Etching error on my Hawke Sidewinder???

So I can routinely take accurate shots with my Vulcan out to 50 or 60 yds. However out to 75 + yds it's not as consistant. My Prochrono test results have been the same for last 6 months and I check my velocity monthly...no problems there. Recently got bubble level for longer shots and still not very consistant. When installing the bubble level I placed an additional level on the elevation turret to make sure the bubble level was set up correctly. I used a plumb bob, weight on a string hanging from tree limb out to 15 yds. However when I look down the scope with the level on the elevation turret leveled it looks like the reticle is canted.... I'm wondering if the etching of the reticle is bad?? Any suggestions or help from you guys on this? I have a Hawke Sidewinder 6.5 x 20.
 
The turret cap is not necessarily level with the reticle. I would suggest using a level with vertical and horizontal bubbles to mark a large level cross on a stationary board (mark it after its mounted/stationary), level the gun, and adjust your scope to match up to the leveled lines. Re-sight in and note vertical 0. Next crank the vertical all the way one way and fire a group, then crank all the way the opposite and shoot another group. If the reticle is level your groups will stay on the vertical line.. If the reticle is canted your high group will be on the opposite side as the low group.
 
All good advice. You might save sometime (???) by testing to see if your clicks are repeatable - shoot box's/squares - and is your vertical really vertical and same with horizontal. Your's may well be fine and the turrets just aren't even with the reticule - even S&B wont guarantee turrets are level - but I had an SR12 rotate the etched lens rather severally after only 100 shots and less than 100 clicks.

Please do keep us posted on what you discover.

John
 
Do not use a bubble level on any part of your scope, rings, mount, rail, or anywhere else. Do yourself a favor and get one of these http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/sight-scope-installation-tools/scope-reticle-levelers/vertical-reticle-instrument-prod6097.aspx and use it in conjunction with a plumb line to get your reticle truely verticle with the gun. Once the scope is mounted true then install a scope mounted anti-cant device.
Do a before and after test and see how much more accurate this method is.