1st group after bore sight/zeroing scope

[Smokeshot]

Despite getting my first long range rifle in December 2024, it took me this long to take it to the range.

This was my first time bore sighting a rifle & zeroing a scope. Honestly, I am ashamed that it took me almost two hours and maybe 30 rounds to get this done and the final group at 100 yards looked like this:

I used Hornady American Gunner BTHP 6.5 CM 140 grain ammo. I’ve seen some amazing groups on the Hide and hoping to get some feedback and helpful advice on how to improve.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Maurygold]

1. Most of us have shot thousands of rounds. Shooting is a skill - shoot more and it will improve some.

2. You’re most likely not letting the rear bag do the work. You need to put zero input into the gun other than the trigger (don’t grip the gun with trigger hand)

3. Those are actually not bad for hornady - 90% of us are using custom ammo

4. 90% of us are using custom guns - see #3

 

[Emerson0311]

You could educate yourself using years and $1000’s for guns and ammo, or take a class or 2 with an experienced expert crew of shooters. Sound coaching from experienced shooters who can demonstrate their pro level ability on demand is invaluable, and saves years of grinding down random paths to success, only to find you missed the turn a while back. I say this as the guy who did it alone, because I was broke and didn’t know any pros to help me. Most people are not dumb enough to keep grinding long enough to be successful.

 

[Smokeshot]

1. Most of us have shot thousands of rounds. Shooting is a skill - shoot more and it will improve some.

2. You’re most likely not letting the rear bag do the work. You need to put zero input into the gun other than the trigger (don’t grip the gun with trigger hand)

3. Those are actually not bad for hornady - 90% of us are using custom ammo

4. 90% of us are using custom guns - see #3

I used a Vortex carbon fiber tripod on a bench for this I still need to get a bipod and bag.

 

[Im2bent]

Could be a lot of things . First thing to try is different ammo, your rifle may not like the flavor you're feeding it.

 

[6.5SH]

Despite getting my first long range rifle in December 2024, it took me this long to take it to the range.

This was my first time bore sighting a rifle & zeroing a scope. Honestly, I am ashamed that it took me almost two hours and maybe 30 rounds to get this done and the final group at 100 yards looked like this:
View attachment 8747522
I used Hornady American Gunner BTHP 6.5 CM 140 grain ammo. I’ve seen some amazing groups on the Hide and hoping to get some feedback and helpful advice on how to improve.

Thanks in advance!

Let me guess, you started at 100 yards instead of ensuring it was on paper at 25 yards first.

 

[Smokeshot]

Let me guess, you started at 100 yards instead of ensuring it was on paper at 25 yards first.

No sir, I actually started on paper at 20 yards first and then shot at 50 yards and 100 yards.

 

[6.5SH]

No sir, I actually started on paper at 20 yards first and then shot at 50 yards and 100 yards.

Unless mechanical issues (stuff loose etc.) It should be a few shots then fine adjustment and confirmation.
With the typical reticles we use is simply measure the POA/POI difference and dial it then hold on the previous impact as your aim point.
If you can think back on your sight picture after each shot it may reveal technique issues, tripod on a bench isn't a common setup.

A friend was having trouble with a SCAR 17, after asking him what the sight picture was like after the shot he replied "non existent".
We put it in a lead sled to remove him from the mix, it was dead on. I then had him change what he was doing from the bench with a bipod and again was dead on, so "re-zeroed" without even touching the turrets.