If I understand the question correctly, I address that by a combination of View>Timescale>desired period and tuning the header in the dialog box that pops up when I right click on the header and choose "Timescale..."

The OP is trying to zoom the left side (table side) of the view. The Gantt chart (right side) can certainly be zoomed in using the method you describe - but it has no effect on the table side.