Sighting in my 450 Dakota. I could use some advice.

[NIGHTHAWK]

My new to me 450 Dakota was purchased through Champlin Firearms 1 year ago and needs to be sighted in with the express sights. Great experience with George at Champlin! I just got around to shooting it last weekend. Not sure where to start with sighting it in on open sights. I know I'll put a DG scope on it. Not sure of the scope brand yet, but it will likely be Nightforce or Swarovski, but I won't rule out others. My intention is to hunt next year for Ele with it first, possibly a buff during the same trip, and certainly PG. I still have tiny ten to complete. I'll likely bring a second rifle too (300 RUM). I have Ammo, to include several boxes that came with the rifle, as well as ammo purchased from a second source. Unfortunately, I don't know the load data, just the bullet brand, type, and weight. I have access to a ballistic chronograph and could test some of these rounds or I can buy additional bullets and load my own with the brass I have. I'm not certain how the sights were regulated? I don't know the ammo used or if the first fixed sight is set for 50 yards or 100 yards? They are not labeled.

Questions:

1. What ammo should I use to set my open sights? Obviously the bullets I intend to use the most will be important/critical? See list below.
2. Knowing I will shoot Ele, Buff, and possibly Tiny Ten and/or PG if the opportunity presents, which bullets/ammo should I consider?
3. What distance should I use and where should my shot placement be, or end up, if 50 yards is used to adjust my sights?
4. See target below shot with (2 Shots) 500 Gr Woodleigh Soft Nose at 50 Yards at Sea Level.
5. I have an email in to Parkwest to see if they could help. Hard to know if they will have any information as this is an original Dakota rifle.

Factory (Dakota) Ammo that came with the rifle:
(2) Boxes of 500 Gr Woodleigh Solids
(1) Box 500 Gr Woodleigh Soft Nose
(1) Box 550 Gr Woodleigh Soft Nose

Ammo purchased through one of our members:
(2) boxes Superior Ammunition, 1 - 400 gr Swift A Frame, 1 - 500 gr Swift A Frame
(2) Boxes Dakota Ammunition, 1 - 400 gr Swift A frame, 1 - 400 gr Kodiak bonded.
(1) 10 round box Dakota Ammunition, 500 gr Swift A Frame

I set up on a 50 yard target and only had time for 2 shots using the first fixed sight and shooting from my led sled -Only as a rest.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Jefferry404]

I had to replace my front sight on my 416 Rigby Dakota with one from NECG (talking with Dakota, that is factory). The dovetail was cut a bit narrow but was able to sand the bottom and sides to fit.

 

[Ruraldoc]

Fold up the leafs and see where it hits? Also try it off off shooting sticks,instead of the lead sled.

Both leafs may give you a usable zero.

 

[Hogpatrol]

As above, get off the Led Sled. They are hard on scopes and wooden stocks.

 

[Ruraldoc]

The quickest solution would be to install a Talley Removable Peep sight on your rear scope base.

It should allow you to easily correct for windage and elevation. It will also hold zero when you take it on and off in conjuction with your scope.

It's an easy fix without changing out your front or rear sights.

 

[RR 314]

From your current ammo, the Woodleigh solids will obviously be your choice for elephant. Then again, you may want to burn through most of what you have getting familiar with the rifle, find what you prefer along the way, and reload. Solids would obviously be acceptable on the tiny 10, I would wait and do any sight adjustment once you decide which ammo you like. The good thing is you have plenty of brass once you are done shooting your loaded ammo.

 

[Rare Breed]

From your current ammo, the Woodleigh solids will obviously be your choice for elephant. Then again, you may want to burn through most of what you have getting familiar with the rifle, find what you prefer along the way, and reload. Solids would obviously be acceptable on the tiny 10, I would wait and do any sight adjustment once you decide which ammo you like. The good thing is you have plenty of brass once you are done shooting your loaded ammo.

Given it is a new Champlain rifle I would use CEB for elephant…deadly