Understanding the Importance of Precision
The 350 Legend has rapidly become a favorite amongst hunters and shooters. Its straight-walled design and potent performance make it an exceptional choice for various hunting applications. Whether you’re pursuing whitetail deer, hogs, or other game, precision is paramount. That precision begins with a properly sighted-in rifle. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to sight in your 350 Legend, ensuring you’re ready for a successful hunt.
A well-sighted-in rifle translates directly into ethical hunting practices. When your rifle is accurately zeroed, you have a higher probability of a clean, humane kill. Misses can lead to wounded animals and unnecessary suffering.
Beyond ethical considerations, accuracy enhances your enjoyment of the sport. Hitting your target consistently brings a sense of satisfaction and boosts confidence in your shooting skills. It allows you to take full advantage of the 350 Legend’s inherent capabilities, extending your effective range and increasing your success rate.
Gathering Your Necessary Equipment
Before you head to the range, ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. Being prepared makes the sighting-in process smoother, safer, and more efficient.
First, you’ll need your 350 Legend rifle. This could be a bolt-action, a lever-action, or an AR-platform rifle. The type of rifle will influence how you mount your optic and potentially the type of shooting rest you choose.
Next, choose your optic or sights. Many hunters prefer scopes for their magnification capabilities, which aid in target identification and long-range accuracy. Select a scope with appropriate magnification for your intended hunting distances. If you opt for iron sights, make sure they are properly installed and aligned.
Carefully select your ammunition. The performance of the 350 Legend can vary depending on the bullet weight, construction, and manufacturer. It’s important to choose ammunition that your rifle’s barrel twist rate is compatible with. Consider the bullet type for your intended quarry. For example, hunting rounds are designed to expand upon impact, delivering maximum energy transfer and creating a quick, humane kill.
A stable shooting rest is crucial. This could be a bipod mounted to your rifle, a set of sandbags, or a sturdy bench with a solid rest. The goal is to minimize movement during your shots, enabling you to get a better group.
Invest in a suitable target. Select a target specifically designed for sighting in. These targets usually feature a clear aiming point, such as a bullseye or a grid. The aiming point needs to be easily discernible at the distance you’re shooting.
While optional, a rangefinding device can be extremely helpful. It allows you to accurately measure the distance to your target, which is critical for making proper adjustments to your scope or iron sights.
You’ll also need a basic set of tools. These include a screwdriver (for scope adjustments), Allen wrenches (for mounting the scope, if needed), and cleaning supplies to prepare the barrel.
Preparing Your Rifle and Optic for Sighting In
Before you begin shooting, spend some time preparing your equipment. This preparation will contribute to a more accurate zeroing process.
If you’re using a scope, the first step is proper mounting. Ensure the scope rings are securely attached to your rifle’s base and that the scope itself is properly installed in the rings. The scope should be level and aligned with the rifle’s bore. Tighten all screws to the manufacturer’s specifications. Improperly mounted scopes can lead to unreliable results and frustration.
Next, bore sighting is a vital step. This is a way to roughly align your scope with the bore of your rifle before you start live firing. A bore sighter, either optical or laser, can be used, or you can accomplish this by looking through the bore and then the scope at the same target. This process saves ammunition by ensuring your initial shots will be closer to the target, helping to reduce the number of adjustments necessary.
Cleaning the barrel is also an important step. A clean barrel provides consistent performance. Wipe the bore with a cleaning rod, patches, and a suitable solvent to remove any debris or oil. A clean barrel is essential for achieving accurate results.
The Sighting In Process: A Detailed Guide
With your equipment ready, it’s time to sight in your 350 Legend. The following steps will guide you through the process.
Setting up your Target
The first decision to make is the distance to the target. Starting at a shorter distance will help get you closer to the final zero without wasting ammunition. Many shooters start at twenty-five or fifty yards. The best distance depends on the bullet trajectory for the 350 Legend you are using.
Place your target in a secure, clearly marked area. Make sure there is a safe backstop behind the target to catch any stray rounds.
Making the First Shots
Once you have set up your equipment and your target, take a group of initial shots. Aim carefully and focus on your trigger control. A typical group size is three to five shots. This will allow you to see where your shots are impacting the target.
Adjusting Your Scope
Now, examine the impact of your shots and make adjustments to your scope or sights. Most scopes have adjustment turrets. You will need to understand your scope’s click values – the value that each click of the turret moves the point of impact (POI). Common click values are quarter-inch (1/4 MOA) adjustments, or one-eighth-inch (1/8 MOA) for every 100 yards.
If your shots are impacting below and to the right of the bullseye, you would turn the elevation turret up and the windage turret left. The goal is to bring your shots closer to the center of the target.
Firing and Repeating the Process
After making adjustments, take another group of shots. Observe the impact. Fine-tune your adjustments until you are satisfied with the group.
Moving to Longer Distances
Once you achieve a satisfactory zero at the shorter distance, you can move to longer distances. The next common distance is one hundred yards, allowing for a more accurate zero for hunting applications. Remember that bullet drop increases with distance. You may need to consult a ballistics chart or use a ballistics calculator to estimate bullet drop at longer ranges. Make the necessary adjustments to compensate.
Finalizing the Zero
Before going hunting, it’s wise to make any final refinements to your zero at your longest shooting distance. Fire several groups of shots to confirm your zero remains consistent. Now, your rifle is correctly zeroed.
Important Tips and Considerations for Success
Accuracy is a product of consistency, so several factors can affect your success.
Consistency is key. Your stance, grip, breathing, and trigger control should be the same for every shot.
Wind conditions can significantly affect the bullet’s path. Practice shooting in different wind conditions and learn to compensate for drift.
Be sure to consider your ammunition. Different bullet weights and types will impact trajectory.
When you sight in your rifle, it is helpful to document your zero. Record the distance, type of ammunition, and scope adjustments you have made.
When zeroing your rifle, you may want to consider zeroing for hunting purposes. The effective range of the 350 Legend is often limited. You can set your zero using the maximum point-blank range (MPBR), the distance at which the bullet will never rise or fall by more than a certain amount (usually three inches).
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips
Even with careful preparation and execution, some problems can arise during the sighting-in process. Here are a few common issues and some troubleshooting tips:
Inconsistent Grouping is a common problem. The source can range from your shooting technique to mechanical issues with your rifle. Check scope mounts, ensure all screws are tightened and double-check your technique.
Drifting zero can happen if your rifle’s zero changes over time. Temperature changes can play a role. Ensure your scope is functioning properly and that your mounts are secure.
If you are having problems, you might have some scope issues. You will need to find out what the issue is. Perhaps the scope is damaged or malfunctioning.
Concluding Thoughts on Achieving Accuracy
Sighting in a 350 Legend is a critical step in ensuring accuracy and maximizing the cartridge’s effectiveness. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently zero your rifle for hunting or target shooting. Always remember that consistent practice and attention to detail are crucial for achieving and maintaining accuracy.
Remember, mastering your zero isn’t just about the mechanics; it’s about the connection you build with your rifle and the confidence you gain in your shooting skills. Make sure you always enjoy the process. Happy shooting!
