Help needed with scope mount!

[acnewman55]

I just mounted a new scope I purchased to replace the cheapo Nikon that came with my Savage trophy hunter package.  I was able to shoot pretty accurately with the Nikon but wanted something with greater than 9x.

I installed new warne bases and Leupold rings and mounted a new Vortex HST 4-16x44 last week.  Didn't get a chance to take it to the range this weekend but tried to zero it while shooting out at my cabin.

I was finally able to get it on to paper from 50 yards after about 9 shots (shots were pulling way over to the right) and eventually got it zeroed, but I have almost maxed out my windage adjustment in one direction to get it zeroed.  So I assume that somehow my scope isn't set up properly.  I didn't use levels to level the reticle perfectly but it feels close (if a little off).

This is the first time I've mounted a scope so I assume I've made some rookie mistake.  Any thoughts / ideas?

Thanks

[Bob33]

I can't imagine that an unlevel reticle could explain that type of error at 50 yards.

Does the base have a windage adjustment? That's where I would look first.

[bobcat]

The scope not being perfectly level sure won't cause it to be out of alignment by that much. What type of rings and bases do you have? I know you said Warne bases and Leopold rings. Are they the quick release style rings with Weaver style bases?

The only thing I can think of is the holes for the bases were not drilled properly so your rings are not in alignment and therefore your scope is bent enough that the adjustments aren't working correctly.

But that doesn't make sense since you had a scope mounted previously and it worked fine, correct?

[Boss .300 winmag]

Did you lap your rings and use a level to mount your scope? If not you have no idea if your scope is making proper contact on rings, or if scope is level to the gun.

[deltaops]

So much could be at fault.

Could just be a bad scope.

Scope isn't sitting correctly.

Scope could be hung up on something. (Rear Sights, if it has rear sights) This happened to my son with his .243 when I put a new scope on it.  Bought new mounts that sit a little higher and have not had any issues since.

If it was me, I would think about taking it somewhere to have the scope mounted and bore sighted.

A friend of mine was having some issues with his scope as well. Later he found out that the rings were not tightened properly and they had come loose. Not sure how he could have missed that but he did.

If it is another option, you might want to pull the scope and mounts off and start from square one. 

[Blacktail Sniper]

Have you tried putting the rings & bases that came on the rifle back on with the new scope and seeing if that made any difference?

Also curious why you chose to mix two different brands of components instead of just getting both Leupold rings and bases or Burris rings and bases?

Any pictures of the set-up showing the scope mounted?

[deltaops]

What he said!

I would like to see pictures of the setup, maybe from a few different angles.

[Old Man Yager]

Take it to a reputable shop, and have it done by a pro, and don't feel bad about doing it. It would be better to know that it is 100% set up correctly than to always have in the back of your mind that it could be off. I've tried to mount several myself, and finally said F it, took it in and had it done for me.