50/200 vs 100 Yard Zero: Which is Best for Your Rifle?

Zeroing your rifle is a big deal—it can change how well you shoot. The debate between the 50/200 yard zero and the 100-yard zero is always a hot topic among shooters. Each method has its pros and cons, balancing how precise you want to be with how practical it is.

In this guide, we’ll break down the 50/200 yard zero and the 100-yard zero in easy-to-understand terms. Whether you’re gearing up for tactical missions, hunting trips, or just some fun at the range, you’ll find out which method is best.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to take your shooting skills to the next level. The 50/200 yard zero might become your new favorite way to boresight and zero your rifles chambered in 5.56!

What is a 50/200 Yard Zero?

A 50/200 yard zero is designed to have the bullet’s point-of-impact align with the point-of-aim at both 50 yards and 200 yards. This method creates a ballistic trajectory where:

• At 25 yards, your shot will hit approximately 1.5 inches low.
• At 50 yards, the bullet impacts exactly where you aim.
• At 100 yards, the shot will be about 1.5 inches high.
• At 200 yards, the bullet impacts exactly where you aim.

This zeroing method is popular for its simplicity and efficiency, particularly in combat or tactical scenarios.

It allows for quick, effective hits within the most common engagement distances of 0 to 200 yards. The slight deviation at mid-ranges is negligible, making it a versatile choice for many shooters.

Understanding The Ballistics of 5.56 Ammunition

To really understand the ballistics of 5.56 ammunition, it’s helpful to look at the bullet’s flight path from the muzzle to beyond 200 yards. This will give you a clear picture of how effective a 50-yard zero can be, even when set up at a shorter distance, like 10 yards.

Before you hit the range, you’ll want to use a boresight target for your 50/200 yard zero. This step helps ensure your first shots land on the target when you start shooting.

We’ll look at the three most common 5.56 loads: 55-grain M193, 62-grain M855, and 77-grain BTHP. Once you’re at the range, you might need to tweak your adjustments based on your rifle, your ammo, and other factors. This way, you can confirm your zero and make sure everything is spot on.

M193 Ballistic Chart

M855 Ballistic Chart

77-grain BTHP Ballistic Chart

When examining the ballistic charts, the 55-grain M193 and 62-grain M855 exhibit deviations ranging from approximately 1.6 to 2.1 inches.

The 77-grain BTHP shows a somewhat larger deviation of 3.7 inches. Despite this greater variation, aiming for the upper torso should still yield combat-effective hits.

It’s crucial to validate your external ballistics with the specific ammunition you use during range practice, as individual results may differ.

How To Get a 50/200 Yard Zero Without a 200 Yard Range

The setup process for a 50/200 yard zero is straightforward. Here’s how you can achieve this zero without access to a 200-yard range:

1. Place your target at 10 yards. How far is 10 yards? Roughly 30 feet. Most of us have 30 feet to work with inside our homes, so this can be done indoors.
2. Use the black dot as your point of aim. In other words, put your red dot on that black dot.
3. Adjust your red dot sight for windage and elevation until your boresight laser is on the gray dot. The result should be your red dot on the top dot and your boresight laser on the bottom dot.
4. Head to your local range and verify at 50 yards.

Creating your own 50/200 yard zero target is also easy. Using a standard 8.5 x 11 piece of paper, mark two points 1.9 inches apart. These dots will guide your boresight adjustments, ensuring precision in your zeroing process.

If you’d prefer to download a 50/200 yard zero target for boresighting, Jerking the Trigger made one using a standard-sized piece of paper.

Best Laser Bore Sight For This Process

I’ve had the best luck with the Wheeler Professional Laser Bore Sighter (Green).

The only downside to this laser bore sighter is that if your muzzle device is not metal, it won’t adhere to it for the boresighting process.

If so, I’d recommend the Sightmark Centerfire Boresight with Red Laser.

Why Choose a 50/200 Yard Zero?

The 50/200 yard zero offers several benefits:

• Combat-effective hits: Minimal deviation from point-of-aim to point-of-impact within 0 to 200 yards.
• Ease of setup: Simple and quick to achieve with basic tools and a short-range target.
• Versatility: Suitable for various shooting scenarios, from tactical engagements to hunting.

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100 Yard Zero Explained

A 100-yard zero is another popular choice, particularly among hunters and precision shooters. This zero aligns the point-of-impact with the point-of-aim at exactly 100 yards. The trajectory for a 100-yard zero typically follows:

The bullet will be slightly low at distances shorter than 100 yards.
It will begin to drop significantly past 100 yards, requiring more precise range estimation and holdover adjustments for long-range shots.

Benefits of a 100-Yard Zero

• Precision at mid-range: Ideal for hunters or shooters who frequently engage targets at 100 yards.
• Simplicity in adjustments: It is easier to calculate holdover for longer distances when starting from a 100-yard zero.

Choosing the Right Zero

The choice between a 50/200 yard zero and a 100-yard zero ultimately depends on your shooting needs and preferences:

• Tactical and defensive shooting: A 50/200 yard zero provides quick, reliable hits within common engagement distances.
• Hunting and precision shooting: A 100-yard zero offers precise accuracy at mid-range and predictable adjustments for longer shots.

I live in Northeast Ohio, so due to my environment, I’m not going to be taking shots further than 200 yards, so the 50/200 yard zero makes sense for me and covers everything from hunting to personal and property defense.

In conclusion, both zeroing methods have their distinct advantages. Understanding your primary use case will help you select the most effective zero for your rifle, ensuring accuracy and confidence in every shot.