. Again making sure its still as bang on for 100 yards as possible.

    Now dial up 10 MOA (40clicks) on the scope. If the scope is worked in 1 click = 1cm @ 100 yads dial on 25clicks. That'll give you 25cm or roughly 10 inches. Aim at the bullseye and fire.

    Now dial right 10 MOA (for 0.25 click valus scope) or 25 clicks (for 1cm per click). Again aim at the bullseye, and fire.

    Now dial down 20 MOA (80 clicks in a 0.25 clcik value scope) or 50 clicks (if the scope is 1cm per click ). Aim at the bullseye and fire.

    Now dial left 20 MOA (80 clicks in a 0.25 clcik value scope) or 50 clicks (if the scope is 1cm per click ). Aim at the bullseye and fire.

    Now dial up 20 MOA (80 clicks in a 0.25 clcik value scope) or 50 clicks (if the scope is 1cm per click ). Aim at the bullseye and fire.

    Its important you fire only 1 shot per adjustment, and have the rifle as clamped as possible to avoid the "human error factor". Go and retrieve your sheet. Measure the distances from holes to holes. The holes of the bullets should "draw" a perfect (within a half an inch for human error) square. Apologies for the crayon drawing but likt this;
    picture.php?albumid=811&pictureid=11609

    The black dot is your aim point, and the red dots should represent the impact points of your bullet holes.

    If you find that you are getting an odd shaped square, not a square, far higher on one side than the other, etc then there could be an issue with the scope. Now this test is more designed for finding the ability of a scope to track perfectly its movements, but it also acts as a good indicator as to whether the scope can adjust properly, and will show up any issues with it.

    If the box is not square you have two issues or more to the point possibly one of two. The adjustments on the scope are not tracking well. An issue but not problem. If the square is badly misshapen it could be the crosshairs are "sticking" or loose and not moving in accordance with the adjustments you are making.

    If it is "sticking" it needs sent back to the manufacturer for repair. Thi happens occassionally with every make of scope. I have seen it in S&B PMII, Nightforce, Leupold, etc. Its when the crosshair does not move when adjustments are made, and then after a couple of shots the previous adjustments made happen as the scope receives a "kick" during recoil to loosen them.

    If the issue is the crosshairs not adjusting properly then there could be a loose lense, turning of a lense, etc. Nothing you can do, but have it repaired or buy a new scope. Whichever you prefer.


    As said above, and i'm not pressuring you in the slightest, but if want to take a Saturday i will spend the day with ya, and clamp the rifle, fire it, test it, the scope, chrono the ammo, etc. Drop me a PM if you would like to. If not try and make sure that whereever you do it the distances, target , etc above are as close to perfect as you can make it.

    The test does not work at 103, 97, 110, etc yards. It must be 100.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    I've just come back from zeroing the sights this is the results.
    All at 100yds with slight left to right tail wind.

    Target 1. 3 shots then adjust.

    Target 2. 3 shots then adjust.

    Target 3. 3 shots then I done as landkeeper said and gave the her a good few vertical thumps on the ground.

    Target 4. 3 shots much the same as target 3.
    So I'm wondering is it me that is the problem but I can't think of anything that I'm doing different.

    zero100yds.jpg


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    I'm assuming the two shots on each target are your first two then the "flyer" is the third in each one?
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    Ezridax wrote: »
    I'm assuming the two shots on each target are your first two then the "flyer" is the third in each one?
    you'd be spot on


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    The grid is a half inch grid according to the writing at the top.

    So targets 3 and 4 other than the drop in shot is pretty good for windage. Less than half an inch which according to the BC is well within the specs for a 10-12mph wind coming in from oer the shoulder (5-6 o'clock).

    Its targets 1, and especially 2 would be a "concern". In target 1 you're just under an inch out in windage. The BC reckons 0.75 for 100 yards in the given wind conditions, and direction. So its on the "limit" but still okay-ish. Target 2 is nearly and inch and a half. This could be a pulled shot, but work on the basis that its not.

    These are not too bad for a 100 yards, but obviously as you know the differences would be exaggerated the further out you go. So if its a 1.5 inch wide at 100 it could be 3.5 - 4 at 200 and so on.

    Looking overall between high shot, low shot only you are still holding a half inch group. I never really concern myself with windage. Thats something that can only be fixed with practice ( not being smart). Its the ups, and downs that would concern me. Thats nearly always down to the shooter or poor ammo.

