Quoted:
If I had a "sniper" rifle, I'd probably say cold. If using that type of weapon you'll probably lie in wait for an opportunity and not be blasting away.
However, for an M4-type weapon: how do you like it for zeroing?
Personally, I try not to continue the zero process (unless it's gross adjustments) with a too-hot-to-touch barrel. I'll usually let it cool to a "warm" level, not cold. I figure it's the best balance between a cold shot and a mid-firefight one.
What say ARFCOM?
for most of my guns, when i zero. ill take a shot, look where it hit, shoot again. just so theres like a 30 second break between shots, then ill adjust scope and do the same again. then once im zeroed ill take like 4-5 cold shots on my hunting guns, just to see how it reacts to a cold barrel