How to Zero a 22 LR Scope

How to zero a 22 LR scope is one of the most important skills to learn if you want to get the most out of your rimfire rifle. Whether you’re using a bolt-action setup or a semi-auto .22 like the Ruger 10/22, properly zeroing your optic ensures that your point of aim matches your point of impact, so your shots consistently hit where they’re supposed to.

A poorly zeroed scope will leave you second-guessing your rifle, your ammo, or your skills. The good news? It’s easy to fix, and it doesn’t take a ton of gear or experience to do it right. In this guide, we’ll show you how to zero a 22 LR scope step by step, starting at 25 yards and working out to your preferred distance. We’ll also share some helpful tools that can speed up the process, reduce wasted ammo, and give you a rock-solid baseline for accuracy.

Step 1: Start at 25 Yards

Zeroing a rimfire rifle at 100 yards might sound impressive, but starting at 25 yards is the smarter move. It saves time, ammo, and frustration—especially with .22 LR’s trajectory drop and wind sensitivity.

Set up your rifle on a stable rest or sandbags, and use a high-contrast target with a defined center (a 1-inch dot works great). Fire a 3-round group, then evaluate where your rounds hit compared to your point of aim.

Pro Tip: If you’re not on paper at 25 yards, don’t adjust the scope yet. Check for loose mounts, bore obstructions, or improper scope installation first.

Step 2: Make Adjustments and Fire Another Group

Once your first shots are on paper, it’s time to adjust your scope. Use your scope’s windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) turrets to move your point of impact toward the bullseye. Remember: you’re moving the reticle to where the bullets hit, not the other way around.

Most scopes adjust in ¼ MOA increments, meaning each click moves the point of impact approximately ¼ inch at 100 yards—or about ¹⁄₁₆ inch at 25 yards. Make your adjustments based on your group’s center, then fire another 3–5 round group to confirm your changes.

🔧 Tip: If your shots are wildly off, a laser boresighter can help get your reticle roughly aligned before you waste ammo.

Step 3: Confirm at 50 Yards

Once you’re dialed in at 25 yards, it’s time to stretch out to a more realistic distance. For most .22 LR rifles, 50 yards is the sweet spot for general-purpose shooting, including plinking, small game hunting, and basic target work.

Move your target back to 50 yards, then shoot a 5-round group. Don’t chase single flyers—focus on the center of your group. If it’s still a bit off from your point of aim, make fine adjustments with your turrets.

Keep in mind that .22 LR has a loopy trajectory. Even small changes in distance can affect your point of impact, especially if you’re using subsonic or bulk ammo. Stick with the same brand and type throughout the process for consistent results.

🎯 Want to shoot beyond 50 yards? No problem—just note your scope’s adjustments so you can hold or dial for longer ranges later.

Step 4: Lock It In and Take Notes

Once your scope is zeroed at 50 yards (or your preferred distance), it’s time to lock it in. If your scope has locking turrets, engage them to prevent accidental movement. If not, just be cautious when handling your rifle—bumps can shift zero, especially on lower-end optics.

Now take a few minutes to document your setup:

  • Zero distance (e.g., 50 yards)

  • Ammo type (brand, grain, velocity)

  • Scope settings (windage/elevation position)

  • Holdovers for longer ranges if you’ve tested them

This info helps you stay consistent and makes re-zeroing easier if something changes later. If you’re using multiple types of ammo, consider printing small dope cards to keep with your rifle or range bag.

📝 The more detailed your notes, the faster you’ll get back on target next time—especially if you’re switching ammo brands or shooting conditions change.

Once your scope is dialed in on paper, getting consistent practice at a controlled indoor range really helps—here’s a guide to the best indoor shooting ranges in the US to keep refining your zero.

Gear & Tools to Make Zeroing Easier

You don’t need a ton of gear to zero a .22 LR scope, but the right tools can save time and reduce frustration. Here are a few items that make the process smoother:

🧠 Want tighter groups while zeroing? Stick with match-grade ammo for the process, even if you’ll be using bulk later. It reduces variables while you fine-tune.

Final Thoughts: How to Zero a 22 LR Scope with Confidence

Zeroing a .22 LR scope doesn’t need to be complicated or frustrating. Once you understand how bullet drop affects rimfire ballistics—and you take the time to walk through the right process—you’ll quickly see how repeatable and rewarding it can be.

Learning how to zero a 22 LR scope not only makes your shooting more precise, but it also builds your confidence in everything else you do with your rifle. Whether you’re taking headshots on squirrels, ringing steel at 75 yards, or helping a new shooter learn the ropes, a well-zeroed rifle makes every shot count.

If you’re a beginner, keep things simple: use consistent ammo, start at 25 yards, and don’t overthink the math. If you’re more experienced, now’s the time to document holdovers, fine-tune your zero for different loads, or even dial things in for match shooting.

🎯 A dialed-in .22 is more than a rimfire toy—it’s a tool that teaches marksmanship and rewards precision, shot after shot.

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