50/200 Yard Zero Simplified for 5.56 and .308 Rifles
If you own an AR-15 chambered in 5.56 or a .308 rifle, the 50/200 yard zero is one of the most practical zeroing methods available. It's simple to achieve, effective across a wide range of distances, and eliminates the need for constant holdover adjustments in most real-world shooting scenarios.
What Is the 50/200 Yard Zero?
The concept is straightforward: zero your rifle at 50 yards, and thanks to the bullet's ballistic arc, the projectile will cross your line of sight again at approximately 200 yards. Within this range, your point of aim and point of impact will be very close, making it a highly effective battle sight zero (BSZ) for defensive, hunting, and tactical applications.
How It Works for 5.56/.223
For a standard AR-15 chambered in 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington with a sight height of approximately 2.6 inches above the bore, zeroing at 50 yards means:
- At 25 yards: approximately 1.5 inches low
- At 50 yards: point of aim equals point of impact (zero)
- At 100 yards: approximately 1.5-2 inches high (mid-arc peak)
- At 200 yards: back to point of impact (second zero)
- At 300 yards: approximately 9-12 inches low (holdover required)
This zero is practical for most AR-15 users because the majority of defensive and hunting shots fall within the 0-200 yard envelope.
How It Works for .308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester behaves slightly differently due to its heavier, faster-shedding bullet. When zeroed at 50 yards:
- The bullet generally crosses the line of sight again around 100 yards (not 200 yards)
- At 200 yards, the .308 drops approximately 3.5 inches depending on the load and barrel length
For .308 rifles, a 100-yard zero is often more practical for maintaining minimal holdover out to 200-300 yards. However, the 50/200 concept still applies — just verify your specific load's trajectory with a ballistic calculator.
Advantages of the 50/200 Zero
Practical for most ranges: Most shooters don't have access to a 200-yard range, but you can achieve the 50/200 zero on any 50-yard range. Flat trajectory in common engagement distances: Point-and-shoot accuracy from 0-200 yards without holdover. Simple setup: No complex calculations required at the range. Effective for defensive and hunting use: Perfect for engagements within typical property or hunting field distances.
Limitations to Know
Beyond 200 yards, the bullet drop becomes more pronounced. Shooters engaging targets consistently beyond 300 yards may benefit from a 100-yard zero combined with holdover data. Different loads, barrel lengths, and optic heights will affect exact trajectory, so always verify with your specific setup.
Final Tips
Use a ballistic calculator to confirm your specific load's trajectory. Start at 25 yards to get on paper, then refine at 50 yards. Consider using a quality red dot or LPVO for the clearest sight picture. Verify at 100 and 200 yards whenever possible. Finding the right rifle for this zero is easy with FFL Search — browse local FFL dealers to find your next AR-15 or .308 rifle.