super new, so i thought i could just zero 13yds - so i zeroed the horizontal plane but vertically maxed out so i shoot 7 dots (moa) above to be on target. I don’t have any other tools yet. I just have a bit of ocd so even though i can make the adjustment by aiming higher, i cant sleep at night knowing that its not on point -lol
Not quite sure what you mean by "zeroed the horizontal plane". And that may actually be my ignorance. (smile)
Until you know your fps (velocity-feet per second) for a given pellet, you will just be guessing. Although if you shoot enough, you can/will eventually find the best zero for a given gun and pellet. Having a chronograph, even the cheap one I suggested, will help you to determine, in conjunction with one of the free ballistics programs I mentioned, the best zero range/distance for your gun with a given pellet.
Then you have to learn that curve and know where your PBR is (point blank range-where you can simply hold on the cross-hairs and know that you will be within a given KZ (kill zone).
If you don't want to buy a chronograph, then all you can do (and this really is a good way to find out your gun/pellet capabilities) is to shoot at known distances, at defined targets and learn that way what your trajectory actually is. Truthfully, that is the only way to truly know where your next shot will go.
The ballistics programs do help, if you have input all of the data correctly. I do still recommend getting at least the cheap chrono I suggested. It will at least let you know if something changes in your muzzle velocity and save you some time and headaches.
All my best!
Kerry
p.s.
I am not the most knowledgeable person here, by far! Hopefully those who can better explain and help will chime in soon! (smile)