Sighting in a Scope

[redhead_522]

Hello all,
I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this post, but I didn't see an optic forum. Anyways, I have a Marlin 336w, it's a 30-30. I'm going to be getting a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40 scope in a couple days so I can use it for the doe season in mid December. When sighting in, what power should I have it on? Also, I know that most deer are taken at 50 yards or less, but most ballastics charts recommend sighting in at 100 yards even for a 30-30. So my two questions are, what power should the scope be set for when sighting in, and what distance should I sight in from? Thanks

[Mac1]

I would begin at 50, then move on to 100. Since the 30-30 is not a really flat shooting rifle, I would keep my groups one to two inches high at 100. After this, test it on a 200 yard target and see how she shoots. I don't think I would try any shots out past 200.

I always zoom in to sight it in, as long as you have a steady rest. The more zoom, the harder it is to hold on the target. Really, it depends on the size of the target. A quality scope will not vary regardless of the amound of zoom.

The rifle I use is zeroed 1 inch high at 100, which puts it one inch low at 200, and 4 inches low at 300. All this means is that I can aim dead on up to 300 without more than a 4 inch variation.

[ButchA]

I agree.... I have a Marlin 30AS 30-30 with a Simmons Pro Hunter 4-12 x 40 A.O. scope on it. I verified mine at 50, holding steady with a bench rest. I got quarter sized groups about 1" high at 50 yards. I then dial the A.O. on the scope to 100 yards and shoot out at 100 yards and be right on the money. I don't go beyond 100 yards though. The 30-30 is technically not a long range, reach out and touch them, type of rifle anyways.

Butch A.

[RonK]

I sight all my .30 cals. 1 1/2" to 2" high at 100yds. Use the highest power to get it where you want it then turn it down to the setting you are most likely to use in the field and make sure the possible group movement isn't far off enough to cause a miss.