Quick Answer
Determine if your .308 is sighted in for elk by firing a group of shots at 100 yards and measuring the average spread. A well-sighted rifle should have groups averaging 1-2 inches in diameter. If your group is larger, adjust your scope elevation until the groups improve.
Understanding Rifle Zero
When sighting in a rifle, it’s essential to establish a “zero” point, which is the point at which the bullet impacts the target directly in front of the rifle’s sights. To do this, fire a shot at a target and measure the vertical distance between the bullet hole and the rifle’s sights. If the hole is above the sights, adjust the scope elevation to bring the bullet down.
Zeroing at 100 Yards
For a .308 rifle, a common zeroing distance is 100 yards. At this range, a well-sighted rifle should have a group size of 1-2 inches in diameter. To zero your rifle, fire a group of 3-5 shots and measure the average spread. If the group is larger than desired, adjust the scope elevation in 0.25-0.5 MOA increments until the group size improves.
Ballistic Compensation
When hunting at longer ranges, ballistic compensation becomes crucial. A .308 bullet can drop significantly over 300 yards, requiring adjustments to be made for wind deflection and bullet drop. To compensate for this, use a ballistic calculator or consult a ballistic table for your specific load. Adjust your scope elevation and windage accordingly to ensure accurate shots at longer ranges.
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