Bullet Drop Explained: Why Your Zero Matters
June 16, 2026 · AmmoBin.com
Every bullet starts falling the instant it leaves the muzzle. Understanding drop — and how your zero compensates — is fundamental to hitting at distance.
Why bullets drop
Gravity pulls the bullet down constantly, so the barrel is angled slightly up and the line of sight crosses the bullet's arc. The bullet rises to your line of sight, peaks, then drops back through it — that second crossing is your zero distance.
Zero distance and holdover
A 100-yard zero means point-of-aim equals point-of-impact at 100 yards; beyond that the bullet drops below and you 'hold over.' Common zeros (50/200 for AR-15s) flatten practical trajectory. Faster, higher-BC bullets drop less — see ballistic coefficient and what is MOA.
Flat-shooting cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor minimize drop. Compare live prices.
Frequently asked questions
What is bullet drop?
The vertical distance a bullet falls due to gravity as it travels. It increases with distance and is offset by your zero and holdover.
What is the best zero distance?
It depends on cartridge and use — 100 yards is common for hunting; a 50/200-yard zero flattens practical trajectory for AR-15s. Match it to your typical distances.
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