A bullet typically travels between 600 and 2,000 miles per hour (mph). The exact speed depends on various factors such as the caliber of the bullet, the firearm type, barrel length, and the amount and type of gunpowder used. For example, handgun bullets generally travel at slower speeds, around 700 to 1,500 mph, while rifle bullets can exceed speeds of 2,000 mph, with some reaching over 3,000 mph. Common handgun bullets like 9mm travel around 784 mph, and rifle bullets like the 5.56 round can reach about 2,168 mph.
Bullet Speed Highlights
- Bullets slow down after leaving the barrel due to gravity and air resistance.
- Rifle bullets generally travel faster than handgun bullets.
- Typical common speeds:
- Handgun bullets: 600-1,500 mph
- Rifle bullets: 2,000-3,000+ mph
- Speed is measured as muzzle velocity (speed right as the bullet exits the gun barrel).
This range covers most bullets fired from common firearms used for sport, hunting, and defense.
