Best zero for my all around gun

[AJ]

I can tell you if you tell us what you are feeding Princess .

Your zero shift with power change is not uncommon with cheap scopes. Basically, the insides move while the magnification is being adjusted high or low and the POI moves.

[AJ]

With the 180 gr bullets, I would sight in 2" high at 100 yards. This will give you a path like this:

25 = -0-
50 =- +1"
75 = +1.6"
100 = +2"
150 = +1.7"
200 = -0-
225 = -1.6"
250 = -3.5"
275 = -6"
300 = -8.7"
325 = -12"
350 = -16"

This will allow holding on fur out to 300 yards.

The 150 gr load needs to be sighted in 2.2" high at 100 yards and gives similar trajectory to 300 yards.

These numbers are approximate, you should test at different distances to verify what your gun/ammo combo will do. The differences come from velocity differences. Winchester says the 180 gr load is going 2700 fps out of the pipe. If your barrel is shorter you will loose some fps. The trajectory will still be similar, usualy +or- 1".

[AJ]

I like to practice at the longest range I can. I would use the 100 yard line to make adjustments to scope, and after that shoot 250 and 300 if possible. If you can set up multiple targets and shoot from one position, that would be sweet. Shoot a round at each target and see where it lands. Just remember to not over heat the barrel. Keep the rate of fire down. Also remember the wind will affect the bullet a lot more at longer range. Just like archery shooting, if you practice at the long range, short shots are a piece of cake.