Zero Distances Explained - 50, 100, or 200? - By Vortex

Founder · Nov 1, 2024

What's your take on zeroing your rifle?

You might be surprised how much space you need to get the best zero possible. A precisely zeroed rifle that shoots well is a must for down-range performance. Join Ryan as he breaks down the 50, 100, and 200 yard zero distances and also discusses which options give you the maximum point blank distance for your setup.

Togwotee · Nov 4, 2024

I miss Jack O'Connor too but it ain't the 60's anymore.

My take is a 100yd zero and a ballistic solver to tell me how many MOA to dial.

4corners_sportsman · Thursday at 8:14 AM

I used to zero at 300 yards before getting a turret.

ktg · Thursday at 8:34 AM

I like 1.5 high at 100. Then I don't have to touch my turrets till 250.

elkantlers · Thursday at 9:28 AM

I zero at 200

iowacity · Thursday at 9:39 AM

I use a 100 or 150 yard zero now as I dial turrets. I can just spin up to 200 yards to carry in the field for a quick hold on out to 300 yards.

Mallardsx2 · Thursday at 9:56 AM

100 yard 0

Been doing this my entire life.

Weiserbucks · Thursday at 8:54 PM

How does Vortex put out a video regarding zero distances when they can't produce an optic that maintains zero? Vortex optics come standard with a variable 50, 100 and 200 yard zero without even touching the elevation adjustment. They'll occasionally also compensate for a 30 mph wind without you even knowing it.

time2hunt · Thursday at 9:09 PM

I’ve alway ran a 200 yard zero no need for turrets tell your past 300 then run my ballistic chart.

BigPig · Thursday at 9:38 PM

Those of you zeroing at 200 with a turret are missing the point. Totally unnecessary and you’re only introducing more potential for error.

Zero at 100! Where you can be more precise and reduce environmental influences. Then simply twist up a few clicks to a resulting 200 yard impact (or whatever for your mpbr preference) when you hit the field.

elkantlers · Friday at 11:17 AM

Weiserbucks said:
How does Vortex put out a video regarding zero distances when they can't produce an optic that maintains zero? Vortex optics come standard with a variable 50, 100 and 200 yard zero without even touching the elevation adjustment. They'll occasionally also compensate for a 30 mph wind without you even knowing it.

WeminucheWapitis · Friday at 1:32 PM

Weiserbucks said:
How does Vortex put out a video regarding zero distances when they can't produce an optic that maintains zero? Vortex optics come standard with a variable 50, 100 and 200 yard zero without even touching the elevation adjustment. They'll occasionally also compensate for a 30 mph wind without you even knowing it.

Not to pick an internet fight, but rarely is a zero issue a scope problem. More likely ring/base or even a barrel. I’ve done an extensive amount of long range shooting and shot every scope/rifle combo there is. IMO vortex is absolutely the most bang for your buck. If there is truly a scope issue, vortex will fix or replace it. For reference the last 5 animals shot with my mid range vortex were at ranges of 128, 336, 906, 525 and 305. All first round hits and can one shot steal to a 1000 yards all day long. Very few people can shoot as good as a fancy carbon rifle with a night force scope is capable. A 1000 dollar rifle/scope combo in the right hands will be a true 1000 yard rifle.

Weiserbucks · Friday at 1:49 PM

WeminucheWapitis said:
Not to pick an internet fight, but rarely is a zero issue a scope problem. More likely ring/base or even a barrel. I’ve done an extensive amount of long range shooting and shot every scope/rifle combo there is. IMO vortex is absolutely the most bang for your buck. If there is truly a scope issue, vortex will fix or replace it. For reference the last 5 animals shot with my mid range vortex were at ranges of 128, 336, 906, 525 and 305. All first round hits and can one shot steal to a 1000 yards all day long. Very few people can shoot as good as a fancy carbon rifle with a night force scope is capable. A 1000 dollar rifle/scope combo in the right hands will be a true 1000 yard rifle.

I disagree. You do realize that potential rifle/scope combinations will be in excess of several million variations and you've shot em all? Complete bullchit.

Weiserbucks · Friday at 1:51 PM

elkantlers said:
View attachment 163177

WeminucheWapitis · Friday at 1:56 PM

Weiserbucks said:
I disagree. You do realize that potential rifle/scope combinations will be in excess of several million variations and you've shot em all? Complete bullchit.

What a ridiculous reply, legitimately trying to help. Sorry you can’t shoot with a decent mid range optic. Some of us don’t have that issue. And yes I have shot all reasonable gun combos from Walmart to 20k plus guns. It’s shockingly easy to shoot long range and you do not need to break the bank to do so. I’d be happy to give a lesson

Weiserbucks · Friday at 2:02 PM

WeminucheWapitis said:
What a ridiculous reply, legitimately trying to help. Sorry you can’t shoot with a decent mid range optic. Some of us don’t have that issue. And yes I have shot all reasonable gun combos from Walmart to 20k plus guns. It’s shockingly easy to shoot long range and you do not need to break the bank to do so. I’d be happy to give a lesson

OK, I accept your lesson offer. When do you want to show up at my 800 yard range with a Walmart rifle and Vortex optic to show me how shockingly easy it is to shoot long range?

