Rifle Hack: Sighting In A .308 At 25 Yards And 50 Yards

Sighting in a .308 rifle at 25 yards and 50 yards is an important step in ensuring accuracy when shooting. It is important to understand the basics of sighting a gun before attempting to do so. This guide will provide an overview of the process, including the necessary tools and steps. Moreover, it will offer tips and tricks to help ensure a successful sighting experience.

What Is Mean By ‘Zero’ In Firearms?

Zero in firearms refers to the point at which the sights on a firearm are aligned. So the bullet will hit the intended target when fired. This is usually done by adjusting the sights so that they are level with the bore of the firearm. And after a proper adjustment, they are pointing at the desired target. This process is also known as sighting or scoping.

.308 Sight In: How To?

To sight in your .308 rifle, you will need to have a shooting rest or sandbags, a bore sighter, a target, and a few boxes of ammunition.

Start by setting up the target at a distance of 25 yards.

Next, use the bore sighter to ensure that your scope is roughly aligned with the barrel of the rifle.
Once the scope is aligned, fire a few shots at the target to get a rough idea of where your shots are hitting.
Now adjust the scope until the shots are hitting the target in the center.

After that, fire several more shots to confirm that the scope is properly sighted in.
Once the scope is sighted in, move the target to a longer distance, such as 50 or 100 yards, and repeat the process.
And you should repeat the process at longer distances until you are satisfied with the accuracy of the rifle.

How To Zeroing A .308 Rifle & Why?

How To

Ensure the firearm is unloaded and the magazine is removed.
Place the selector switch on “safe” and point the firearm in a safe direction.

Pull the charging handle to the rear and lock it in place.
Check the chamber to make sure it is empty.
Pull the trigger to release the hammer.

Turn the safety selector to “fire”.
Pull the charging handle to the rear and allow the hammer to reset.
Finally, push the charging handle forward and release it.

Why

Zeroing a firearm is an important step in ensuring accuracy and safety. It ensures that the sights are properly aligned with the bore. So that when the trigger is pulled, the bullet will land in the desired spot.

Zeroing a firearm also ensures that the firearm is properly functioning.
And its safety mechanisms are working correctly.

Zeroing At 25 Yards For Longer Ranges:

Zeroing your rifle at 25 yards is a good way to optimize your accuracy for longer ranges. It gives you a good starting point for making adjustments for longer distances. When you zero at 25 yards, you are aiming at a point that is close enough that you are still able to hit the target, but far enough away that the bullet drop is minimal. And when you make adjustments for longer ranges, you should start from a point that is close to the target.

To zero your rifle at 25 yards, set up a target at that distance and fire three to five rounds.
Once you have a good grouping, you can adjust your sights to move the point of aim to the center of the grouping. This ensures that you are zeroed in at 25 yards.

After zeroing in at 25 yards, you can then use a ballistic calculator to determine the adjustments you need to make to hit the target at longer ranges.

In this way, you can be sure that the adjustments you are making are accurate. And it will get you the best results.

.308 Zero At 100 Yards Chart:

Range (Yards)	100
Drop (In)	0.5
Drop (Moa)	0.5
Wind (In)	0.00
Wind (Moa)	0.00
Velocity (Fps)	2543
Energy (Ft-Lbs)	2153
Time (Sec)	0.11

Shooting Range Of A .308

The effective range of a .308 rifle is considered to be between 500 and 800 yards (460 and 732 meters). This is due to the relatively high muzzle velocity and good ballistic coefficient of the round.

The maximum range of a .308 rifle is over 1,500 yards (1,372 meters).
It depends on the rifle and ammunition used, even greater ranges are possible.

What Is The Maximum Point Blank Range For .308?

The maximum point-blank range for a .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) cartridge is usually between 200 and 300 yards, depending on the bullet weight and velocity.

Generally, the maximum point-blank range of a .308 with a 150-grain bullet is about 250 yards. This means that a shooter can aim at a target without having to adjust the sights. And the bullet will stay within a 3-inch circle of the aiming point out to 250 yards.

Remember: Beyond that range, the bullet will begin to drop, and the shooter will have to adjust the sights to compensate for the drop.

Is 308 Good for 500 Yards?

