Vortex Viper HS LR 6-24x50 Zero issues!

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Brappp306

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Hey guys. So I am having problems with the zero wandering on my HS LR 6-24x50. The scope tracks amazing, and holds zero when shooting, can still put down nice groups. But somewhere along the way the zero has moved. Acting as if the scope has taken a hard it. I have had to re zero it twice, third time today. It was out 2" to the right and 3" up. So not sure what is going on, thinking of sending it in for warranty. Anyone had a similar experience?
 
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First, try the usual. Check the rings, bases, action screws. Make sure nothing is loose, scope isn't moving in the rings etc.
You can try this, but you will need a large target board and a big piece of paper. Dial the turrets to their mechanical stops, say all the way down and right windage. Record how far this is from your rough zero, so you know where to aim so the bullets land on the paper. Shoot a group and see how it looks. Then bump the rifle around a bit. Bump the buttstock, give it a shake etc. Not excessively rough but not gentle either. Fire a couple rounds and see if it's still in the first group. Repeat a few times. If that doesn't shift the point of impact, dial the turrets all the way to the other end, i.e all the way up and left, and then back to down and right. Fire a couple more rounds.
If the rough treatment shifts the zero, it's probably the reticle moving. If the dialing all the way shifts the zero, it's probably mechanical. Either shifting could also be the shims moving, I've seen that happen in a match. If nothing shifts, try another scope if you can.
 
With the recent changes in temperature, I would look at ammunition temperatures as being a factor. In really cold tempsI see a vartical POA/POI shift low.
It is not the fault of the optic or rifle, but the temp of the round affects poweder burn rate. As such, I keep all ammo inside my vest and single shot load. Below 13c it gets worse.

Below 20 it is awful.

Here is a test. Zero your rifle and ammo at -10. Then go shooting at -5. Did poi go up? Now try again at -10 without adjusting scope.
 
Thanks guys. Yes, bases and everything was checked before posting. This is a definite scope issue.

I can't see it being that drastic with temp change as I am using Varget in my reloads, which has an excellent reputation for temperature stability.

I'll try the large target board test, It could very well be a mechanical failure as I am often adjusting turrets for long range shooting. The gun has never seen any serious hits/bumps. Either way this is the second time I've had to send Vortex products away. Thinking of switching to Zeiss or Leupold next.
 
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