Do you ever do any box tests or tall target tests to check how well your scope tracks? I've noticed some shifts when shooting at longer ranges, and I’m curious about how often you guys check your optics especially with hunting season coming up. Just trying to make sure everything’s spot on before heading out.
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Scope tracking test
- Thread starter cdo.kenn
- Start date
I always make it a point to do tracking tests on my hunting rifles, especially right before the season starts. It’s saved me from a ton of frustration more than once! I learned this the hard way a few years back. So I was out shooting steel targets at 400 yards, and my hits were all over the place, even though my fundamentals were spot on. After some head-scratching, I found out my scope wasn't tracking properly. I would dial up for elevation, but it only moved about 75% of what it should have, so my corrections just ended up making everything worse. Since then, I've made it a habit to run a box test or a tall target test on any scope I plan to use for precision shooting or hunting. I usually do this at least once a year before deer season kicks off. It only takes around 20 rounds and an hour at the range but man, it gives me so much confidence. I know that when I dial my scope, it’s actually going where I want it to go.
Midwestshooter
Member
I’ve done it before in my long range gun. Mainly to confirm tracking. I haven’t checked it since but it wouldn’t be a bad idea.
I have track tested my prairie dog guns but not any of my deer rifles. I agree that it would be a good idea to do so.
Snipers Hide forum had a thread several years ago doing tracking test on a lot of higher end scopes and the results were eye opening. Most of the big names were pretty close but one of the “old reliables” didn’t track. And for most of that line. Bushnell, however, made a very durable scope called the ERS that was affordable ($1300) range and those tracked well and held up well. It was an informative thread and is probably still there. I had a range set up and a bench with a 2x4 that had lines for a mil at 50 yards but eventually used the 2x4 for another project. The Razors and ATAcr all tracked nearly perfect.
