Best way to sight in a red dot

[chow hound]

Just wondering what everyone's approach is.  With the price of TSS, I don't want to use any more shells than necessary.  Do you sight in really close, like 10 yards, where it is easy to id the the true center of the pattern or further away, where the center may be more subjective?

[Waterhead]

In the past I've used heavy game load to get it a close as possible at 20 and then at 40 yds. Once I feel like everything is dialed in I'll take 1-2 shots with TSS.

Would be interested to see if someone has another idea?

[TrackeySauresRex]

Most/some will get it dialed in with a light game load at close range then fine tune it with you shell of choice. It's ez yer pocket this way.

[NOmad]

Using cheap loads to get it close is a good idea. My advice is don't be scared to shoot a couple extra TSS loads on the initial sight in to make sure you get it "perfect" for how you want it. A little pricey on the front end but each year after, 1 shell to make sure you are still hitting your mark and you are good to go.

If you are really worries about cost - get it close to where you want it with bird load, shoot a TSS shell to ensure you are on, shoot a designated non TSS load and take a picture of where the pattern is. Moving forward, if you want, you can just shoot one of those non TSS shells and if the pattern is "off" in the way it is supposed to be you are good to go. This way isn't as exact but is definitely cheaper. 

[TrackeySauresRex]

^ good advise.

I've always used a light trap load. Got it close. Then went to a Win lead #6. Photos and notes are great for sure. Then dialed in the tss. For me, I've always been close with my ranges. W/O a lot of adjustments.

I was just looking at the tss post. Man that price has jacked up. I'm glad I'm good for a couple of seasons.

[reynolds243]

its really simple really especially if you have a lead sled.

Shoot it at a LARGE piece of paper or cardboard at 10yds (field load). While in the sled, aim the dot at your poa and then move it to your point of impact (be sure to keep the gun still while doing it)

Move target out to 30 and shoot your turkey ammo. After the shot do the same thing. Move it to 35 or 40 and do it 1 more time to make minor adjustment and you are done.

1. Dont chase the bead, its a shotgun not a precision rifle so try to not keep doing micro adjustments.
2. Decide if you prefer 50/50 spread or something else. I personally sight mine in to be a tad high (more like 60/40) because I aim for the waddle and want the majority of the shot going above that and not into the breast.

you can do it without a sled the same way if you have someone there to help you move the dot but it may take a few more shots.

[Turkeybutt]

its really simple really especially if you have a lead sled.

Shoot it at a LARGE piece of paper or cardboard at 10yds (field load). While in the sled, aim the dot at your poa and then move it to your point of impact (be sure to keep the gun still while doing it)

Move target out to 30 and shoot your turkey ammo. After the shot do the same thing. Move it to 35 or 40 and do it 1 more time to make minor adjustment and you are done.

1. Dont chase the bead, its a shotgun not a precision rifle so try to not keep doing micro adjustments.
2. Decide if you prefer 50/50 spread or something else. I personally sight mine in to be a tad high (more like 60/40) because I aim for the waddle and want the majority of the shot going above that and not into the breast.

you can do it without a sled the same way if you have someone there to help you move the dot but it may take a few more shots.

This is exactly how I sight mine in.  I prefer using a sled so I don't have the need to be making a lot of shots due to my failure in holding the gun steady. I use Dove loads at 10 yards shooting at 4 or 6 dots depending on how big your cardboard is. This way you are not doing a lot of walking back and forth and shortens your stay at the range. Once you do as reynolds243 says all you need is maybe 2 shots with TSS. Good Luck

[CALLM2U]

its really simple really especially if you have a lead sled.

Shoot it at a LARGE piece of paper or cardboard at 10yds (field load). While in the sled, aim the dot at your poa and then move it to your point of impact (be sure to keep the gun still while doing it)

Move target out to 30 and shoot your turkey ammo. After the shot do the same thing. Move it to 35 or 40 and do it 1 more time to make minor adjustment and you are done.

1. Dont chase the bead, its a shotgun not a precision rifle so try to not keep doing micro adjustments.
2. Decide if you prefer 50/50 spread or something else. I personally sight mine in to be a tad high (more like 60/40) because I aim for the waddle and want the majority of the shot going above that and not into the breast.

you can do it without a sled the same way if you have someone there to help you move the dot but it may take a few more shots.

This is what I do except I shoot a target load at 20, then my TSS load at 20. (side bonus is that this doubles as a cheap way to verify your sight in the future)   Then repeat at 40.   Most times I use 2 TSS rounds, but occasionally 3 to fine tune at 40. 

[Tom007]

Best investment I made is the Sitelite lazer bore sighter. This saves a ton of money on shells. Once I bore-site my gun, I at most have to fine tune it. A few guns I did, It was dead on with no further adjustment needed. It will absolutely get you on an 8x11 paper close to center. Then all the advice above is how I test to find the best choke/shell combo. At 15 bucks a shell, it pays for itself real quick. Good luck

[lunghit]

Do you guys clean the barrel between shots? I always do but wondering if I am wasting my time.

[reynolds243]

Do you guys clean the barrel between shots? I always do but wondering if I am wasting my time.

no not for sighting in a red dot. Now if Im actually pattern testing a choke ammo combo or something I will but not for getting it dialed in POA/POI stuff.

[btomlin]

its really simple really especially if you have a lead sled.

Shoot it at a LARGE piece of paper or cardboard at 10yds (field load). While in the sled, aim the dot at your poa and then move it to your point of impact (be sure to keep the gun still while doing it)

Move target out to 30 and shoot your turkey ammo. After the shot do the same thing. Move it to 35 or 40 and do it 1 more time to make minor adjustment and you are done.

1. Dont chase the bead, its a shotgun not a precision rifle so try to not keep doing micro adjustments.
2. Decide if you prefer 50/50 spread or something else. I personally sight mine in to be a tad high (more like 60/40) because I aim for the waddle and want the majority of the shot going above that and not into the breast.

you can do it without a sled the same way if you have someone there to help you move the dot but it may take a few more shots.

This is the way.  I mark on a big pc of paper/cardboard an aiming spot (after 10yrd sight in with cheap stuff) and fire at the aiming spot from 30 yards(more 50/50 pattern for me).  I find and mark the center of the pattern with some blue painters tape.  Without moving the gun(I have a sled), I move the dot from the aiming spot to the center pattern mark.  Verify with 1 more shot at 40.  Go hunt.

[btomlin]

Do you guys clean the barrel between shots? I always do but wondering if I am wasting my time.

I run a bore snake between shots as I hunt a clean barrel.  Not sure if it really matters but is consistent for me.