Yes, the .308 Winchester cartridge is a good choice for shooting at 500 yards. As it has a good trajectory and is capable of producing tight groups at that distance.

Does .308 Shoot Farther Than 5.56?

No, the 5.56 NATO round generally has a longer range than the .308 Winchester round.

Because the 5.56 NATO round has a higher velocity and a much flatter trajectory than the .308 Winchester round.

Additionally, the 5.56 NATO round has a higher ballistic coefficient. This means it has a better ballistic shape, which results in less air resistance and allows it to travel farther.

This is why the 5.56 NATO round is more commonly used in longer-range engagements.

How Much Does A .308 Bullet Drop At 100 Yards?

A .308 bullet will drop approximately 0.9 inches at 100 yards when fired from a rifle with a 100-yard zero.

This means that if you were to fire the rifle at a target 100 yards away, the bullet would strike 0.9 inches lower than the point of aim.
And the drop increases the farther the bullet travels.
So the drop at 200 yards would be approximately 4.2 inches, and the drop at 300 yards would be approximately 10.3 inches, and so on.

So, How Far Can You Shoot A Deer With A .308?

The maximum effective range of a .308 rifle for deer hunting is typically considered to be around 500 yards. This estimation is counted over with the most accurate shots being taken within 300 yards.

.308 Rifle: Where Do You Like To Zero In And Why?

The most common zeroing distance for .308 rifles is 100 yards. This is because the .308 round has a relatively flat trajectory out to that distance. And it is relatively easy to accurately adjust the sights or scope to hit a target at that range. Beyond 100 yards, the bullet drop becomes more significant and requires more precise adjustment of the sights or scope.

For target shooting, many shooters prefer to zero their rifles at 200 yards. Because it allows them to practice shooting at longer distances without having to adjust the sights or scope for significant bullet drops.
But this is not recommended for hunting purposes, as the bullet drops at 200 yards. So that it is too significant for a precise shot.

When zeroing a .308 rifle, it is mandatory to remember to account for the effects of wind and elevation on the bullet trajectory.

Wind can significantly affect the bullet’s path and cause it to miss the target.
Elevation also affects the bullet’s path, as the higher the elevation, the flatter the trajectory.

Therefore, it is essential to adjust the sights or scope to account for these variables before zeroing the rifle.

But What Distance Should I Zero My .308?

The distance that you zero your .308 rifle will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of ammo used, the barrel length, and the intended purpose of the rifle.

Typically, .308 rifles are zeroed at either 100 or 200 yards, depending on the needs of the shooter.

Can You Zero A .308 At 25 Yards?

Yes, you can zero a .308 rifle at 25 yards. But most long-range shooters use a 100-yard zero when sighting in a .308 rifle. Because it provides the most accurate results for longer-range shooting.

.308 Zero At 25 Yard: 150 Grain

The .308 Winchester with a 150-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2,820 fps and a muzzle energy of 2,806 ft-lbs.

At 25 yards the velocity will be 2,717 fps and the energy will be 2,539 ft-lbs.

Sighting In At 25 Yards For 100-Yard Zero

Sighting in at 25 yards for a 100-yard zero requires shooting a series of shots at a target placed 25 yards away.

You should start by adjusting the sights so that the point of impact of the first shot is centered on the target.
Make any necessary adjustments to the sights until the shot is centered.

Once that has been achieved, fire a few more shots to ensure the accuracy of the sight
If the shots remain centered, move the target to 100 yards away.
Fire a few shots and adjust the sights if necessary until the point of impact of the shots is centered on the target.

Finally, when the point of impact is centered, the rifle should be sighted in for a 100-yard zero.

Sighting In At 25 Yards For 200-Yard Zero

When sighting in at 25 yards for a 200-yard zero, you will need to adjust the scope so that the point of impact is 3.2 inches high. It means that when the rifle is fired at 25 yards, the bullet will be 3.2 inches above the point of aim.

At 200 yards, the bullet will be zeroed in, meaning it will hit the exact point of aim.

Sighting In At 25 Yards For A 100-Yard Zero With A 6.5 Creedmoor

For a 100-yard zero with a 6.5 Creedmoor, you should sight in at 25 yards.

At 25 yards, your bullet should impact approximately 2.5 inches above your point of aim.

