What is an appropriate distance for zeroing a rifle scope?

Zeroing a rifle scope is the process of adjusting the scope's point of aim to match the point of impact of the bullet at a specific distance. Choosing an appropriate distance to zero the scope can depend on various factors, including the type of shooting you're planning to do and the specific characteristics of your rifle and ammunition.

Zeroing at 100 yards is widely considered standard practice for many shooters, especially those using general-purpose rifles for hunting or target shooting. This distance strikes a balance between being usable for both close and moderate-range engagements. At 100 yards, adjustments made to the scope can be easily understood and applied in the field, making it an efficient choice for many scenarios.

Additionally, most common calibers tend to deliver satisfactory performance and bullet drop at 100 yards, allowing shooters to effectively extend their range from that baseline zero. It also helps to simplify calculations for holdovers or adjustments that need to be made for longer distances.

While shorter and longer distances are also options, zeroing at 50 yards might not account enough for bullet drop over longer distances, while distances like 200 or 300 yards may be more restrictive depending on the shooter's equipment and experience. Hence, 100 yards generally represents a versatile compromise for varying shooting situations.