Bore Sighting a New Rifle & Testing Ammo For Hunting Performance

Subscribe to my channel: bit.ly/RonSpomerOutdoorsSubscribe
For an extended version of this video, visit www.RSOTV.com and watch 'Prepping a New Rifle'.
Bore sighting is merely a method of moving your sight to point where your barrel puts its bullets. It can be done with commercial lasers or the old arbor and grid systems or by removing your rifle’s bolt and sighting down the barrel itself. Yes. Easy. Just set up the rifle on your shooting platform and align the barrel so that the bullseye at about 30 yards is centered in the bore as you look through it from behind the butt stock. (Most modern cartridges put their bullets on line-of-sight at 30 yards.) This done, look through your scope to see if the reticle is over the same bull. If not, crank the turrets and watch the reticle move until it’s over the bull. Obviously, you must keep the rifle rock steady through all this, so if you can’t lay heavy bags over it, have a friend hold it down while you turn the scope. Double check bull-in-bore and bull-under-reticle until the two line up. You’ll then be bore sighted. But still not ready for live fire.
Affiliate Links:
Hammers 39" bungee-corded collapsible shooting stick stiX bipod, black,9MM
amzn.to/3FaiMga
Ron's Jacket
weatherwool.com
Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C, 12" Targets, Adhesive, See Hits Instantly
amzn.to/3Fv8yat
Outback Trading 1472 Kodiak
amzn.to/3I3bwoC
Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders (Volume 1) Paperback
amzn.to/3aOXQOM
Links:
Website: ronspomeroutdoors.com/
Facebook: / ronspomeroutdoors
Instagram: / ronspomer
Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.
Produced by: @red11media
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@joebarrett5310]

Thank you for this video Ron. I love the real world common sense you put into the conversation. Not everyone is a 1000 yard bench shooter, and most hunters don't need to be a 1000yd bench shooter to ethically take game.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thank you for your support, Joe!

[@mountainview540]

Growing up shooting A 30 06 and everyone else at hunt camp shooting either the same or 7 mags this channel has really shown me there's so much more out there. Happy hunting

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I've just entered middle age and the stuff that turns my prop was created in the late 1800's. Hahaha

[@bullgravy6906]

@@exothermal.sprocket my .30-06 and .45-70 are my favorites right now. You just can’t beat the classics!

[@Bones6987]

You can always tell who shoots big belted magnum calibers The thumb on the trigger hand moves out of the way as soon as the finger hits the trigger Great video as always

[@luvtahandload7692]

Good shooting, Ron! I use a car tire hanging on a post @ 100 yards to boresight. If I'm very careful lining up the 3 circles, typically the first shot is within 2 inches of the aimpoint. Thanks, Ron and good luck on the hunt. Will be looking for you on the cover of Sports Afield magazine in about 3 months!

[@husseinshariff1518]

Hey Ron I must admit, every time I watch your vids I learn something new, great video, and good luck in your dear hunting

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Shariff. Glad I can be of assistance.

[@anthonykaiser974]

That's how we boresight a howitzer. We tape a cross hair with string on the muzzle, put an aperture in the breach end, and use a calibrated boresighting board to align the pantel (paragraphic telescope) and direct fire sights to parallel.

[@VS-TheWorld]

Loving the All Around Jacket in LYNX! Thanks much Ron for your support! @WeatherWool

[@VS-TheWorld]

Aim small... miss small. God Bless the USA. :)

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Hey Mr. Spomer, I am really enjoying your videos and articles! You shoot and analyze your shooting in just the way that my brain processes information. I might never hunt again because my legs don’t work and I can’t handle heat. But I’d love to believe that some day soon I might be able to start shooting again. I’m really interested in that PRC!

[@lonnygehring3043]

Excellent. I have two rifles to get set up and bore-sighted for Christmas presents for 14-yo boys and this video was a real help. I like your real-world, common sense, approach to shooting this new rifle and what you consider good enough to hunt with. Thank you!

