Step-by-step guide to zeroing a rifle scope in the UK. Covers bore-sighting, the zeroing process, MOA adjustments, common mistakes, and ballistic drop charts.
Zeroing a rifle scope involves systematically adjusting its elevation and windage turrets until your bullet's point of impact consistently matches your point of aim at a chosen distance. For UK shooters, this typically means firing groups of shots at a target, measuring their deviation, and then turning the scope's turrets to move the reticle, correcting the impact to the desired zeroing distance, commonly 100 metres for stalking.
Most UK shooters zero at 100 metres, which is the standard for deer stalking and fullbore target shooting. For rimfire rifles (.22 LR), 50 metres is more appropriate due to the bullet's steep trajectory. For pest control with centrefire rifles, 100 yards works well for most scenarios.
From a bore-sighted starting point, you'll typically need 9-15 rounds to achieve a confirmed zero. An experienced shooter with a bore sighter can sometimes get there in 6 rounds. A routine zero check on an already-zeroed rifle requires just 3-5 rounds.
You can use 25 metres to get roughly on paper, but it's not a substitute for zeroing at your intended distance. Bullet trajectory isn't linear, and small errors at 25 metres compound significantly at longer ranges. Always confirm your final zero at the actual distance you intend to shoot.
Always zero from a cold barrel for the first shot, then allow the barrel to cool between shots. Your hunting or stalking shot will almost always be from a cold barrel, so your zero should reflect cold-barrel conditions. Hot barrels typically shift point of impact upward.
MOA stands for Minute of Angle, an angular measurement used for scope adjustments. One MOA equals approximately 29mm at 100 metres. Most rifle scopes adjust in 1/4 MOA increments, meaning each click moves the point of impact roughly 7.25mm at 100 metres.
Signs of a faulty scope include groups that wander despite consistent technique, turrets that don't click cleanly, adjustments that don't produce the expected shift, or a reticle that appears to move or tilt. Test by making a deliberate 20-click adjustment, shooting a group, then returning 20 clicks to see if it returns to the original position.
Temperature affects ammunition velocity. Colder propellant burns slower, producing lower muzzle velocities and slightly different barrel harmonics. A 20 degree C temperature drop can reduce velocity by 30-50 fps, which translates to a noticeable downward shift at 200+ metres.
You can, but it's harder and takes more ammunition. Use a rucksack, rolled jacket, or bipod to create the most stable position you can. The goal is to eliminate as much human wobble as possible so you're testing the rifle's accuracy, not yours.
Yes. Adding or removing a sound moderator changes the barrel harmonics and adds weight to the muzzle. This almost always shifts the point of impact, typically by 25-50mm at 100 metres. Always re-zero after fitting or removing a moderator.
The Best Practice Guides for deer stalking recommend your rifle should consistently group within the vital zone of the species you're stalking. Practically, a stalking rifle should produce groups of 1-1.5 MOA (29-44mm at 100 metres) or better.
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