This process involves sighting-in a .308 Winchester rifle so that the point of impact and the point of aim coincide at 100 yards, using a target placed at a closer distance of 25 yards. This shorter range allows for easier adjustments and confirmation of sight alignment without requiring a full 100-yard range. It relies on the ballistic trajectory of the .308 round, which rises above the line of sight after leaving the muzzle before intersecting the line of sight again at the designated zero distance.
Confirming a rifle’s zero at shorter distances offers several practical advantages. Reduced range requirements make it accessible to more shooters. It also often provides a more manageable space for making precise adjustments. Historically, this technique, along with others using even shorter distances, arose from the limited availability of long-range facilities. Short-range zeroing remains relevant today for its convenience and efficiency.