[@rickycrazyhunter8530]

I have bore sighted a number of rifles that way. It may seem like a cheap way to do it, but I've had it happen where I was exactly where I wanted to be on target. Didn't have to touch the adjustments at all. At first I thought it was just the first shot /clean barrel, etc., but two subsequent shots were within a half inch of the first. Thanks for the video, love watching your channel.

[@orangecrush5512]

I haven't found anyone on KZbin, or anywhere else, who even comes close to explaining and demonstrating the types of info that your channel is all about, as well as you do.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Many thanks, Crush.

[@stephenhair5501]

That is minute of Deer all day long. That's great use of the bullets trajectory. I've always subscribed to that same sighting in philosophy. My young Son took a nice Doe many years ago and the range was just over 350 yards. We had that rifle sighted in 3" high at 100 yards. It works. Thanks for sharing Ron. Stay well and God Bless.

[@fraserhynes6003]

I need to sight in my rifle this way. Thanks for sharing

[@paststeve1]

Great video Ron! I can't wait to see some targets once you get some hand loads dialed in. Good luck finding a nice deer. I'll say a prayer that you have a safe and successful hunt! Grace & Peace

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@Ticeracing33]

Took me awhile but i found that video of you hunting blacktail deer about 11 years ago! First video i seen of blacktail hunting as i was from west washington. Great videos you have here Ron!

[@tararussell1115]

Thank you so much for the content, really informative and easy to understand what your explaining.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@poorfatman5317]

I tell you that Target is a small deer chest good shooting good luck on your deer hunt

[@ericwiitala5407]

Good stuff Ron. Good luck hunting! 👍

[@tonyjansma2997]

For sure, no expensive instruments needed. Every rifle with a new scope I've boresighted I've been able to hit a 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper at 100 yards. And I've had numerous eye surgeries, lots of better eyes out there than mine. Anybody should be able to do this. Cheers.

[@boba9253]

Another great video Ron! Thanks

[@KTree470]

I really like the outdoor practical shooting vids you’ve done lately, good stuff! That was a reasonable 300 yd group considering MOA at that distance is 3”, plus some human error and cold vs warm bore, etc. definitely moment of deer.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad to hear you are enjoying them.

[@larrybassett5559]

Done this many times, works great 👍. Thanks Ron.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Very welcome

[@buddy22801012]

I used the same method for years. Years ago I lived in an area where there was an antenna about a mile away. From my kitchen table with my bolt removed and rifle resting in a cardboard box with a v-notch cut in both side of that box I’d find that bright red light after dark and bore sight my rifles. I was always amazed at how well that system worked which usually left me within inches of the bullseye.

[@fenner1986]

God that looks like perfect weather for shooting out there Ron. Here in Wisconsin we just hit 12 degrees with 35mph gusts and I have my first rifle ever being shipped to me. Hoping it calms down so I can get out there and do exactly this!

[@vincegordon6830]

Well done Ron! 💥👏💥

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thank you, Vince!

[@simpleman4196]

I have been doing that for years It works very well for me It has always at least gotten me on paper. Then from there my favorite method is adjust across hairs where your bullet hole went take one more shot might need a few clicks here and there and a last shot to make sure you're zeroed I can normally always sight in a scope in two or three shots

[@craiglacount89]

I’ve sighted in about 15 guns over the last two years, both for myself and for friends, I have not had to shoot a third shot on any of them. Do my bore sighting at 50 yards, my second shot, I just move the crosshairs to intersect the hole made by the first shot and we’re within an inch of the bull. Off to load development! But in these days, two shots can easily be worth $5.00 so times 15 and we’re reaching a point where you can buy a pretty good bore sighter. But I still like doing it this way and will probably continue!

[@simpleman4196]

@@craiglacount89 honestly that's how I do it personally is two shots or one if iam on paper. Most others like to see that 3 shot if it's their gun to make sure it's right is all. Either way even if some crazy chance you use 4 rounds That's better than how most people do it go out and shoot a three or five round group adjust shoot another three or five round group make slight adjustments shoot again it's just way too much shooting in my opinion I like to shoot but if you're just sighting in why waste the ammo

[@chevyon37s]

The Hornady precision hunter ammo is what I’m shooting in my 6.5PRC this year since I didn’t have time to make a good handload.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

I am wanting to try 156 norma oryx in 6.5 prc. tested in 6.5 creed gas gun 20 inch barrel getting 2500 fps hit hog at 100 yards shot in head went threw almost came out his ass

[@johnoltrogge6333]

Drew, in my experience with four different 6.5 PRCs, its been hard to find a handload that beats the wonderful Precision Hunter with the 143gr Hornady ELD-X, so don't feel like you are missing anything by shooting that factory ammo. I haven't used it on elk yet, but performance has been excellent for my family and me on deer and antelope.

