Note: I wrote this post some time ago. All the information holds true. I continue to zero at 50 yards with typical “real world” shooting distances with my non-magnified optics being from zero to 150 yards or so. Red dot optics are my choice and as I age I find focusing on open sights becoming more and more difficult. Sucks getting old 😉
With the popularity of the AR platform and the .223/5.56 round I thought it would be a good idea to review the trajectory of the round and common sighting ranges. Being a high velocity round the trajectory is relatively flat within a few hundred yards – past 400 the drop-off is significant.
There are several philosophies on sighting in the AR and what range in best. Here are a few examples:
50 Yard Zero – Sighting in the AR to be on the money at 50 yards is extremely popular and typically what I do. Why? Because at 100 yards I will be hitting about 1.5″ inches high and at 200-225 I will be back on the money. This provides excellent accuracy from 0 out to past 250 yards with little if any compensation especially if we are talking about shooting man sized targets.
This is by far the most popular method used for sighting in an AR.
100 Yard Zero –Â Not a bad option at all. With a zero of 100 yards the .223/5.56 round will impact approx 3/4″ low at 50 yards and around 2.25″ low at 200 yards.
25 Yard Zero – I don’t care at all for sighting in at 25 yards. When zeroed at 25 yards the round will also be zeroed at 300 yards. This strategy does not provide much of an advantage unless longer range shooting is planned. The problem is between 25 and 300 yards where either the rear sight has to be adjusted for elevation while shooting or english used.
All these numbers are relative and depend on specific barrel lengths, loads, and barrel rifling.
I recommend the 50 yard zero.
JR
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Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:
- Bushnell TRS-25 Red Dot Optic – excellent sight at any price
- Ambidextrous Sling Adapter  – my favorite
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