Magnification used for group testing and zeroing hand loads?

[philcox]

Curious as to what magnification folks are using when group testing and/or zeroing? I have traditionally went "max mag" (15 for my RS 1.2). But I am wondering if that is the best way to really get the best results. Just curious.

 

[wapitibob]

Been doing load dev this week on a new 7PRC, 22x ish.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Assuming this is for a 100 yard zero, 6x-10x on my RS1.2 depending on the day. Working on proficiency at lower mag ranges but sometimes 10x just feels better even though I shoot just as well on 6x.

 

[207North]

Max. I paid for it, I am going to use it!

 

[Steve300xcw]

I dont care for much over 9x and really dont use that all that much.

Having a hard aiming point that you can actually focus on makes a difference though. Theres a lotta room in a round bullseye..

 

[SDHNTR]

Max, but only when zero’ing.

When practicing or hunting, rarely over 12x. Excess mag does more harm than good when hunting.

 

[HuntHarder]

I do not have a set magnification I zero on. I typically just dial up my scope until I feel like I'm seeing diminishing returns. On my 2.5-20, I typically find myself shooting around the 12-14× when zeroing at 100 yards. FWIW, I tend to shoot my animals on higher power than all the cool kids who use 6x or 8x only too. Again, just dial my scope until I see diminishing returns. ( resolution goes to shit or I can see my every movement magnified too much)

 

[WyldGoose]

My max is 9 so that’s my setting when getting zero. After that it stays on 6 or 7 for just about everything else.

 

[wind gypsy]

Depends what "max" is on the scope. On my hunting scopes, it's never that high so max it is. My PRS scope has 36x max but 36x is never used. Probably zero/group test with upper 20s if using that scope. Some scopes have lousy glass quality at max mag so its easier to just not use it.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Depends…

On my fixed 6x scopes, I leave it on 6x.

On my fixed 10x scopes, I leave it on 10x.

On my fixed 12x scopes, I leave it on 12x.

On my 3-9x40, I sight in and do group testing on 9x, but I almost always keep the scope at 6x when hunting. That’s why I only have one 3-9x40.

On my .22 LR, I have a 2.5-10x SWFA ultralight scope. It stays on 10x all the time, whether I am hunting squirrels or shooting paper.

 

[TaperPin]

The shooting test in one of the handloading or shooting mags showed a slight increase in accuracy on paper targets going from 4x to 6x, but not much of an increase after that, but of course that depends on the sharpness of your vision and how well the shape of the target fits the crosshairs.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Serious question, wouldn't the focus of the scope more or less account for adjusting the sharpness of vision element? Some days I go to the range with out my prescription glasses and simply use shooting glasses. Other times my prescription glasses with polycarbonate lenses are getting the call. I adjust the focus I'm good to go. And I'd be considered past middle age. When shooting for groups or for zero, use a target that has a perpendicular center intersection so the crosshairs line up in the best position to center it. Am I missing something?