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During the sighting in process, you have to choose how to zero your rifle. Two popular
schools of thought exist.
The first is to sight dead on at 100 yards. The second is to sight three inches high a 100 yards. A variety of issues need to be considered in making this decision. These include: the cartridge you are using, the type of cover you will be hunting, the sight your rifle has, and your personal shooting limitations. Below are some of the pros and cons of each method.
100 Yard Zero
Pros
Good for thick cover where shots are likely to be close or where pinpoint accuracy is
required. Good for rifles with open sights or low power scopes (4K). Good for rifles chambered for short-range calibers or calibers without sufficient energy for long shots.
Cons
Knowledge of trajectory required for longer range shots.
May require "holdover" on long shots. Accurate range estimation required beyond 200 yards.
3 Inches High at 100 Yard Zero
Pros
Good for open cover where shots are likely to be longer. Good for rifles with
variable power or high power scopes. Good for rifles chambered for long-range calibers.
Reduces need to know trajectory. Allows a "dead on" hold at greater ranges. Accurate range estimation less critical.
Cons
Deviation from point of aim is greater. May encourage long range shooting by
less-skilled shooters.
The most significant difference between the two methods affecting the majority of elk hunters and the
shots they can reasonably expect to take occur between 200 and 300 yards.
Sighting in 3 inches high at 100 yards generally allows you to hold dead on out at 300 yards, assuming a chest shot at a broadside animal. and eliminates the need guessing your hold over.
How to sight your rifle in is a decision only you can make. I personally prefer the three inches
high method. It eliminates the need for thinking trajectories and holdover in a pressure situation.
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