Rifle Setup and Zero

Selecting the right caliber, bullet, and optic for predator hunting, then zeroing the rifle using a Max Point Blank Range (MPBR) process that eliminates holdover from 0–300 yards. Getting this foundation right means never having to calculate drop corrections in the field during fast-moving predator encounters.

• Rifle is zeroed 2 inches high at 170 yards; shooter verifies 2 inches low at 300 yards — confirming the 4-inch kill zone window holds across the full 0–300 yard range
• Scope has an anti-reflective device (ARD) fitted to prevent glare at dawn/dusk angles
• Shooter knows exact bullet speed (FPS) and understands that 3,600–3,900 FPS is required to achieve flat MPBR trajectory
• After any rifle impact or drop event, rifle is re-zeroed before the next stand
• Variable scope runs at moderate magnification (10–12x) during normal calling; cranked up only for known long shots

1. 100-yard zero in open country: Produces consistent low strikes at 200–300 yards → shooter doesn't understand bullet drop → execute MPBR zero at 170 yards.
2. Caliber too small for hydrostatic shock: Using .223 produces runners because insufficient shock dumps energy; coyotes run hundreds of yards → upgrade to 22-250, 22 Creedmoor, or 243 which produce reliable one-shot stops.
3. Wrong bullet for the job: FMJ or bonded bullets over-penetrate and don't transfer energy → use expanding/fragmenting bullets (Hornady V-Max 50–55gr, ELD-VT 62gr) for clean kills with maximum hydrostatic shock.
4. Scope magnification maxed during calling: Running 20x during a stand means you can't find a fast-moving close coyote in the scope → run 10–12x as default, crank up only when needed.