new rifle. need to sight it in, and have no idea how to

[BIGINNER]

i got a new rifle,  and i was wondering whats the best way to sight in a scope.  i want it to be zeroed in at 150 yrds.  so do i set a target at 150 yards and start shooting?  or is there an easier way to zero it in?  like maybe zeroing it in at 35 yards and it will be zeroed in at 150?     i probably sound confused,... well i kinda am,  so i would apreciate any help.  thankx   

[Tony 270WSM]

Start at 25, or so, and get it hitting close to center. Then you can step it back a bit and fine-tune things.

[BIGINNER]

how much ammo would i spend zeroing in a rifle?

[ICEMAN]

First, save some money and have the scope bore sighted by a gunsmith. Or, get a buddie who has a bore laser or something... Assure that the scope is mounted properly. Sight the gun in close, like 25 yards as stated above. Then work your way out to your desired distance...You may wish to run a balistics calculator and get your trajectory figured out before you go out. Since your scope is higher than your bore....at certain range, your bullet will impact above, or below the point of aim....  Figure all this out before you go to the range.

[jackelope]

most rifle rangemasters will bore sight for you at no charge...at least thats the case at 3 ranges I've been too. From there I can usually be zero'd within about 10 rounds. IMO you shouldn't sight in at 35 yards and expect it to be good at 150....you should shoot the 150 yards if you want to be sure it is good at that range, then do some practicing. Make sure you don't overheat your barrel at the range...shoot 3 and let it cool...maybe bring 2 guns and switch guns every 3 rounds or so.

[WDFW-SUX]

i just look down the barrel and match the scope

[norsepeak]

yeah, just set the rifle on a good rest, take the bolt out, and look down the barrel at some type of object ( like a paper plate, or target) around 100 yards away.  Then adjust your scope to be centered on the object...you are now bore sighted and should be on the paper.  Make adjustments from there to zero it where you want it.  Should be able to be zeroed at your desired range in under 10 shots.

[bobcat]

I do it the same way, always have. No need for a fancy bore sighter.

[shoot-em-dead]

I have never had good luck with the bore sighting. Look down the barrel with the bolt out like stated above. I start out with 1 shot at 50yds. I hit the target (usually a 24"x24" or bigger) and I can adjust it close to center and shoot again. Don't worry about a tight group yet- just get it close. Then I back up to 100yds and sight it in either 1 or 2 inches high. This can take some time because you do not want to be shooting dead on with a hot barrel because it will shoot different when the barrel is cold. When your hunting and shoot at an animal the barrel is cold and you want the shot to be an accurate clean kill. Also, you are only going to shoot good if you have a good scope and can hold the gun steady. If you buy a cheap scope- don't plan on good groups. If you can't hold steady on the target- don't plan on good groups. The absolute best thing I can say is to shoot that gun as much as you can at multiple distances so you can learn how much the bullet drops at 200yds-300yds and longer if you plan to shoot an animal that far. It sure ruins a day or days quick by finding a blood trail that doesn't stop. You owe it to the animals you are harvesting and to yourself to have the most possible confidence in your shooting skills. And besides - shooting is fun. 

[carpsniperg2]

i have bore sighted both ways looking down the barrel and laser both are good for getting you on paper. don't start at 150 start at like 50 yards then move back when you get settled in to the new gun with being a begginer 150 is not a good place to start and how much you spend depends on how well you shoot and how much you pay for ammo as well i would say most will get a rifle zeroed in under 25 rounds me it takes about 6-12 on most brand new guns.

[Bofire]

 :)Good information above except, fire your first shot at about 10 feet. go for a perfect bullseye. nuthin fancy just stand up and shoot, I have seen people waste a ton of ammo trying to get on paper at 25 yards.
At 25yards from a solid rest, go for a perfect bullseye, what cartridge?, with most, you want to be an inch or two low at 25 to be a bit high at 100 yards. turn the knobs the way you want the hole to move, up down or over.
once your on paper at 100, practice.
have fun!!
Carl

[BIGINNER]

  turn the knobs the way you want the hole to move, up down or over.

thanks,  youu answered another one of my questions before i even asked it.   so if the bullet hit to the right, i turn the knob to the right,   right?  or do i turn the knob left?

[coop2424]

  turn the knobs the way you want the hole to move, up down or over.

thanks,  youu answered another one of my questions before i even asked it.   so if the bullet hit to the right, i turn the knob to the right,   right?  or do i turn the knob left?

If the bullet hits right you will want to move the turrets the direction it says left since it needs to go to the left to get to the bulls eye.  You will want to move it with however many clicks add up to the distance you need to go.  So if you need to go a inch left and your scope is 4 clicks equal an inch at a 100 yards you would move it 4 clicks to go that inch at 100 yds...

[WDFW-SUX]

bore sights can ruin he crown on the barrel im scared of them

[Sneaky]

Good info on here. Start up close and work your way out and by the time you get to 150 like you want you will be pretty damn close and won't have a huge ammo bill.

[Mike450r]

A 25 yard zero is the best way to start.  Also, your 25 yard group should be very small as it will spread with distance.  Get a holes touching group of 3 in the bulls eye at 25 yards and you should have an easy time adjusting to zero at 150 yards and maintain good grouping.

Keep in mind that 1/4 inch per click at 100 yards is pretty standard (MOA).  At 25 yards it will be more like 1/16 inch per click and at 150 yards 3/8 inch per click.