To start with, you must know the ballistic trajectory of the subject round, and what the intended zero points are. For example, let's say the round selected for a zero at 200 yds also has a near zero at 30 yds. In other words, the bullet crosses the line of sight at 30 yds, then again at 200 yds as it falls through it's trajectory. With a laser bore sighter, you simply measure the 30 yds back from most any object, then adjust the scope until it's centered on the laser dot. There is no need to hold the gun still or use any other device. This puts you roughly at 'battlesight zero'. Minor adjustments will be needed at the range. For example, this same trajectory may be about 1.8" high at 100 yds. If you shoot at 100 yds, you may need to adjust the scope a little to make sure you're on line and 1.8" high. You could then move on to the 200 yd range and try to shoot to center, which should be very close. So, if you know the characteristics of the round you're shooting and have a trajectory in mind, the laser bore sighter can definitely put you on the paper without going to the range, but if you're just guessing, the best you can do is to get the scope on line. Try this site for a great ballistics interactive calculator.
http://www.norma.cc/