adjusting scope without shooting it.

[jtw]

So I sighted in my scope for a new load last week. I zerod at 100 two inches low. Turns out my ballistics were wrong and I should have gone with 1.5 high. Since my windage is perfect is it safe to assume that adjusting the scope up 3.5 would put me where I want? I dont have time to shoot again before opening day saturday so Id prefer to just make the adjustment, but would I screw things up by doing this?

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

That's a bad idea to hunt without verifying the sight

 

[jtw]

That's what I'm thinking but not what I was hoping.

 

[Shrek]

Generally it's a bad idea. What scope ? Is it made for dialing ? If it is made for dialing then I'd run with it but if it is a less expensive scope there is no way I'd trust the erector. I'd make every effort to get out and check it before opening day.

 

[RMLamp]

It's a gamble to adjust the scope 3.5 inches without test firing the rifle. If it was on a rifle that you shot a lot and knew with certainty the input is linear, you could probably get away with it. If you have a low end scope, the adjustment may be more of a suggestion than a solid 3.5 inch move and there's no guarantee that the adjustment is perfectly vertical. You may be able to make the adjustment using a bore sight laser but you should make time to hit the range before your hunt.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I have done this several times with a top quality scope and been fine. If it's a Tasco or a Bushnell Banner, I would Verify

 

[doverpack12]

I would also verify unless you know for certain the scope was mounted properly. Most gun shops I have seen the work of do not do a very good job mounting scopes and often twist or torque the scope resulting in elevation and windage adjustments that don't always do what they should even on some high end scopes. If you can't get to the range I would say to re run your ballistics with where you are sighted in now.

 

[jtw]

Its a leupold vx1 so not great but not tasco. Its been pretty accurate in terms of elevation adjustment but the seed of doubt has been planted so I'm going to try to rush a trip to the range friday night.

 

[tstowater]

Good choice of checking it out. If it is off a 1/2 inch or 1 inch at 100 yards, it will only get worse on longer shots.

 

[wapitibob]

I would limit my distance to maybe 200.

 

[RMLamp]

I think those VX I's are 1/2 MOA clicks and not 1/4 MOA.

 

[jtw]

The dial says right on it "1click= 1/4 moa"
Hunting in western washington its hard to find a shot past 100 yards. But.... Im checking it either way.

 

[jtw]

In case anyone was wondering it was exact after adjustment.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Good. Still a good idea to verify it though. Now you can shoot with more confidence.

 

[jtw]

I am glad I verified. It was driving me nuts until I confirmed ot.

 

[Hunt'nFish]

Maybe it's just me but I think it's a bad idea to hunt w/ a gun that I have NOT shot at every range I plan to shoot an animal at. Ballistics tables are.... well, starting points for actual shooting at different ranges. Sure I use ballistics tables too, but after chronographing my loads and working up default ballistics, I still shoot at 100, 300, & 500 at minimum to compare against my tables. And I frequenting end up making minor adjustment to MV and BC to get the calculated curve tables to match up w/ the real drop trajectory data.

I know you didn't say what max range you plan to shoot at, but I'm going to assume it's something beyond 100yds since you did mention "ballistics" in your OP.
I know I'm being nitpicky and I don't know all your personal range data facts, but it just bothers me how many people "sight in X" high at 100yds" and then go out & shoot at animals much farther. Many times it results in bad decisions in the field and wounded & lost critters.
Stepping down off the soap box now.

I do hope your hunt goes well though. Good luck.
Hunt'nFish

 

[jtw]

I live and hunt in western washington. I haven't shot an animal beyond 80 yards in my life. That being said the load I'm using I've used before and 1.5 high puts me fairly straight for anything shorter and a little further. The farthest I shoot at the range is 200 and I would never take a shot beyond that. Even at 200 Id have to have a really good rest to feel comfortable. I agree your concern is real and Ive met plenty of guys who play that game, but I'm not confident in my abilities or equipment to play that game.

 

[Hunt'nFish]

Jtw, good to hear you know your equipment and limits, many don't.
Consider my post food for thought for others.
Good luck on your hunt, hope you see a big'n.
Hunt'nFish