Maximum point blank range and sighting in at particular distances...

[Don Fischer]

I recall hearing somewhere is hardly fact. On the other hand in basic training close to 30% of new recruits needed assistance to qualify with an M-16.

I worked at the firing range at Sembach AFB, Germany for awhile, back in the 1960's. Tell ya what, a lot more military people suck shooting than you can imagine, it ain't just basic trainees! Not only can they not shoot but they are an accident waiting to happen. I have no idea how the Army and Marine core handle shooting, hopefully not like the Air Force!

Have to tell a story that happened in my home unit. I was the NCOIC of small arms there and when I tool it over I had everyone in the unit assigned to a weapon, we had M1 carbines. Once a month they had to come and check out their gun and clean it, even if not fired. Had one guy bring his gun back first time out completely wrapped in plastic sheeting and all the seam's taped shut! He was really upset when I took it all off and he got a memo to visit the site commander about it. Now, I just wonder how many people on gun sites have any idea what wrong with wrapping up metal like that?

 

[Wind Gypsy]

I recall hearing somewhere is hardly fact. On the other hand in basic training close to 30% of new recruits needed assistance to qualify with an M-16.

Yeah, lots of soldiers just like lots of hunters really suck at shooting. What is the requirement to sight in current AR platform service rifles, something like 8 out of 10 shots in a 6 MOA group to be adequate precision to zero? I'd hardly use that as a good basis for how things should be.

 

[3006Sprng]

Not sure if this helps you, but I also shoot an 06. Hand loaded 180’s around box 165 velocity. I always zero at 100 and either run it, or dial to the expected zero distances (let’s say 200, I would be 3ish” low, so it’s about 7 clicks). Then I’ll let a couple fly at the 200 zero range and a call it good.

I always zero for wind at 100 though, elevation depends as others have stated. If I’m expecting to shoot to 300, the 200 zero is fine, it’s 8 low at 3. Past that I’ll dial up as required.

For the terrain I hunt I’m more comfortable with a 100 yard zero as I would have a higher chance shot at under 100 than over 200.

I would still rather dial up than hold over anyways.