Re-Zero For New Mod Cover?

Devon Stalker

Well-Known Member
Hi All, just wondering if I should re-zero my .308 now I have added a mod cover to my Wildcat? I know a new mod could change the barrel weighting and affect harmonics/zero, but would a cover have a material impact for deer stalking at sub 250m??

Any thoughts very welcome.
Cheers
Ash
 
Any change in weight has the potential to affect barrel harmonics so I would test it with a few rounds just to see if there is any difference in point of impact.
 
I'd be inclined to suggest the weight of a mod cover is negligible but if it gives you the warm fuzzy feeling test it on your next check zero session
 
Yes, the harmonics could result in an inch or so difference of poi at 100m, your groups could also shrink or even open up a bit, only one way to find out.
 
Hi All, just wondering if I should re-zero my .308 now I have added a mod cover to my Wildcat? I know a new mod could change the barrel weighting and affect harmonics/zero, but would a cover have a material impact for deer stalking at sub 250m??

Any thoughts very welcome.
Cheers
Ash
I am curious as to why you have added a cover to your moderator. What benefit do you expect to gain from it ? Just asking, curious.
 
Last edited:
I am curious as to why you have added a cover to your moderator. What benefit do you expect to gain from it ? Just asking, curious.
1. I keep knocking it on things (trees, fence etc) so it’s at risk of getting marked, and it can make an unnatural noise and give me away.

2. It’s insulated so when on the range I’m told I won’t have issues with heat waves distorting the image through my scope (yet to be tested).

2. It’s dark so in green might be less conspicuous to bambi.
 
bigger issue here is, why cover your mod? Can it not be wiped over or is it so big it requires camouflage?

Either way, if in doubt, take a control/test shot. Always a good practice if you change anything that touches or is part of your rifle
 
2. It’s insulated so when on the range I’m told I won’t have issues with heat waves distorting the image through my scope (yet to be tested).
What you currently consider a benefit is in fact a downside.

You will have 2 or 3 shots more without mirage until it starts creeping through your cover. In turn your mod will indeed be insulated and thus hindered to cool down between shots.
If you have a problem with mirage get a small pocket fan, set it on low power and place beside your mod or barrel. It is not the intention to cool the barrel (though it does so to a certain extent) but to blow away the mirage. Very effective!
 
I have a bit of textile tape wrapped around the bottom part of my mods. This gives me a better grip on them for screwing them on and off, also when they are shot hot.
In addition I can rip off a little piece whenever I want to tape the muzzle. Very handy.
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never thought about a mod cover altering the zero
i put one on mine in the autumn of the first year i got my rifle
the reason being was that the mod would have a protective cover insolating the hot inside to the cold outside, thus not causing moister building up in it.
ive been out some nights and had frost on my high seat rest and over my caller so it would probably be the same for the top of my rifle/scope
 
If it's something that will soak up damp, it might add significant weight and affect harmonics, perhaps.
 
What you currently consider a benefit is in fact a downside.

You will have 2 or 3 shots more without mirage until it starts creeping through your cover. In turn your mod will indeed be insulated and thus hindered to cool down between shots.
If you have a problem with mirage get a small pocket fan, set it on low power and place beside your mod or barrel. It is not the intention to cool the barrel (though it does so to a certain extent) but to blow away the mirage. Very effective!
In addition to this, you will find that the moderator will trap hot gases which then pass out of the end and rise - directly in the line of sight through your scope. Yes, you will reduce mirage from the moderator but you will still get the the distortion from the escaping gases so you'll find little if any benefit when using it on the range.
 
I had one on the wild cat! now it's under the bench bloody thing pain in the arse , you have to remove it the use A V3 chrono also found it kept the heat in when target shooting ? so i made a heat band and a metal zip tie sorted! or the target rifle and camo tape if the ting ! is a problem on the stalker.
 
should re-zero my .308 now I have added a mod cover to my Wildcat? I know a new mod could change the barrel weighting and affect harmonics/zero,
My rifles POI moves about 5" with / without a moderator.
But I would "GUESS" a cover is too light to create significant change to POI.

Having said that, every day is a school day, so it would be interesting to hear your feedback after a wee test on a paper target. A couple of rounds with / without the cover, off a rest.

M
 
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