The accuracy of your shot is only as good as the quality of the rifle scope you have. With a high-quality rifle but mediocre scope, you won’t be able to hit the target as easily.
But that’s exactly why we’ve decided to write this scope article on how to zero your rifle scope at 100 yards for better shots.
It might take some time, but you’ll find out how to zero a rifle scope and improve your accuracy in just roughly under 10 minutes.
How to Zero a Rifle Scope at 100 Yards
Step 1: Get to Know Your Equipment
First, take stock of what equipment you have for the scope.
This step actually helped me familiarize myself with the different parts when I was first starting out.
There are many various rifles and rifle scopes, so having a better idea of which kinds you have can help you apply my tips more effectively.
Scope
Get familiar with your rifle scope first.
Find out whether it uses a minute of angle (MOA) or milliradian (MIL) system of measurement to help you calculate your adjustments.
For example, one-quarter-inch at 100 yards usually equals one-click for MOA rifle scopes.
I needed to adjust my shot by one inch at 100 yards to the right of my last, so I had to adjust four clicks to the right.
There’s heavy debate on which scope measuring system is better to use for a 100 yards distance.
What matters is that you know how to use the one YOU have.
The best thing to do is to constantly sight in your scope and become familiar with it.
Bullets
Next, you also need to know the type of ammunition you’ll be using for a 100 yards distance.
Things like the weight and size of the bullets can affect their trajectory. I remember my shots weren’t lining up because I was using the wrong rounds!
Since the point of impact is determined by your aim and the effect gravity has on your bullets, make sure to take these two factors into account.
For our 100-yard zero, stick to just ONE bullet type so that any differences among the scope settings can be fully attributed to the zero process.
Boresight
This part is optional, but a bore sight greatly helped me zero my scope!
It can save you from using too much ammunition and shoulder wear and is usually the laser or magnetic kind.
Rifle Rest
To keep your shots steady, you can use a rifle rest to minimize any human error that may interfere with your test.
You might also want to level your riflescope to ensure that there aren’t any scope errors that can affect your shot.
Notepad and Pen
I learned that a handy notepad to write on with a pen is enough to help record the adjustments on the scope.
Step 2: Set Up Your Rifle
The next step is to set up your rifle scope, rifle, and target.
Make sure the scope is fitted level and torqued with the appropriate settings on the rifle.
I also recommend having your local gun shop do this because it sets the stage for successful shooting if you are a beginner.
Plus, it’s never wrong to invest in quality mounting. If you have the cash, go for it!
Then, secure and keep your rifle steady on a solid rest so that it’s stable and your shooting will be free of human error (for the most part, not 100% free).
Now, look through the scope and you should see a CLEAR image, indicating that the magnification is set correctly.
If not, fine-tune the scope and point the crosshairs or reticle toward the dead center of the target.
Additionally, double check your windage and elevation adjustments.
Step 3: Fix The Boresight (Optional)
If you’re using a boresight, you can start the bore sighting process at this point. If not, you can move on to the next step for your scope.
Basically, this means aligning the rifle bore with the scope and sights to control the trajectory of your projectiles.
The best part? You don’t have to fire a shot (at least for now.)
If you had your scope mounted at the gun shop, they usually take care of the bore sighting as well.
There are a few differences depending on the type of boresighter you have:
Visual
With this kind, you position the middle of the rifle’s barrel with the sights by eye.
Although, it can take you a while and is applicable only when you intend to shoot from a certain distance and no more.
Laser
A laser bore sight is what I personally use since I find it the easiest to use for a scope.
The laser is found inside the muzzle where a beam of light will guide your aim for a 100-yard distance.
Magnetic
This type uses a magnetic strip to attach itself to the end of the barrel. You look through your scope then adjust the scope crosshairs to the grid.
Step 4: First Shot
Once everything is aligned, you can get your first shots in at the shooting range and use it as a basis for your adjustments.
I advise you NOT to rely completely on the boresight as it does not guarantee a perfect zero right away.
Different guides recommend either one or three for your first shots for your first assessment.
If you choose to go with one shot, examine the first point of impact and use it as your main starting position.
Going with the three-shot, however, can let you better track if your rifle has moved.
Also – and this is important – start at a distance of 50 yards, not 100 yards.
The reason why: It’s easier to make adjustments with a closer range of 50 yards than at our goal of 100 yards right away.
Some even use a 25-yard distance for this step.
Step 5: Make Adjustments
After firing either a one- or three-shot test at the shooting range, check on how close your firing got.
There are a lot of ways this can go, but let’s take a look at a few examples:
First, a complete