A rifle sighted in at this distance will have its projectile trajectory intersect the line of sight at both that specific range and a further point downrange, often around 200-250 yards, depending on the specific cartridge, bullet weight, and rifle configuration. This creates a relatively flat trajectory within that window, allowing for accurate shots without significant holdover or hold-under adjustments. This specific calibration is common for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, a popular round for sporting and defensive purposes.
This sight setting offers practicality and versatility for various shooting scenarios. It allows for consistent accuracy within a commonly encountered engagement range, simplifying aiming for both novice and experienced shooters. Historically, this zeroing distance has been popularized due to its effectiveness in a variety of terrains and engagement distances typical in many military and civilian shooting contexts. The ballistic characteristics of the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge lend themselves well to this zero, making it a practical choice for both short and medium-range applications.