WeminucheWapitis · Friday at 2:12 PM

Weiserbucks said:
OK, I accept your lesson offer. When do you want to show up at my 800 yard range with a Walmart rifle and Vortex optic to show me how shockingly easy it is to shoot long range?

Honestly if it was a reasonable distance from home I would. I have a 1300 yrd range with steel as well. Seriously not trying to be a jerk. I’ve shot and taught long range shooting for almost 20 years in a LE capacity. It’s not as hard people make it. I’m currently shooting a 30 year old Winchester model 70 with a 300 dollar vortex diamondback. Maybe a 1000 dollar combo and can absolutely shoot 1000 yds reliably. PM me if serious and I’d be happy to help

Weiserbucks · Friday at 2:20 PM

WeminucheWapitis said:
Honestly if it was a reasonable distance from home I would. I have a 1300 yrd range with steel as well. Seriously not trying to be a jerk. I’ve shot and taught long range shooting for almost 20 years in a LE capacity. It’s not as hard people make it. I’m currently shooting a 30 year old Winchester model 70 with a 300 dollar vortex diamondback. Maybe a 1000 dollar combo and can absolutely shoot 1000 yds reliably. PM me if serious and I’d be happy to help

I don't need help in any way, shape or form. I was simply calling you out on your B.S. knowing full well you wouldn't show up even if you lived 5 minutes down the road from me. LE instructor eh? Some of the worst shooters I've ever seen are LE, what does that say about their instructors?

WeminucheWapitis · Friday at 2:27 PM

Weiserbucks said:
I don't need help in any way, shape or form. I was simply calling you out on your B.S. knowing full well you wouldn't show up even if you lived 5 minutes down the road from me. LE instructor eh? Some of the worst shooters I've ever seen are LE, what does that say about their instructors?

Ok be a prick. I’d gladly take you up on an offer to shoot. I think the old saying of a poor craftsmen blames his tools fits just perfectly here. Regardless I was genuinely trying to help, enjoy be a crusty old jerk.

Togwotee · Friday at 3:36 PM

Vortex may be the best bang for your buck, but you'll get a lot more for two bucks.

I've only had one Vortex scope and that's only because it came on the rifle. I thought the rifle was a POS until I got in the game and discovered the scope was made in China. changed the scope and everything was fine.

I know guys like them that's fine. but ching chong ding dong don't build them like the competition does that's undeniable.

Weiserbucks · Friday at 4:19 PM

WeminucheWapitis said:
Ok be a prick. I’d gladly take you up on an offer to shoot. I think the old saying of a poor craftsmen blames his tools fits just perfectly here. Regardless I was genuinely trying to help, enjoy be a crusty old jerk.

I'm an A #1 prick, you're correct there. Vortex is the best bang for your buck in every category except reliability and repeatability. For my needs, reliability and repeatability are the absolute requirements. I don't care what chit costs, I don't care care about glass because every modern rifle scope is usable in legal shooting hours and I certainly don't buy based on warranty, I don't want to use a reliable and repeatable warranty.

WeminucheWapitis · Friday at 4:35 PM

Weiserbucks said:
I'm an A #1 prick, you're correct there. Vortex is the best bang for your buck in every category except reliability and repeatability. For my needs, reliability and repeatability are the absolute requirements. I don't care what chit costs, I don't care care about glass because every modern rifle scope is usable in legal shooting hours and I certainly don't buy based on warranty, I don't want to use a reliable and repeatable warranty.

Shouldn’t true sportsman help each other out and not be pricks? Instead most guys on here get into the d*ck measuring contests with other random dudes. Seems a bit weird to me. No doubt there are better optics. I have them and use them. My point is you absolutely do not need to spend big money to shoot big distances. Generally it does the opposite where guys spend 5k on a setup and assume the gun will do the work. Then people blow off legs at 700yds and make us all look bad. Maybe try helping instead of just having to be better than people you don’t even know. Anyways good luck out there and shoot straight.

Weiserbucks · Friday at 4:49 PM

WeminucheWapitis said:
Shouldn’t true sportsman help each other out and not be pricks? Instead most guys on here get into the d*ck measuring contests with other random dudes. Seems a bit weird to me. No doubt there are better optics. I have them and use them. My point is you absolutely do not need to spend big money to shoot big distances. Generally it does the opposite where guys spend 5k on a setup and assume the gun will do the work. Then people blow off legs at 700yds and make us all look bad. Maybe try helping instead of just having to be better than people you don’t even know. Anyways good luck out there and shoot straight.

I never claimed to be a true sportsman, I never claimed to be better than anyone. I simply stated that Vortex was junk and stand by that statement based on experience.