So I zeroed my rifle in at 100yrd mark and was getting about 4 inch groups. Then I decided to take it out to the 200yrd mark and zero it, and my shots are all over the target. I guess you could call it a 10inch group. But no matter how I adjust my scope and can't seem to get a closer group. And I know for certain my rifle can do better than that. Btw I'm using a Remington 700 chambered in .270 Win. With a leupold 3X12X40 Mark XIII. Any suggestions?? I know this is a noob problem. I just don't know what to do. Thanks for any help.
200 yard zero problems
- Thread starter NorthEastShooter
- Start date
A 4" group at 100 could easily equate to a 10" group at 200. Are you shooting from a bench or other support? What kind of ammo? Is everything tight? Do you have other rifles that you shoot better with?
I have a Harris bi-pod on the rifle. I just recently purchase the rifle so im still learning how she shoots. As for ammo I'm using Winchester power points 130 grains. Should I be closing the group tighter at 100yrd before Move to 200yrd??
Ya gotta learn to walk before you can run. Not much use shooting further until you tighten the groups up unless you like shooting and hitting big targets at 200 yards. Not being mean but not knowing your skill level it's hard to tell if it's you, the loads or the equipment causing the plus size groups at 100 yards.
Being a new shooter and even thought it's a 270 it still has recoil and muzzle blast that affects the shooter with low experience. Easy and probably the fastest way to narrow things down is let someone else shoot it and see how the equipment and loads perform. Sometimes a new shooter will fire a shot, then chase his shots all over the target making adjustments. It takes time to sort it all out but eventually it'll start coming together, it can get frustrating when more than one thing is going on.
Good luck
Topstrap
Being a new shooter and even thought it's a 270 it still has recoil and muzzle blast that affects the shooter with low experience. Easy and probably the fastest way to narrow things down is let someone else shoot it and see how the equipment and loads perform. Sometimes a new shooter will fire a shot, then chase his shots all over the target making adjustments. It takes time to sort it all out but eventually it'll start coming together, it can get frustrating when more than one thing is going on.
Good luck
Topstrap
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No disrespect. I am guessing that you may not have a lot of experience. This site is a great resource for sharing info tech questions etc... Has it limits with respect to giving/receiving help with shooting form etc.. If all the scope base and ring screws are secure. And the action screws are tight. As far as accuracy/small groups .The next thing is a stable shooting platform from the ground or a good bench with the rifle supported(a bipod in the front and a sand bag or something similar under the buttstock). Try doing some dry fireing. Aim at your target and practice your hold, breathing, and squeeze the trigger. Note any cross hair movement. If the crosshairs are moving keep practicing until you fell that you are comfortable that you are unable to make further improvement.
Most rifles shoot differently with different types of factory ammo. You may have to try many brands and bullet weights to find something that your gun likes. I now reload all of the rounds where accuracy is a concern. I have it to be easier to get the accuracy that I want this way.
Another thing to consider. Is your bore in good condition. is it clean, free of rust etc..
As far as the distance to target. I wouldn't shoot further than 100yrds until satisfied with the performance of myself and rifle at that range. Consistent 1in groups would be a good place to start. Some rifles will not shoot this well without some tuning.
There are a lot of people willing to help on this site. Good luck and be safe.
Wally
Topstrap has a good point. I have had others shoot my rifle to compare results.
Most rifles shoot differently with different types of factory ammo. You may have to try many brands and bullet weights to find something that your gun likes. I now reload all of the rounds where accuracy is a concern. I have it to be easier to get the accuracy that I want this way.
Another thing to consider. Is your bore in good condition. is it clean, free of rust etc..
As far as the distance to target. I wouldn't shoot further than 100yrds until satisfied with the performance of myself and rifle at that range. Consistent 1in groups would be a good place to start. Some rifles will not shoot this well without some tuning.
There are a lot of people willing to help on this site. Good luck and be safe.
Wally
Topstrap has a good point. I have had others shoot my rifle to compare results.
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Not intending to question your ability, but one good way to start evaluating the problem is let one of your friends shoot the gun. Maybe someone you know that is an accomplished shooter. The only reason I say this is because it's impossible to assume the level of someone's ability. If your friend shoots a one inch group then you know you have some work to do. If, on the other hand, your friend shoots the same group as you then (not conclusive), but it's probably loose scope, loose action in stock or some other gun issue. If the gun were of the semi-auto version then I would say that it may be as good as it gets. But ANY across the counter bolt gun should do 1 1/2-2inch at most. Just my .02 worth.
Thanks to everybody for the quick responses. I'll take the advice and get some sandbags as well as go back to 100yards and make damn sure I'm getting closer groups. Like you said topstrap I gotta walk before I can run.
The guys have covered the more pertinent points above but another consideration you might want to look into is your aiming point. I find that my groups are much more consistent at longer ranges if I use high contrast aiming points with defined lines. Squares work best as you can aim at a corner, rather than float your crosshairs in the center. Aligning with a corner lets you follow the old adage, aim small miss small. I use a 1" x 1" square at 100 yards and a 2" x 2" square at 200, maintaining MOA, so on and so on. Just a thought on how to improve groups. Hope it helps.
What a wonderful thread.
OP,
If possible, get someone who knows how to do it to show you how to do it. As mentioned by Topstrap, you are chasing your shots. Since you are unknowledgeable about what's important to good shooting; and, your emphasis is apparently only on maintaining a reticle/target relationship, it's likely that you are adjusting your scope for a multitude of shooter errors, which you are incorrectly analyzing or associating with a need for scope adjustment to hit where aimed. Without help you could shoot a mountain of ammunition without ever producing a group or getting a good zero. The big picture here is that you just do not know what you need to know; and, without some help, your practice schedule will be futile.
The USAMU will conduct the rifle phase of this years Small Arms Firing School at Camp Perry on July 26, 27, and 28. You can attend this marksmanship clinic for about $45. Attendees will be given training on everything there is to know about what's important to good shooting. This would get you off to a good start. For information on SAFS go to odcmp.com.
OP,
If possible, get someone who knows how to do it to show you how to do it. As mentioned by Topstrap, you are chasing your shots. Since you are unknowledgeable about what's important to good shooting; and, your emphasis is apparently only on maintaining a reticle/target relationship, it's likely that you are adjusting your scope for a multitude of shooter errors, which you are incorrectly analyzing or associating with a need for scope adjustment to hit where aimed. Without help you could shoot a mountain of ammunition without ever producing a group or getting a good zero. The big picture here is that you just do not know what you need to know; and, without some help, your practice schedule will be futile.
The USAMU will conduct the rifle phase of this years Small Arms Firing School at Camp Perry on July 26, 27, and 28. You can attend this marksmanship clinic for about $45. Attendees will be given training on everything there is to know about what's important to good shooting. This would get you off to a good start. For information on SAFS go to odcmp.com.
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