Best way to sight in a red dot

[Neill_Prater]

One comment. Maybe it's just me, but I bought a Lead Sled  several years ago when I was experimenting with new loads and chokes more and thought it would be the solution to quicker, easier and cheaper sighting in.

I found that there is often a difference in the POI with the heavy turkey loads when fired utilizing the sled vs firing hand held. Not a lot, but enough with super tight TSS to possibly cause a miss. I started zeroing while shooting from my normal sitting hunting position and have had no issues since. With optics you know the exact POA when the gun fires if you are paying attention so you can easily ascertain if a miss is on you or the gun.

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[Bowguy]

A consideration cause i dont see it and IMO its mandatory. You need to be a 5,6 yards max and check the zero before you finish. By the time you stretch it, you're pattern has opened. You can't exactly tell where center is. Bird comes super close you may miss. Its pnly gotta be barely off to matter. TSS patterns super tight. No room for error up close.

[bwhana]

Based on $$$$ of loads tested over the years, I discovered an issue with using a lead sled. I can't say why this happened, but I found that with both shotguns and rifles, the lead sled produces a different POI on target than a sandbag, tripod, or free hand so I got rid of mine. I loved the recoil reduction on long sessions, but not worth it when it causes issues in the field. I know many love them, but ensure it doesn't cause a wounded animal that otherwise would be cleanly killed. Maybe not quite a big deal with a shotgun patterns at turkey distance, but I want mine as close to perfect as I can get it.

[Dtrkyman]

I've always sighted while in hunting position, no bench or aid. 2 shot zero with a helper, 12 yards fire a shot, put dot back on bullseye and have helper adjust dot to cover pattern, another shot to confirm.

Shoot a target load at same distance, if it's off, which it likely is take a pic for reference and keep that box of 25 on hand for checking zero!

Took a few shots with iron sights typically!

I had a combo that shot target and hunting load the same at 12yds, choke bulged and have not found another combo to do the same, Ugg.

My SBE2 12ga is spot on with beads!  If my 20ga was I'd scrap sights! Toting a 12ga sux!


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[Ihuntoldschool]

One comment. Maybe it's just me, but I bought a Lead Sled  several years ago when I was experimenting with new loads and chokes more and thought it would be the solution to quicker, easier and cheaper sighting in.

I found that there is often a difference in the POI with the heavy turkey loads when fired utilizing the sled vs firing hand held. Not a lot, but enough with super tight TSS to possibly cause a miss. I started zeroing while shooting from my normal sitting hunting position and have had no issues since. With optics you know the exact POA when the gun fires if you are paying attention so you can easily ascertain if a miss is on you or the gun.

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Good point. It's not just you. The barrel will vibrate differently in a lead sled vs holding the gun in your hands.

[Johnhunter21]

Orange Duct tape is great. After getting it close at 10 yards with bird shot, I place about a 1" square duct tape on posterboard at 20yds. Get as steady as possible on a rest if you can and shoot the Tss. You should be able to see your pattern and place another 1" duct tape on the center of the pattern. Go back to your rest and look through the red dot starting on the original aim point. While looking through the red dot and leaving the gun completely still, adjust the red dot until it lines up with the other duct tape on center of pattern. Shoot once more and it should be dead on.