Sighting in a rifle for hunting elk and mule deer

Sighting in a rifle for hunting elk and mule deer in the high-altitude terrain of Colorado is crucial.

Given your experience you likely know that at such elevations, you should consider the following:

1. Altitude and Temperature: High altitudes can affect ballistics due to lower air density.
Make adjustments for the altitude and corresponding temperature to ensure accuracy. Yes, your zero can change MOA going from 1000' to 10,000'. Don't miss your trophy of a lifetime because you didn't site in at altitude!

2. Ammo Selection: Choose appropriate ammunition for big game hunting. Bullets
designed for elk and mule deer are essential. Shoot the best load for your rifle. Quarter groups at 100 yds should be your standard off a bench rest.

3. Zeroing: Zero your rifle at the range you anticipate taking shots. A common zero is 200
yards for versatility. I like mine 3" high at 100 yds for no holder out to 300 yds" for my hand loads.

4. Wind Considerations: Be mindful of the prevailing wind in the region where you’re
hunting. Wind can significantly affect your shots. Look at the trees or grass by your target. You got time to observe your set up before you shoot. Cross canyon shots are tough.

5. Practice: Regularly practice shooting at varying distances to build confidence in your
rifle’s accuracy. Load up 50 rounds and shoot 20 in the black. Take the rest out of that box on your hunt. If your buy factory loads get the same lot #.

6. Use Ballistic Calculators: Utilize ballistic calculators or apps to help you make precise
adjustments based on altitude, temperature, and wind. Basic knowledge is important. under 300 yds. I'm not along range shooter so my max distance is less than 500 yds. If you shoot LR than use technology to help the process.

7. Ethics: Ensure you’re confident in your shooting abilities to make ethical, clean kills.
Given your hunting experience, these tips should help you sight in your rifle effectively for hunting elk and mule deer in Colorado’s high-altitude environment. Yes, I have missed and wounded animals because of shooter error. Breath, squeeze and follow through.