Well, Can You Zero A .308 At 50 Yards?

Yes, it is possible to zero a .308 at 50 yards. To do so, you’ll need to adjust the elevation and windage of your sights. So that your shot is in the center of the target.

To begin, you’ll need a 50-yard target and a few rounds of ammunition.
Make sure the rifle is pointed in a safe direction. And you have a good, solid shooting position.

Once ready to fire, take aim and fire three shots.
Take note of where the shots land and adjust your sights accordingly.
If the shots are low, then you’ll need to raise the elevation of your sights.

If the shots are to the right, then you’ll need to move your sights to the left.
That means you must make small adjustments until you have the shots grouped close together and in the center of the target.

Once you have the shots grouped together in the center of the target, you can fire a few more rounds to verify the accuracy of the zero.

If all the shots are grouped closely together and in the center of the target, then you have successfully zeroed your .308 at 50 yards.

.308 Zero At 50 Yards Chart

The chart below shows the adjustment in inches for different distances when zeroed at 50 yards with a 308 caliber rifle.

Distance (Yards)	Adjustment (Inches)
50	0
100	-2.5
150	-7.9
200	-17.7
250	-31.7
300	-50.0

A .308 200-Yard Zero At 50 Yards

A 200-yard zero at 50 yards is a type of rifle zeroing technique. It is a popular option for those using AR-15s and other types of rifles. As it creates a relatively flat trajectory and point-of-impact over a large range of distances.

At 50 yards, the projectile will be zeroed and should hit the target dead-on.

As the distance from the target increases, the projectile will still remain relatively flat.
And it will only begin to drop off at distances greater than 200 yards.

At this point, the bullet will begin to drop off at a rate of approximately 1.5-2 inches per 100 yards.

This type of zero is ideal for most short- to mid-range engagements.

Because it allows the shooter to remain relatively accurate over a large range of distances without constantly adjusting their sights.

It also allows for shots to be taken at greater distances with minimal drop-off in accuracy

Is The 50 Yard/Meter Zero Still the Most Popular?

Yes, the 50-yard/meter zero is still the most popular zero for rifle shooters. It gives a good balance of accuracy and range. Moreover, it is easy to use for most shooting situations.

Sighting In A .308 At 25 Yards

Sighting in a .308 at 25 yards requires the shooter to follow a few steps. It includes gathering the necessary equipment, setting the rifle up on a bench or a rest, and then making the necessary adjustments.

Equipment Needed:

.308 rifle
Ammunition

Gun cleaning supplies
Shooting bench or rest
Target

Boresighter

Step 1: Setting Up the Rifle

You can start by securely setting the rifle up on a shooting bench or rest. Make sure it is stable and secure so that it will not move during the sighting process.

Step 2: Boresighting

Next, use a bore sighter to align the rifle with the target. This will give you a rough idea of where the bullet is going to impact at the 25-yard range.

Step 3: Firing the Rifle

Fire the rifle at the target and observe the point of impact.
Note the location of the bullet impact.
And make the necessary adjustments to the scope’s windage and elevation knobs.

Step 4: Adjusting the Scope

Turn the windage and elevation knobs until the bullet impact is in the center of the target.
Keep adjusting and firing the rifle until the bullet impact is in the center of the target.

Step 5: Final Adjustment

Once the bullet impact is in the center of the target, make a final adjustment to the windage and elevation. It will ensure that the rifle is properly sighted at 25 yards.

Once the rifle is properly sighted at 25 yards, the shooter can then move on to sighting in at greater distances if desired.

Boresighting A .308 At 25 Yards

Boresighting a .308 rifle at 25 yards is relatively straightforward.

Start by ensuring that the rifle is unloaded and the safety is engaged.

Place a target at the desired distance and mount the rifle to a sandbag or other stable surface.
Using a bore sighter, carefully align the crosshair of the rifle’s scope with the center of the target.
Once you have the crosshair properly aligned, you can adjust the scope’s elevation and windage knobs to make any necessary adjustments.

Finally, fire a few test shots to ensure that the rifle is properly zeroed in.

Sighting In A .308 At 50 Yards

Begin by setting up a safe shooting area. Place a target at 50 yards, and ensure that there is enough space in front of the target to allow for any bullet trajectory, in case of a miss.