[@MrRyanmcmahon]

LOve your channel, I just got a brand new CVA cascade in 6.5.........Can't wait to sight it in..... Javalina hunt in feb.....

[@johnmorganjr769]

Thank you! Valuable info!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

This bore sighting method works great, only way I ever do it and at 100 yards also. I'm always on the target with the first shot.

[@rowdybroomstick1216]

I seen a beautiful Ruger Hawkeye in 264 Winn Mag on the local swap app with a 4x12x50 but the only problem was having 1,100 buck's laying around 😒 I never knew I wanted a 264 until having had watched a video of Ron spomers of this round and it just does quite alot and does it well 💪💥🦌

[@nmelkhunter1]

I hate to make the experience worse, but the 264 Win Mag is a hell of a cartridge. I watched my dad shoot a 180” mule deer buck at 350 yards across a canyon in western Colorado with his. One shot with a 140 partition put the buck down where he stood.

[@georgejohnsmith]

@@nmelkhunter1 A 180-inch mule deer is gigantic!

[@nmelkhunter1]

@@georgejohnsmith Yes sir.

[@georgejohnsmith]

@@nmelkhunter1 Exactly which dimension of that magnificent beast measured 180"? Was it the sum of the length from the nose to the end of the tail and the length from the end of the tail to the nose?

[@nmelkhunter1]

@@georgejohnsmith The sum of the gross antler measurements. It was a typical 4x4 that had a 27” inside spread.

[@johnnysaechao6218]

Nice.. I’ve just pick up an Christensen mesa in 6.5 prc last week got some loads to try out soon.👍🇺🇸

[@joshuawooledge6945]

My grandfather taught me that method when i first started shooting. I use it to this day and it seems to amaze others on the range when your on paper in. 1 shot.

[@victoroneill7924]

I bore sight my new rifles or rifles I have mounted new scopes on by putting the rifle in clamp on my kitchen table and getting the rifle level. Then I take my 4 ft. level with a red/orange ball taped to one end and lean it up against my back fence 30 yard away. With the 4 ft. being level vertically I can check my scope level and adjust the crosshairs. It's always been near the bullseye at 100 yds.

[@gizmocarr3093]

Good Job, and great info! 🎁🎄🙂

[@loganchappell6272]

Dear Ron Lately on some of my podcasts Ive been hearing a lot about people seeing large black cats in the southern states. Some folks say that they are seeing a melanistic cougar, others say a black jaguar. I personally don't buy into it, but it got me wondering if you might have ever seen anything rare in your time outdoors.

[@lrac7751]

I’m friends with a rancher in Louisiana, he’s a solid no BS kinda guy. When he talks about the times he’s seen mature whitetails 30’ feet up a tree stuck in a crotch, his voice gets quiet and his head is on a swivel. I don’t press him on what else he has seen

[@loganchappell6272]

@@lrac7751 I wouldn't press him either. That's weird. Not to press you, but what do you mean by 30' in a tree stuck in a crotch. You mean like something put it there?

[@walterquick8649]

One time in BAND CAMP !! lol

[@lrac7751]

@@loganchappell6272 Sorry, didn’t see comment. Yes, like a leopard in Africa with an antelope. He never saw what placed the deer up there, he assumed a jaguar. His grandma said it was something called a Ru-ga-ru

[@loganchappell6272]

It's possible that it was a jaguar. Most of the southern United States used to be in the jaguar's range, and there have been some sightings.

