Noob Question on Zeroing Irons. Do I need a different range?

[Dale's Dead Bug]

I need to zero the irons on my new 5.56 AR. What I've read says to zero at 25yds and then move out to 50yds, which should also set you for 200yds, and move out to 100yds if that's where you want your zero.

My problem is that my local range in San Leandro doesn't allow .223/5.56 on their 25/50yd range. Only on the 100yd range.

I've got a CMMG 22LR conversion bolt that I can use on the 50yd range, but between the clear difference in ballistics and the less than stellar accuracy of conversion kits, I don't think the kit is going to really do me any good in this endeavor.

Do I have any options I can use at SL, or do I need to find a range that will allow .223 on a 25/50yd lane?

[adam6955]

Bore sight it. That will get you on paper and go from there.

[wpod]

Hopefully someone will chime in with an acceptable range to shoot at.

Here's what I used for sighting irons

http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/m16a2/zero-and-m16a2-rifle.shtml

For my scope I use MPBR (Maximum Point Blank Range)

http://www.thenewrifleman.com/maximum-bullet-flight-getting-the-most-out-of-ar15-zero/

I use this in conjunction with Strelok+ ballistics calculator.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[kzin]

I need to zero the irons on my new 5.56 AR. What I've read says to zero at 25yds and then move out to 50yds, which should also set you for 200yds, and move out to 100yds if that's where you want your zero.

My problem is that my local range in San Leandro doesn't allow .223/5.56 on their 25/50yd range. Only on the 100yd range.

I've got a CMMG 22LR conversion bolt that I can use on the 50yd range, but between the clear difference in ballistics and the less than stellar accuracy of conversion kits, I don't think the kit is going to really do me any good in this endeavor.

Do I have any options I can use at SL, or do I need to find a range that will allow .223 on a 25/50yd lane?

You can't zero with the kit and call it good but you're gonna want to know the difference in zeros to shoot both. Aren't you?

Zero the 22lr at 25 should put you fairly close, at least easily on paper with 223 at 100.

If the sights or your mounting job are way off it's cheaper to figure out with 22.

eta - based on ballistics alone the 100 yd 223 should be within an INCH depending on exact ammo choices.
The slop in the kit will probably be considerably greater than that, though.

[smoothy8500]

At 25yds my NM A2 with the 22LR adapter impacts about 2" below the 100yd zero. At least you can get your windage correct and then take it to 100yds and be on paper. Now set your zero.

[protohyp]

as suggested start with a bore sight. That will get you in the general area if not right on if you're patient. saves a lot on ammo especially if you dont know how to walk in the sights efficiently.

Choose an ammo brand that you KNOW you shoot the most of and try to avoid switching ammo especially if you find one that cycles and gives you the best results.

[Kwikvette]

Drive a little bit down south to Metcalf and I'll teach you how to get on paper within 1 shot. From there, you'll shoot another round or two to confirm adjustments and should be zero'd within the 4th or 5th shot.

No stupid tools required, etc. and something you can apply to a lot of rifles.

[divingin]

My problem is that my local range in San Leandro doesn't allow .223/5.56 on their 25/50yd range. Only on the 100yd range.

Zero it at 100. If you shoot at SL, that's the only distance you'll be shooting at, so why not zero for what you have available?

Remove rear takedown pin, pull the bolt. Bag/block the upper with the lower out of the way, and adjust til you can see the target through the barrel. Trying not to disturb the setup, adjust the sights to be on target (may take several iterations to get it right.) Reassemble the rifle, and take a couple of shots. If you're still not on the paper, and have no idea where the shots are going, hold on each corner of the paper and see where you're off. readjust sights as needed.

You can also ask a nearby shooter if they can spot for you; most people are willing to help if asked.

[AYRborneRN87]

if you are willing to drive south 101 to Monterrey/Salinas there is Laguna Seca Rilfe & Pistol Range. They have steel targets upto 200 yards to do distance shooting, plus they allow 5.56/.223. Check their website. The place is clean, safe and friendly:

1025 Monterey Salinas Hwy 68, Salinas, CA 93908
831-757-6317

[IPSICK]

Livermore has shorter allowed ranges and Dublin indoor will have a shorter range too.

But getting on paper at 100 is do-able just boresighting with eye and a good rest. However, if you are very new zeroing a long gun I can see it be challenging. Many newbies try and fail to sight in their guns at SL. I offer help if people seem open.

[m850168]

[supermario]

Just use Nikon spot on app, you punch in your ammo make/grain etc, the distance you want it zeroed at and the distance you have to zero it at, it will tell you to aim 1" high or low or whatever to give you the exact 100yard zero.

I do this with all my rifles, irons or scoped and it puts me on exactly. With no need for a far range. Then later when you find a range, you can test it.

I do look boresight it manually first though. Looking down bore and match up to sights/scopes at 25yards or whatever distance you have.
I can get on paper within inches when I do this.

[highpower790]

I need to zero the irons on my new 5.56 AR. What I've read says to zero at 25yds and then move out to 50yds, which should also set you for 200yds, and move out to 100yds if that's where you want your zero.

My problem is that my local range in San Leandro doesn't allow .223/5.56 on their 25/50yd range. Only on the 100yd range.

I've got a CMMG 22LR conversion bolt that I can use on the 50yd range, but between the clear difference in ballistics and the less than stellar accuracy of conversion kits, I don't think the kit is going to really do me any good in this endeavor.

Do I have any options I can use at SL, or do I need to find a range that will allow .223 on a 25/50yd lane?

Go to Richmond and shoot the 200yd highpower match Sat 20th.Sign in 0800-0830.50shot match plus 2sighters from each position for a total of 58.Fire from the offhand,rapid sitting,rapid prone,and slow prone.Match cost is $10 with free coffee and donuts for paid shooters.

[musketjon]

Go to Richmond and shoot the 200yd highpower match Sat 20th.Sign in 0800-0830.50shot match plus 2sighters from each position for a total of 58.Fire from the offhand,rapid sitting,rapid prone,and slow prone.Match cost is $10 with free coffee and donuts for paid shooters.

OP clearly states that the rifle needs to be zero'ed. A match is not the time or place for zeroing.
Jon