HMR zero range

[SimpleSimon]

I see broad consensus of a flattish trajectory between 40m and 100m, so not sure what you mean.

Yes, there is obviously a consensus over the flat trajectory, that's why I bought the HMR.

But there's no consensus as to what actual point blank zero distance people are using.

 

[zambezi]

Yes, there is obviously a consensus over the flat trajectory

It is only flattish sub 120 yards. After that, it is not flat.

If shooting beyond 120 yards, where you zero depends on the specific distance at which you plan to shoot and the size of your target.

If the graphs and tables do not give you a clear take on that, then simply follow the advice given by Cottis earlier in the thread which assumes a 1" target:

Zero it at 100yards and its MPBR will be 20-120yds which also accomodates variances in quality of ammunition.

 

[zambezi]

Perhaps another way of visualising this is to overlay your target size over the ballistic curves of each zero distance.

It becomes much clearer how flat an HMR round flies for distances around your chosen zero.

In the image below, I have assumed [like Cottis] a 1" target. That is illustrated by the black rectangle that brackets the sighting line [Point of Aim]. I.e. it is the point and shoot corridor.

Now consider the ballistic path of the bullet for each of the possible zero distances. The longest distance any one curve remains continuously within the black rectangle is the range for which it "shoots flat" for its zero distance.

The red curve sits within the 1" target zone for longer than any other. [relative distances denoted by colour coded rectangles]

If you plan to shoot at 200yds, a 100yds zero will require a 8.5" holdover. If you zero at 200yds, it will only "shoot flat" from 194 to 203yds.

If your target size is bigger [fox?], then all of the box sizes will elongate somewhat.

 

[zambezi]

I tidied and annotated that last image:

 

[Stalker-of-the-deer]

When we go out we zero about 1/2 inch high at 100 then it covers us to anythough to about 150 before you start to encounter considerable drop and on a windy night we limit shots to around 100 as they arnt amazing in wind!

 

[flatliner]

I always zeroed mine at 100 yards. As said, no need for hold over until past 120ish yards.

 

[Roestalker39]

Mine is zeroed at 100 shot 17 hares last night distances between 40 and 120 yards no real difference between point of aim

 

[SimpleSimon]

I tidied and annotated that last image:

View attachment 176042

That's very useful, thank you.

 

[User00035]

But what is it zeroed at?
Very useful trajectory chart with drop table showing zeros from 100 to 200 yds at www.VarmintAl.com

This one?


I always zero mine 20 mm high at 70 yards. Sounds daft but 70 yards reduces shooter error and wind deflection, but is still far enough to show up loose grouping. It just works for my ground where its often tricky to find a sheltered spot for zeroing. I calculate it's on for about 115-120. This chart seems to bear that out.
It works very well for the shooting I do with my HMR which is usually fixed position rabbit sniping. It gives me near point and shoot from 50 to 150 yards with only minor hold over or hold under which is easy to judge without any fancy reticle.

 

[Doric]

Hello all,

Long story short I bought a 17HMR for rabbit/vermin control a long while ago, subsequently put it in my cabinet and haven't touched it since.
I'm now able to get out with the rifle and I was hoping the collective wisdom of the SD could tell me what's a useful range to zero at that gives effective "point and shoot" usability.

100 yard zero gave me a 2" point blank out to 120 yards.