[@garrettforchrist2700]

Pretty quick sighting in! Nice setup and nice shooting!🇺🇲✝️🇺🇲

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks 👍

[@walterquick8649]

yeppers

[@johnknouse8846]

Not sure if it’s my rifles or the ammo, but Winchester has knocked it out of the park in my .270 and 6.5 rifles, this season. Not so much in my 30.06.

[@ligusat]

I would have liked to see that Precision Hunter load shot at the 300 yard target as well. Would have been nice to compare the two different loads at that distance. Great video, keep the content coming!!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You can see that load grouping on target on the deep dive video at RSOTV.com.

[@phild9813]

My main hunting rifles shoot 6” groups at 300 from field positions. I am more than thrilled with that kind of performance. Farthest I’ve shot an animal was 2 cow elk at about 325. I much prefer under 200 though.

[@chrishaynes2282]

It works. That's how I sighted my 30.06

[@frankspataro9714]

Good enough and same way I have always done it works good and in a few shots your money

[@wj9954]

Not bad shooting, I bore sight at 30 yards, then wait for a little darker then use my laser bore sight at targets a 100 yards away. I was told the laser used at 30 yards will get you within 4 inches of center of target. So I use the laser at 100 yards and set the scope at that point. I did that the last time l zeroed my scopes for hunting season. At the range the next day l set my targets at 100 yards and with both rifles set the night before, I hit 1 inch above the bull and both first rounds were almost touching. I sighted in a 6.5 Creedmoor and a 308. They were right at where I wanted them at 100 yards. I have since set my varmint rifle with a new scope the same way and had the same results. I fired a total of 4 rounds each to confirm my zero then practice with the rest of the rounds I took out to the range. I got sighted in and had fun, it doesn't get any better.

[@stinky_taco]

I use a laser boresight tool. $30 and it gets me on paper at 50-100 yds every time. Worth it for me to save ammo at these prices.

[@jster91]

What rifle is that? Looks real nice!

[@kentgoldings]

You should get a MPBR of about 350 yards. I get about the same MV from my 6.5 PRC.

[@22vampyre]

Looks like I am #1!

[@reelfishing002]

I’ve notice that not ALL bore sight laser are made equally , some are way off target , others can barely exit the barrel but instead hit the inner wall of the barrel Just need a split screen that shows the target on the screen at the same time

[@johnnash5118]

As a vet, certain dates mean a lot to me; as the son of a WWII US Navy vet, December 7th, 1941 commemorates those who fought and lost their lives on this day. Thank you for serving brothers and sisters in arms.

[@travispollard9314]

Also when you boresight like that the adjustments are reversed. 😉👍

[@approachingtarget.4503]

Try closing your eyes before final stance. Adjust your body until your on center when you open your eyes. Bullet drop in 60 yrds isnt that much under 500!

[@puddles1458]

Great shooting Ron, I always enjoy your videos. What state do you currently call home?

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Idaho

[@mainemade300]

Iam with ur Ron ,putting meat in the freezer that killing anything u shot at ,👍I happy for you ,good hunting old boy from mid coast Maine ,land of the giants

[@chriscoogan8090]

I used to bore sight when I was younger but I can't see well enough now. You must be in yer 20s

[@mrV69]

MR. Ron do you wear your glasses out shooting, or you have them on when hunting? And does a muzzle break at the end of your rifle decrease the feet per second? I LOVE ALL YOUR CHANNEL

[@mattokeefe691]

So this being a new rifle, how many rounds will you shoot before cleaning ?

[@garywoodlief1976]

What about a break in procedure do you believe you dont need one

[@nitemare5030]

Which ballistics ap or program do you use to calculate your sight in ?

[@jasonmausteller2488]

Where did the hole at like 3” low come from between the groups?

[@BigT27295]

Whawas that scurring from left to right behind the target @ 12:03 ? Then i saw a little puff of smoke ?

[@brianklamer3328]

Stray house cat.......

[@billkoury3313]

Ron, Great video. Thanks. I'm curious like jster91, what brand rifle is that? Are you free to say?

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Mossberg Patriot Predator in 6.5 PRC.

