Zero target cards ....

[downrange914]

Hello all - hope this post finds you all well !

After having read many informative posts, wanted to take my first foray into these forums and ask for some information please ...

I'm not sure what the proper name of the targets I'm trying to describe are, but I believe they're just called zero cards - but if there is a proper name for them please let me know as I'd like to find out how to make my own ...

They basically consist of a central target spot with a vertical line above it with graduated distances above it depending on bullet weight. The concept behind them is that you can zero a rifle in for different distances without having to actually go out to that distance and fire the gun - so in theory and excluding wind etc. if you are hitting the 1000 yard mark on the target, if you went to a 1000 yard marker you should be on paper ...

An example can be seen on page 2 of the following document :

http://ltdura.ho8.com/10A.%20Zeroing.pdf

I am based in the UK, and at my local range (Bisley), there's a zero range which I believe is 71ft 4 inches long (or some other "special" length" with which the cards work with), and the range has a target designed for the 155 bullet weight (I'm a new shooter, shooting the .308 round), but wanted to make my own for the 168 and the 175 rounds but can't find any information on how/where to start ...

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[RollingThunder51]

Re: Zero target cards ....

914,

There is really nothing within the context of your "zero card" that has not been superceeded in the last 50 years by knowlegeable use of a quality reticle. In other words, there is no need to "pre-set" your rifle to a specific range. Rather a talented rifleman will:

1. Use their reticle to properly range the distance to target.

2. Use the correct range to adjust their scope's turrets..or

3. Use their scope reticle to "hold over" to compensate for the right trajectory.


Here are some good places for you to consider reading:

http://www.mil-dot.com/articles/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-mil-dot-reticle

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=understanding+mildot+ranging

When one remembers that there is more to proper ranging than just bullet weight (bullet design, powder charge, barrel length, suppressor use, atmospherics, altitiude, etc., etc. one needs to develope your own "dope" tables for your own firearms.

 

[downrange914]

Re: Zero target cards ....

Hi RollingThunder51 - thanks for the info - will have a look through the links - much appreciated !

As I'll be shooting at known imperial unit distances rather than metric I opted for a MOA reticle (Nightforce 12-42x NXS) on the basis of why make life harder than it has to be .. but the logic of what to do should be the same ...

Thanks again

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Zero target cards ....

I can see where you're leading towards here. Go here for some guidance from a very smart man: http://www.arcanamavens.com/LBSFiles/Shooting/Downloads/References/

You'll want to take special note on how to use ballistic programs such as JBM Ballistics and the article "Making Ballistic Cards Using Density Altitude".

Lindy's articles are still the best available on the subject.

 

[downrange914]

Re: Zero target cards ....

Hi Redmanss - many thanks for the info - much appreciated !

Many hours of reading ahead