How to Zero Your Rifle: A Comprehensive Guide

A proper zero can be achieved with 10-15 rounds total. This breaks down to 2-3 rounds for your initial point of impact, 3-5 rounds for confirming your adjustments, and 3 rounds for final confirmation. If you're new to shooting, try and get your ammo at wholesale cost. so you can bring a few extra rounds for practice. 

Equipment and Ammo

Let's talk equipment. You'll need your rifle with a properly mounted scope, appropriate ammunition, and a stable shooting rest or sandbags. While some experienced shooters might skip certain tools, I'm going to explain why they can be helpful, especially for newer shooters. A spotting scope isn't absolutely necessary if you're working at 50 yards, but it saves you from having to walk back and forth to check your target, keeping you in position and maintaining consistency. However, at 100 yards, it becomes much more valuable for seeing your shots clearly.

The bubble level is another tool that some might consider optional, but here's why it matters: if your rifle is canted (tilted left or right), your shots will impact at an angle, especially at longer ranges. For basic zeroing at 50 yards, you can probably get by without one, but it's a good habit to develop if you plan to shoot at longer distances.

Scope Mounting Essentials

For mounting your scope, you'll need the correct torque specs - these aren't just random numbers. Your scope mount manufacturer will provide specific torque values, usually found in the manual or on their website.

Base screws secure your scope base to your receiver - these are the foundation of your mounting system. They're typically made of hardened steel and come in different thread patterns depending on your receiver. Base screws need 15-25 inch-pounds of torque, with one-piece bases needing 15-18 inch-pounds and two-piece bases requiring 20-25 inch-pounds.

Ring screws hold your scope rings together around your scope tube.  The material of your rings determines their torque requirements. Steel ring screws require 15-18 inch-pounds, while aluminum rings need 15-25 inch-pounds. Always be more cautious with aluminum as it's easier to strip the threads.

To properly set these torque values, you'll need a torque wrench. A basic Wheeler F.A.T. wrench ($55-65) is sufficient for most shooters and comes with the necessary bits. While professional digital wrenches ($100-200) offer more precision, they aren't necessary for basic scope mounting.

Using the correct torque is crucial - too tight can damage your equipment, too loose can let your zero shift.

Essential Items include:

• Eye and ear protection (non-negotiable)
• Screwdriver or allen wrench that matches your scope adjustments
• Targets (plain paper with a clear aiming point works fine)
• Cleaning rod and basic supplies
• Small notepad and pen to track your adjustments

Positioning 

Proper Shooting Position For the most stable shooting platform, you'll want to be in the prone position. Lie flat on your stomach at a 15-20 degree angle to your target line. Spread your legs shoulder-width apart with the insides of your feet flat on the ground. Position your support elbow (non-trigger side) directly under the rifle, and place your firing elbow to create a stable pocket for the buttstock in your shoulder. Pull the stock firmly into your shoulder pocket.

Your cheek should make solid contact with the stock - this is called your cheek weld. This position should allow you to see clearly through your scope without straining your neck. If you need to adjust the height, consider using cheek risers.

If you are using a bench rest, bipods or sand bags or any other shooting position, you still need to have your feet flat on the deck and Bone-to-bone contact. This means your elbows should be firmly planted to whatever surface your using. Adhere to these proper shooting techniques and you will be on target.  

Breath and Trigger Control

Trigger Control Place your trigger finger so that the center pad of your index finger rests on the trigger face - not the tip or first joint, but right in the middle of your fingerprint whorl. This gives you maximum control and sensitivity. When you're ready to shoot, take a deep breath, exhale at the bottom of your exhale is when the trigger pull should happen. Before you breath in again, this is a natural point in which the body is doing nothing everything is still. During this pause, begin applying steady, gradual pressure to the trigger. The key is to let the shot surprise you - don't jerk or snap the trigger. This along with positioning is the most important part of shooting for consistency.

Scope Knowledge 

Understanding your scope is crucial. Most tactical scopes use either MOA (Minute of Angle) or MRAD (Milliradian) adjustments. Forget the complex math - what matters is knowing that most MOA scopes adjust in 1/4 clicks, meaning each click moves your bullet impact about 1/4 inch at 100 yards (or about 1/16 inch at 25 yards). Write down your adjustments - this is where that notepad becomes important.

The actual zeroing process remains straightforward: get into your stable prone position, shoot your initial 2-3 rounds to establish where you're hitting, make your adjustments (up/down for elevation, left/right for windage), and confirm with another group. Once you're hitting where you want at 25 yards, move to your final zero distance (typically 100 yards) and fine-tune if needed.

Verify

Remember to verify your zero periodically, especially after your rifle has been transported or bumped around. A simple 3-round group will tell you if anything has shifted. Keep an eye on your scope mount screws - they can work loose over time. Consider using a thread-locking compound if recommended by the manufacturer.

Take a Breath 

This isn't rocket science. Focus on the basics: proper mounting, stable position, good trigger control, and consistent sight picture. Everything else is just extra tools that might make the job easier but aren't essential for getting rounds on target.

Where to Buy

You can get all the ammo, scopes and gear you need at wholesale cost at: AtCostAmmo.com a website by Louisiana Ordnance LLC