[@dougmosiuk5549]

djkm270 Hi Ron, another great video plan and simple. I would like your view on what hunting caliber for a first-time young hunter. I have a few calibers in bolt action rifle like 6mm 243 25.06 7m.08 and 257 Robert. What are your thoughts on this I would appreciate it? Thanks

[@glennhuskisson5365]

All of those can work fine for your purpose, but if you already have them and all else is equal then I'd pick the .257 Roberts. Recoil isn't noticeably more from the .243, but the step up in bullet weight/diameter gives just a little more wiggle room for a less than perfect shot. There's nothing wrong with any of them, but the Roberts is the goldilocks for youth deer hunters in my opinion. Its only drawback is its obscurity, but since you already have one and presumably have ammo... Understand that we're splitting hairs here, but that's what you're asking for. Relatively speaking, the .243/6mm is just a little more of a risk for a tracking job on a wounded deer and the .25-06 and 7mm08 are just enough more recoil to be noticeable and so potentially lead to worse marksmanship. We're talking small differences, so if one rifle fits the kid better for any reason (like a shorter LOP or whatever) then you should go with that one. I would try to find a reduced recoil load for the 7mm08 though. Similarly if the kid just HATES recoil then start with the .243/6mm, which is probably the most ubiquitous youth deer cartridge of all time. It'll work fine. But all else equal, it's tough to beat the "Bob" for a first deer hunt. For anyone reading this in a similar predicament who doesn't have a .257 Roberts (or ammo for it) and also doesn't already own a .243, then another excellent cartridge that's way more modern and matches up as ideal for this purpose is the 6.5 grendel. The 6.5 creedmoor (or .260 Remington or 6.5x55 swede) is also an excellent youth deer cartridge as well. Just my opinion, and I'm not Ron. I'm curious what he will say.

[@MrGunnar177]

What rifle rest set up is that? I’m in the market for one

[@fernandoresendes7363]

Is this a Kimber?

[@gordyowens9570]

What is the best way to boar sight a marlin leaver action rifle?

[@kylehurley5994]

No need if you are using iron sights. Assuming you are using a scope...You probably could pull the bolt by disassembling the lever screw and taking it apart, but I would just start at 20 yards until you are on paper, rough adjust left to right to get centered on target, about 3-5" high. Then shoot 50yds to fine tune, then 100 yards or whatever you want to be sighted in at for final scope adjustment.

[@amesallmond2263]

Hey Ron, what wool cap are you wearing?

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

One my daughter knitted for me!

[@amesallmond2263]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors Oh nice, it looks like a great fit. Does she sell them online?

[@tylarhaugan7908]

I do wish they made 156 or 150 accubond i use 156 norma oryx has aero of a barn limits my shots to 125 and in

[@kylehurley5994]

Try the berger 156 EOL in 6.5 they are awesome (.679 BC). I have taken two deer and one elk with that bullet out of my PRC at 2890 FPS muzzle.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

@@kylehurley5994 personal dont like berger dont like bullets that explode. Iv used on coyotes and varmints thats it

[@kylehurley5994]

@@tylarhaugan7908 Yeah that's understandable, I like a nice bonded bullet as well. I have had good luck with the berger so far, but wouldn't mind having a separate load worked up with a bonded or solid bullet.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

@@kylehurley5994 luckily my ranges are 100 and in Some places i hunt. So the 2500 fps pushing the oryx has been drt for deer no surprise id try on elk but maybe 75 yards and in

[@davidlotti5407]

Don’t be cheap buy a laser bore slighter a safe a lot of monkeying around !!! Much more accurate period!!!

[@dominicohea5624]

Bore. Sighting works well. Try. Something. Out. At. 400. Yds.

[@shanevonharten3100]

Minute of meat in the freezer

[@dennisgray7509]

2.5 inches high is to high! Go 1.5 high.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks, but half a century of field work with 2.5 to 3" high at 100 have proven this system for me. Peak trajectory is just 3" high. With a center hold on a deer's chest, you hit the boiler room from muzzle out to 330 yards or so. Pretty versatile. With 1.5" high at 100 you're already 6 to 7" low at 300 yards. But if you never shoot farther than 250 yards, 1.5" high will work for you.