Why You Keep Missing Close Shots | The Truth About Height Over Bore

Published on May 10, 2025
Duration: 7:44

This video explains the critical concept of 'height over bore' (HOB) and its impact on point of aim versus point of impact, especially at close ranges. The instructor demonstrates how HOB, combined with a rifle's zero distance, creates a mechanical offset that causes shots to impact lower than the reticle at distances closer than the zero. Understanding and compensating for this offset through holdovers is presented as essential for accurate shooting under pressure.

Quick Summary

Height over bore (HOB) is the vertical distance between your optic's center line and your barrel's center line. This measurement creates a mechanical offset, causing bullets to impact lower than your aim point at distances closer than your rifle's zero. Understanding and compensating for this offset with holdovers is crucial for accurate shooting, especially in close-quarters scenarios.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Fundamentals and Height Over Bore
  2. 00:46Channel Sponsor: Obsidian Tactics
  3. 01:10Patreon Support
  4. 01:41What is Height Over Bore?
  5. 02:25Demonstrating Mechanical Offset
  6. 03:04Shooting Demonstration: 3 Yards
  7. 03:55Shooting Demonstration: 10 Yards
  8. 04:29Shooting Demonstration: 20 Yards
  9. 05:34Why Height Over Bore is Important
  10. 06:10Correcting for Height Over Bore: Holdovers
  11. 06:38Personal Zero and Holdover Experience
  12. 07:06Conclusion: Performance Factor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is height over bore (HOB) in firearms?

Height over bore (HOB) is the vertical distance between the center line of your optic's sight picture and the center line of your rifle's barrel. This measurement is critical because it directly influences where your bullet will impact relative to where you are aiming, especially at different distances.

How does height over bore affect shooting accuracy at close range?

At close ranges, particularly closer than your rifle's zero distance, a higher height over bore means your bullet will impact lower than your point of aim. This phenomenon is known as mechanical offset and requires compensation, often through holdovers, to achieve accurate shots.

What is mechanical offset and how is it related to HOB?

Mechanical offset is the difference between your point of aim (optic reticle) and your point of impact (bullet) caused by the height over bore and the bullet's trajectory. The greater the HOB, the larger the mechanical offset will be at distances closer than your zero.

How can I correct for height over bore at close distances?

To correct for height over bore at distances inside your zero, you need to use holdovers. This means aiming slightly higher than your intended point of impact to account for the bullet hitting lower than your reticle due to mechanical offset.

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