Introduction

The purpose of zeroing is to ensure that the bullet

follows the expected trajectory with respect to the
line of sight (LOS). Zeroing takes into account the
telescope and ballistics of the ammunition used in
a particular rifle. This guide is linked to others in
the firearms series. Note: This guide uses imperial
measures. To convert to metric, measurements given
in yards are approximate only and can be replaced by
the same figure in metres. Measures in inches can be
elevation adjuster for telescopic sight
replaced by centimetres at the rate of 1 inch = 2.5
centimetres

Basic principles Bore sighting

♦ Before zeroing check that the rifle, mounts and
scope are compatible. All screws on the rifle Bore sighting is carried out when the scope is first
stock/action and telescopic sight and mounts attached to the rifle and is a means of checking
must be tight and the barrel clean and dry that the rifle and scope are roughly in alignment
inside. before making fine adjustments at a chosen zero
♦ Use the same ammunition that will be used distance. There are a number of aids such as laser
when stalking. bore sighters that can be used by following the
♦ Do not zero in extreme weather conditions, a manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively use the
dry day with low winds is ideal. method below.
♦ Use a target that will allow you to take a ♦ Set a target up at a range of 25 yards. The
consistent and accurate aiming point. target should have a safe foreground (no
♦ Do not allow anything to come in contact with possibility of people or animals straying onto
the rifle barrel or moderator, including fingers the range without being seen) and a safe
wrapped around or touching the barrel. background (capable of capturing multiple
shots in the same area without any danger of
♦ Adopt a comfortable firing position, and use a
bullets or fragments escaping).
rest − either prone, or a purpose made bench
rest. (See Firing positions guide). ♦ Remove the bolt and secure the rifle on a firm
bench or sandbags where it can be aligned with
♦ Allow sufficient time between shots to prevent
a suitable aiming point by looking down the
the barrel from overheating.
barrel.

 Firearms: Zeroing • 25.02.09 © The Deer Initiative 2009 • [Link]

No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action in reliance on or as a result of the material included in or omitted from this publication can be or is accepted by the author(s)
 fig.1

a. To calculate the MPI, draw b. Next, draw a line from the c. Using the MPI, calculate
lines between the centres of each centre of each bullet hole across the elevation (up or down) and
bullet hole on the target midpoint of the opposite line. Where windage (left or right)
these second lines cross one another
is the MPI

♦ Adjust the telescopic sight so that the reticule

centre and the barrel both point at the target
Choosing zero range
In order to ensure a humane shot the bullet needs
centre. The barrel can be aligned by making
sure that the concentric circles seen when to fall into the vital zone of the animal (see Shot
looking down the bore are exactly centered on Placement guide). Because it is difficult to judge
the target. distance accurately it makes sense to zero the rifle
♦ Fire a three-shot group, calculate the mean at the distance for which the bullet will remain
point of impact (MPI) and adjust the reticule within the chosen vital zone for the maximum
as shown in fig.1. Another way of making possible distance, see fig 2c. For most rifle calibres
the shots coincide with the reticule centre this will mean a zero distance of between 100 and
is: Starting with the reticule centred on the 200 yards. If in doubt the rifle should be zeroed
target and the rifle held absolutely still, adjust such that the point of impact should fall within a 4”
the scope until the reticule centre points at the diameter killing area out to about 200yards, without
MPI . the need to adjust the point of aim. As a rough rule
♦ Each interval (“click”) on the adjustment of thumb, for many deer legal calibres this will mean
turrets of a telescopic sight will move the zeroing approximately one and a half inches high at
point of bullet impact a specific distance at a 100 yards, or, alternatively, a zero at 150 yards. For
particular range (check maker’s instructions).
smaller deer such as muntjac and Chinese water
♦ Remember that at 25 yards, an adjustment will
deer, zeroing at 100 yards may be more satisfactory.
require four times as many clicks than at 100
Check manufactures’ ballistic tables or software to
yards, eg if the adjustment is four clicks for an
inch at 100 yards, it will be sixteen clicks for an confirm the trajectory, ensure the drop figures given
inch of movement at 25 yards. Alternatively, at are relative to the line of sight.
200 yard only 2 clicks will be required.
♦ Fire an additional three shots to confirm
adjustments.

 Firearms: Zeroing • 25.02.09 © The Deer Initiative 2009 • [Link]

No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action in reliance on or as a result of the material included in or omitted from this publication can be or is accepted by the author(s)
 line of sight
path of
b ullet
100 yds 150 yds 200 yds 100 yds 150 yds 200 yds

4”
diameter

fig. 2a If the scope is mounted parallel to the bore, fig. 2b In order to account for this, the purpose of zeroing is
the path of a bullet will fall away from the line of sight to adjust the telescope so the barrel of the rifle is elevated
due to the effect of gravity. The point of impact will, in relation to it. The bullet path will then rise and fall
therefore, always be below the line of sight. through the line of sight, crossing first at around 25 yards.
The point at which the bullet falls back through the line of
sight is the zero distance, in this case 150 yards.

apex of trajectory is just within vital zone

fig. 2c zero for vital zone

bullet crosses LOS bullet drops out of

for a second time vital zone
bullet first crosses at zero distance
line of sight (LOS) at
25yds

Zero at chosen range Testing either side of zero

♦ If you have the opportunity, take shots at
♦ Set up a target with a safe background/
greater and lesser ranges than the zero range
foreground at your chosen zero range. It may
to check the trajectory of the ammunition.
be useful to back the target with a larger piece
of paper in case the initial shots miss the target
sheet. When to check zero
♦ Using the same sight setting that you finished A correctly assembled rile/sight combination should
with when bore sighting, fire a minimum of hold its zero for a long period of time, however,
three shots, calculate the MPI and adjust the consider checking zero:
sights accordingly. ♦ as frequently as is reasonable, wait for good
♦ Check the adjustment by firing a second group. conditions if possible
Repeat adjustment and shooting as necessary, ♦ when changing any aspect of the ammunition
until the MPI is in the right place. ♦ after loosening/tightening any scope mount or
♦ Remember that if your telescope adjustment stock bedding screws
is four clicks for an inch at 100 yards it will ♦ if beginning or ceasing to use a sound
be two clicks for approximately an inch of moderator
movement at 200 yards. ♦ if the rifle/scope has received a hard knock
♦ if you suspect a loss of zero for any other
reason

 Firearms: Zeroing • 25.02.09 © The Deer Initiative 2009 • [Link]

No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action in reliance on or as a result of the material included in or omitted from this publication can be or is accepted by the author(s)