Rifle Scopes Using up too much MOA adjustment to get to zero

[Dumb_Like_Fox]

So I've got this scope, a bushnell elite 3200 "tactical", not top of the line by any means (around $430 new I think). I had problems at first because I was using up all my elevation adjustment just to get a 100 yard zero.
I put a shim in and it has helped a bit but I still don't have as much adjustment left as I would like after I get zero'd, which messes me up trying to shoot longer ranges. I try to get it as close to zero as possible without using range/wind adjustments but it is still unsatisfactory. I think it has 50 clicks of wind and around 80 clicks of range.
Should I get a bigger shim and keep messing around or just get better glass with a larger range of adjustment?

 

[DMann]

Re: Using up too much MOA adjustment to get to zero

What rifle, what scope base or bases and rings? More info needed.

 

[DirtyRod]

Re: Using up too much MOA adjustment to get to zero

Sounds to me like a problem with the mounts and rings but, a DMann stated, need more info. Id definitely make sure you don't have the wrong or a sloped base mounted backwards or reversed ring inserts first.

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Using up too much MOA adjustment to get to zero

20moa rail and new rings and you will be golden. if you want cheap go egw rail and tps rings for under $100 total.

 

[DirtyRod]

Re: Using up too much MOA adjustment to get to zero

The scope should have 50 total from the factory and a 20MOA base will help but you will end up with only 20 total instead of the 45 you should have if you don't figure out why you are using up all of the scopes elevation just to reach zero. I'd figure that out before changing out the base. It's possible you already have a 20MOA base and it's just installed backwards.

 

[strick9]

Re: Using up too much MOA adjustment to get to zero

DirtyRod, nailed my guess, your loosing twenty up, base backwards.

 

[Dumb_Like_Fox]

Re: Using up too much MOA adjustment to get to zero

It was worse on my last rifle, a bit better now. I have changed everything but the scope, and have new mounts (cheapish aluminum rail and leupold rings)but tis still wierd. I'm almost wondering if the scope is somehow f@cked. I'll check to see if the rail is on backwards but I don't think thats the problem as I had 2 piece base and rings before and it was even worse.

 

[rcasos]

Re: Using up too much MOA adjustment to get to zero

I have the same problem, but can not even zero, run out of turret about 1' too high at 100yds. Using slanted NightForce mount on Rem700 300WM and cheap 3x9 Bushnell (Until I have more $) No idea where rings came from, but look like NF also and are both the same. Which side of the base should be higher, back or front? It came with the back higher. Thank you.

 

[DirtyRod]

Re: Using up too much MOA adjustment to get to zero

The back of a canted base should be higher. That tilts the barrel up when your recticle is level and gives you the extra distance. Sounds like you have a different issue if you can't adjust it far enough down to zero at 100yrds. Base is on correctly but your scope doesn't have enough elevation range to adjust all the way back down for 100. Common issue for some of the Bushnell models. At least that's what it sounds like to me.