Zero a rifle and confirm the data

Establish a repeatable mechanical reference, record the conditions, and verify the ballistic curve beyond the zero distance.

Before you start

Confirm the system and authority
Follow the firearm, optic, mount, ammunition, range, and governing safety instructions. Inspect known critical fasteners and establish the intended rifle configuration.
Use a measured target distance
Set the zero at a distance you can establish confidently and record whether it is yards or meters.
Adjust from a repeatable group
Use group center and a stable position rather than chasing individual impacts. Let barrel, ammunition, shooter, and environmental variation remain visible.
Record the reference
Preserve zero distance, angular units, sight geometry when used by the solver, ammunition lot, conditions, date, and any deliberate offset.
Confirm after adjustment
Fire a fresh confirmation group after the final change. Re-check the optic's mechanical state and record the result.
Validate beyond zero
Build or update the profile, recalculate, and compare multiple known distances. A confirmed zero anchors the trajectory but does not validate velocity, drag, atmosphere, or target data by itself.