Bullets can travel surprisingly long distances depending on their caliber, type, and firing conditions. Here are some key points about how far bullets can travel:
- A .22 caliber bullet can travel over 1.5 miles (about 2,400 meters) under optimal conditions
- A 9mm bullet can travel around 1.5 miles (approximately 2,300 meters), with some sources noting up to 2-3 miles depending on the load and firing angle
- Centerfire rifle bullets, like the .223 Remington, can travel over 2 miles (about 3,200 meters), and the .308 Winchester can reach up to 3.5 to 4.5 miles (5,600 to 7,200 meters) when fired at an ideal 45-degree angle
- The maximum range refers to the farthest distance a bullet can travel when fired at the optimal angle, while the effective range is the distance at which the bullet can still accurately and lethally hit a target
- Environmental factors such as wind, humidity, altitude, and the firearm's barrel length and rifling also influence bullet travel distance
- Bullets fired underwater travel much shorter distances due to water's density, typically only a few meters
In summary, bullets can travel from about 1.5 miles for small calibers like .22LR and 9mm, up to several miles for larger rifle calibers like .308 Winchester, especially when fired at optimal angles and conditions
