Targets and sighting-in
The short answer
Zero a .22 LR at 50 yd (start on paper at 25 yd); zero a .17 HMR at 100 yd. Shoot rimfire steel only at or beyond the maker's minimum distance: Action Target says 10+ yd for .22 rimfire on AR500, and Primos says 15 yd for supersonic .22 LR. Use more distance if you can.
Target types
- Paper bullseyes are best for zeroing and ammo testing (measure groups). The NRA smallbore target below is a classic.
- NRL22 official targets: NRL22 publishes target sizes and a standard package (1/4–1 in KYL plates and 1–3 in round targets); monthly courses of fire specify sizes and distances NRL22 target package.
- KYL (know your limits): a row of shrinking plates that shows your real precision at each distance.
- Spinners and poppers: reactive steel or self-healing polymer, fun for practice and plinking.
- Self-healing polymer targets avoid steel splash but still need a safe backstop.
- Reactive paper (e.g. Shoot-N-C) shows hits clearly at a distance during sight-in.
Steel safety (rimfire)
- Use steel rated for rimfire and stay at or beyond the maker's minimum distance (10+ yd per Action Target; 15 yd for supersonic .22 LR per Primos) Action Target · Primos.
- Angle the face down, let it swing if designed to, keep soft ground in front and a safe backstop. Inspect before each use and retire pitted or cratered steel.
- Everyone wears ANSI-rated eye protection and hearing protection. Never use steel-core or armor-piercing ammo on steel.
- Follow your range's rules. Some ranges ban steel or set their own distances.
Sight-in distances (published data)
| Cartridge | Common zero | Maker data |
|---|---|---|
| .22 LR (CCI Standard Velocity) | 50 yd (start at 25 yd) | About 7.6 in low at 100 yd with a 50 yd zero CCI |
| .17 HMR (Hornady 17 gr V-MAX) | 100 yd | About 8.5 in low at 200 yd Hornady |
Step by step
- Mount and torque the scope and rail per the maker (see gunsmithing), level it, and set eye relief and parallax.
- At 25 yd, fire 3 shots on paper and adjust to the group center.
- Move to 50 yd (.22 LR) or 100 yd (.17 HMR), fire 5-shot groups, adjust and confirm with a final group.
- Record dope at 25/75/100 yd in your data book; re-check after an ammo or lot change (ammo guide, drop data).
Buy guide
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| Type | Product | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| paper target | NRA Official Smallbore Rifle Target USA/NRA-50 (50 ft) 100pk | check price | Bullseye paper |
| self-healing | Champion DuraSeal Double Spinner Self-Healing Target | check price | Non-metal; no steel ricochet distance applies but keep a safe backstop |
| steel spinner | Champion Double Reaction Spinning Target (.22 rimfire steel) | check price | Rimfire-rated steel |
| KYL steel | Caldwell KYL Rimfire Challenge Target (AR500) | check price | Eight plates 2 in down to 1/4 in; rated for all rimfire incl .22 WMR/.17 HMR (Caldwell) |
| KYL spinner | Birchwood Casey KYL Rimfire Spinner Target (AR500) | check price | |
| reactive steel | Do-All Outdoors Prairie Dog Popper (.22 rimfire steel) | check price | |
| target stand | Champion Folding Portable Target Stand with case | check price | |
| target backer | MidwayUSA Cardboard Target Backer 15pk | check price | |
| stapler | MidwayUSA Target Stapler (T50 staples) | check price | Amazon listing; non-restricted item |
| reactive paper | Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C 3 in Bullseye 48pk | check price | High-visibility hits for sight-in |