    Making a huge assumtion here, but i don't think the issue might be with the scope. We cannot rule it out, but when you consistantly put two ontop of each other then have a flyer it strikes me like the wind is shifting, and catching you on the third. The reason i say do not dismiss the scope yet is because while this is fine for groups, you should not be having misses with your first shot when out.

    Don't mind me rambling here but trying to "think out loud".

    I ideally would like to see the rifle shoot a group of 3-5 in a front rest, back bag, perfect 100 yards with mod on then mod off. Not only would the results be "xact" but it would also eliminate the mod as a possible cause.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,181 ✭✭✭landkeeper


    even at that you shouldn't be missing foxes at 80yrds :( whats the time lenth from start to finish with your groups


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    landkeeper wrote: »
    even at that you shouldn't be missing foxes at 80yrds :( whats the time lenth from start to finish with your groups
    What do you mean?


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    How fast do you fire your 3 shot group? What time do you leave between groups?

    IOW is the conditins of your barrel (heat, etc,) the same for each shot. If the barrel is hot after a few shots, and you leave a round on the chamber while steadying yourself for another shot you could "cook" the bullet, and get a different result.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    Ezridax wrote: »
    How fast do you fire your 3 shot group?
    I'd say probably 6-7 seconds between each shot. After the 3rd shot I'd walk the 100yds to the target to see the group, so I'd say the walk down would give the berrel time to cool.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,697 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    Try this next time for "kicks".

    Have a look at this post. For hunting it may not suit, but for zeroing or checking it works. Try use this method. When you are set up and ready to fire have 4-5 rounds ready to use, but not in the mag. You are going to load one at a time.

    Load a round, and aim slightly off the target, but safely into the backstop. Fire it. This warms the barrel. If you feel it necessary do a second shot but only after 25 seconds.

    Once you have the two "sighters" fired your barrel is ready. Load the third round, your first zeroing round, 15 seconds after the second sighter. This does not give the round time to cook, and its important to have each round going at the same rate as the last. Within 5-10 at max of loading the round aim at the bull and fire. Do not concern yourself with placement. You are looking for groups not bulls.

    Now unload the brass, and leave the bolt open. Wait 15 seconds, and then load, and close the bolt on the 4th round. Again within 5-10 seconds max fire the fourth round aiming at the bull.

    Do it once more with the 5th round. Wait 15 seconds after ejecting the spent round to load the fifth, and then fire within 5- 10 seconds.

    Using this method with the advised grip above see how the group went. Leave the gun to sit for 10 minutes. Start the process again exactly as described above for another 4-5 rounds. One-two blow off shots then three for zeroing.

    Throughout you need a front rest, and back bag to eliminate the human factor. If you don't have ths then i would suggest borrowing one as a bipod, and holding the stock or resting on a pillow/rucksack, etc will not give precise measurable results.

    I know its probably not as easy for you to just pick up and do this nor is it cheap with Hornady ammo, but if it were me i'd need to know.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    Cheers thanks for the link. I'll give that ago the next time i'm out.
    Thanks for all the info and help lads.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 348 ✭✭virminhunter


    I had he exact same results with my tikkat3 lite in .25-06, I would also let the barrel cool between 3 shot groups, the first 2 rounds were always together and the 3rd was always to the left making a barely moa group, as it was my first light barrelled rifle I assumed it was the barrel heating up, so I kept it zero'd on the first 2 shots which were my cold barrel "hunting zero" all my own assumtions.

    Still have all the groups on paper was only looking at them today.

    Was using an egw rail, badger rings, nightforce scope, loctite243 and everything torqued upthe way it should be.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    Looks like all issues are resolved. Thanks again lads.

    fox2012-01-06223410.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,072 ✭✭✭clivej


    And what conclusion did you come to resolve the problem if any????


    BTW nice targets your using ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 437 ✭✭lee70


    clivej wrote: »
    And what conclusion did you come to resolve the problem if any????


    BTW nice targets your using ;)
    I'd say it was all down to the mounts not being tight.
    Yes i've always used the 2008 Jackson pattern zeroing system:D Even when i had the .22 it was the only target i'd use and still use. I have it saved to the laptop handy for printing off.
    Have you any other good patterns.


Advertisement