Zero at 25 yards?

[Wild_Dog]

I downloaded remington shoot the other night. Just messing around with it. I entered my rifle (model 7 300 SAUM) using 180 grain nosler, and entered my elevation (surprisinly it made a difference as compared to sea level)

Typically I am zeroed at 200 yards. These were the results:

50 Yards : +.55"
100 : +1.54
300 : -6.74
400 : -18.96

If I change my zero to 100 yards:

50 yards : -.22
200 : -3.02
300 : -11.08
400 : -25"

So I try a zero at 25 yards

50 yards: +1.24
100 +2.92
200 +2.76
300 -2.29
400 13.27

So basically...assuming a 6 inch vital zone...if I zero my gun at 25 yards every shot out to 300 yards is a kill?

When I change my angle, ie: 45deg or 60 deg it was the same...everything was within a 4 inch zone and I wouldn't have to try to remember if i should aim high or low on those up or downhill shots.

Is this good reasoning or am I missing something here?

[willyqbc]

Could you post up a link to this program you downloaded?? i would be interested in it.

PS....do i know you perchance?

Thanks
Chris Wright

[Wild_Dog]

Here is the link...there are two versions, a free one from Rem. or a trial for 30 days version that is more customizable (you can enter your own loads, etc).

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/ballistics/remington_shoot_ballistics_software.asp

Don't think I know you personally Chris. We have chatted on Huntshoot though.

We may have bumped in to each other though....small town and all. I've only been in Quesnel for just over 2 years. I'm related to the Lakeman family though, if you know them.

Jon

[todbartell]

with most cartridges, hitting around dead on or a tad low at 25-30 yards will put you 2-4" high at 100 yards. Ive seen this many times when sighting in a newly mounted scope at closer range before trying 100 yards.

I wouldnt reccomend shooting at 25 yards then thinking you'll be set for anything out to 300. Only a fool would do that without actually shooting at longer ranges.

[Wild_Dog]

Well, good thing I'm not a fool then :) . I would test this before. Normally I bore-sight beforehand so shooting at closer ranges is not something I typically do. I was more curious about the accuracy of the program with respects to determining what the furthest distance I could shoot without having to hold over or under.

[willyqbc]

i think I will download the program and see about testing it over the next few months...there's worse things to do with ones time!!:lol:

Chris

[Wild_Dog]

if you want some company at the range chris, pm me and let me know

[Timbow]

In theory you are right and the ballistic calculator is close but field checking is the only way to prove it. I shot a 300 WSM last season and tried the 180 grain Accubond. Using a similar ballistic calculator I sighted in at 1.5" at 100 yards for zero at 200 and 6.7" at 300 yards. While field checking I found the 300 was actually just over 9".

I know of atleast two guys that sight in at 100 yards and just use a ballistic calculator to figure the bullet drop out to 500 yards. Go figure!

Just my .02 cents worth.

[willyqbc]

Will do Jon, always nice to meet new folks with similiar interests

Chris

[youngfellla]

Here are some free Ballistics Software & loading manual downloads if anyone is interested -

http://www.stevespages.com/page8b.htm

[Schmaus]

This is the site that I use works pretty good i guess, I haven't tried any other ones though so I don't have anything to compare to

http://www.biggameinfo.com/index.aspx?page=/balcalc.ascx