Load the rifle and ensure it is in the proper firing position. Make sure the rifle is properly mounted and secured on a firm surface, such as a shooting bench or a rest.
Aim at the center of the target. To do this, adjust the rifle’s sights until the crosshairs are aligned with the center of the target.
Fire a few test shots at the target. Make sure to fire in a controlled, consistent manner.

After firing, inspect the target. If the shots are not centered, adjust the sights accordingly and fire another test shot.
Repeat this process until the shots are centered at the center of the target.
Once the shots are centered, the rifle is sighted in at 50 yards.

Sighting In A Rifle At 50 Yards For 100 Yards

Sighting in a rifle at 50 yards for 100 yards can be done by adjusting the elevation on the scope.

If the rifle is shooting high at 50 yards, the elevation needs to be adjusted down.
If the rifle is shooting low, then the elevation needs to be adjusted up.

The same rule of thumb applies to windage.

If the rifle is shooting to the right, the windage needs to be adjusted left.
And if the rifle is shooting to the left, then the windage needs to be adjusted right.

All adjustments should be made in small increments until the desired point of impact is achieved at 100 yards.

Is There A 50/200 Zero For The .308 Like There Is For The .223?

No, there is not a 50/200 zero for the .308 like there is for the .223.

The 50/200 zero is a very specific zero used with the .223 rifle cartridge.

It is not applicable to other rifle cartridges such as the .308.

The 50/200 zero is a distance setting designed to allow a shooter to hit a target at two different distances without making any changes to the sights.

With this zero, the bullet will hit the target at 50 yards when the sights are set at 200 yards.

This particular zero is not available for other rifle cartridges. Because the trajectory of the bullet is different for each cartridge.

Finally, How Many Yards Is A .308 Accurate?

The accuracy of a .308 rifle varies depending on the type of rifle, ammunition, and shooter.

Generally, a .308 rifle is considered to be accurate up to 800 yards. But some shooters have reported accuracy at even greater distances.
The accuracy of a .308 rifle also depends on the quality of the optics and ammunition used, as well as the shooter’s ability.

So What Distance Should I Sight In My .308?

The distance you should sight in your .308 depends on what you intend to use it for.

Most hunters will sight in their .308 at 100 yards. This is a good distance for most hunting applications. As it provides a good balance between accuracy and trajectory.
To sight in your .308 at 100 yards, you will need a target at this distance and a shooting rest.

I have already discussed how you can sight in a .308. But if you still have a problem, then go to the top and read again.

Note:

Wear eye and ear protection, and ensure that you are shooting in a safe direction with a backstop that can contain the bullets.

Some More High-Voltage FAQs:

What Is The Best Length For A .308?

The best length for a .308 rifle is typically either a 20 or 24-inch barrel.

The shorter barrel is lighter, more maneuverable, and still offers good accuracy and velocity.

The longer barrel increases accuracy and velocity but at the cost of weight and maneuverability.

In the end, it is up to the shooter to decide which barrel length is best for their individual needs and preferences.

Is .308 Too Big For Whitetail Deer?

No, .308 is not too big for whitetail deer. It is an excellent choice for hunting deer, as it is a very effective caliber for the medium-sized game.

Is A .308 Win Big Enough For Elk?

Yes, the .308 Winchester is a good choice for elk hunting. It is a very popular and capable caliber. It can take elk at distances up to 200 yards and sometimes further.

What Is The Effective Range Of An AR-10 .308?

The effective range of an AR10 .308 is typically 500 to 800 yards. But it depends on the shooter’s skill level and the quality of the rifle and ammunition.

Why Do Snipers Use .308?

The .308 is a very popular round among snipers because it is powerful and accurate.

It can reach out and hit targets at long stances. And this makes it a great choice for long-range shooting.
It also has a low recoil, which helps to keep the shooter on target for an accurate shot.
The .308 also offers good penetration, which is important for taking out hard targets like steel plates or armored vehicles.

Conclusion

Sighting in a .308 at 25 yards and 50 yards is an important step in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your rifle. By verifying the zero of your rifle at both distances, you can be sure that your shots will land where you intend them to. Once you have sighted your rifle, you can move on to shooting at longer distances. And the accurate sighting makes you even more confident in your marksmanship.