The DOPE Drill—short for “Data on Previous Engagements”—is a practical rifle-focused training evolution designed to help shooters establish, confirm, and refine their dope for a given rifle, optic, and ammo combination. While “dope” traditionally refers to elevation and windage adjustments, this drill goes beyond a single zero—it’s about logging meaningful data, tightening up shot groups, and building confidence in your gear and process.

This drill is especially relevant for anyone running LPVOs, variable optics, or even fixed-power scopes on designated marksman rifles or general-purpose carbines. Whether you’re prepping for real-world engagements or dialing in your defensive setup, the DOPE Drill gets you grounded in what actually works with your rifle.

Materials Needed:

• Rifle with optic (ideally magnified)
• Known-distance range (50–300 yards preferred)
• Solid rest (bipod, sandbags, ruck, or supported prone)
• Printed DOPE log or notebook
• Ammo from a consistent lot
• Target suitable for zeroing (high-contrast, grid or bullseye pattern)
• Shot timer or stopwatch (optional)
• Spotting scope or good glass (optional but helpful)

Setup Instructions:

1. Pick your starting distance—50, 100, or 200 yards are common baselines.
2. Place your target, ensuring clear line of sight and safe backstop.
3. Set up your rifle in a supported position. Prone with a bipod or pack is ideal.
4. Prep your logbook to record scope settings, environmental data, and shot impact.
5. Fire a clean 3–5 round group. Record point of impact (POI) and make necessary adjustments.
6. Repeat for additional distances (e.g. 50, 100, 200, 300) to build your dope profile.

Drill Instructions:

1. From your shooting position, fire a controlled 3- to 5-shot group at the target.
2. Log each group’s center POI in relation to your point of aim.
3. Adjust scope turrets or holds to correct POI to POA (point of impact to point of aim).
4. Confirm adjustments with a second group. Once consistent, log final turret settings or holds.
5. Move to next distance and repeat. Ideally, build a quick-reference card with verified elevation adjustments for each range.

Scoring / Pass Criteria:

This isn’t about scoring a traditional “pass/fail”—it’s about dialing in your gear and documenting results. That said, sub-MOA groups are the goal if your rifle and ammo allow. Keep your groups consistent and centered on target. A shooter’s real win is a dope card that translates to first-round hits in practical distances under real pressure.

Coaching Tips / Variations (Optional):

• Shoot under different environmental conditions—cold, hot, wet, wind—to see how your dope shifts.
• Add a timed element for stress inoculation: e.g. shoot 5 rounds, adjust, re-engage—all in under 60 seconds.
• Run with multiple ammo types and log the shift in POI and group size.
• Use this drill to train transitions between distances—engage 100, dial 200, then 300 in sequence.
• Pair with a buddy as spotter to call impacts and offer corrections.
• Print targets with measurement grids or use shoot-and-see style targets to improve visibility at distance.

Recommended Target Download – Use a 1” grid zero target or similar style target. These targets help you track group placement more precisely, especially when you’re dialing in from multiple positions or adjusting turrets. Check out our free targets at MidAtlanticMunition’s free target library.

The DOPE Drill is more than just a way to zero—it’s a way to gather confidence in your rifle setup and be sure your hits land when it matters. Run this drill often, keep good notes, and your rifle won’t lie to you. Tag us at @midatlanticmunition on the gram, with your groups, setups, and range logs—we love seeing clean glass and tight data. Check out more drills here, and if you need ammo that’s as awesome as your shooting, check out our handgun ammo collection.