Maximum point-blank range

Small arms are often sighted so that their sight line and bullet path are within a certain acceptable margin out to the most extended possible range, called the maximum point-blank range. The maximum point-blank range is a function of a cartridge’s external ballistics and target size: high-velocity rounds have long point-blank ranges, while slow rounds have much shorter ones. Target size determines how far above and below the line of sight a projectile’s trajectory may deviate. Other considerations include sight height and an acceptable drop before a shot is ineffective.