When a gun is discharged, the bullet exits the barrel with an exceptional speed and a loud crack. But what is the speed of a bullet — and how far does it actually go?

This is a pretty common question among gun enthusiasts, science nerds, or just anybody who is curious. If you care about guns, science, safety, or ballistics, this blog post will address both speed and distance in a straightforward manner.

How Fast Do Bullets Travel?

Bullet speed depends on the type of firearm, ammunition, and the conditions the bullet was fired under. Bullet speed’s are typically measured in feet per second (fps) or meters per second (m/s). 

Here is a breakdown of average bullet speed:

Type of Bullet	Speed (fps)	Speed (m/s)
.22 Long Rifle	~1,200 fps	~370 m/s
9mm Luger	~1,200–1,400 fps	~365–426 m/s
.45 ACP	~850–1,000 fps	~260–305 m/s
5.56 NATO (.223)	~3,100 fps	~945 m/s
.30-06 Springfield	~2,800–3,000 fps	~850–914 m/s
.50 BMG	~2,800–3,200 fps	~850–975 m/s

Fact: Most rifle bullets will fly faster than the speed of sound (somewhere near 1,125 fps). The speed of sound creates a sonic crack when the bullet passes through it; hence, the “crack” we sometimes hear when bullets are fired.

How Far Does a Bullet Travel?

This is where things get more exciting. Bullet speed is how fast it travels a point of measurement; bullet range is how far it travels. A general-purpose bullet fired out of a rifle can generally travel about 3 miles (4.8 km) in ideal shooting conditions, but practical and safe ranges will be much shorter.

Bullet range is dependent on:

• Type of bullet and weight
• How long the barrel is
• Muzzle velocity
• The angle you shoot it (maximum distance is at 45°)
• Wind and drag of air

Let’s now answer some of the most commonly searched questions, and terminology, or phrases about bullet range:

How far does a 9mm bullet travel?

A 9mm bullet can travel about 2,300 meters (1.5 miles) if fired from the proper angle. However, in practical scenarios, a 9mm bullet would generally be most accurate with effective ranges well under 50 meters.

A 9mm bullet can travel about 2,300 meters (1.5 miles) if it is fired at the correct angle. But, it is only effective realistically out to about 50 meters for accuracy.

How far does a .22 bullet travel?

The .22 is very small and light, but it can travel great distances up to about 1.5 miles (2.4 km). However, after a few hundred meters it is no longer accurate, and quickly loses power too.

How far does a .223 bullet travel?

A .223 bullet (used in AR-15 rifles, etc) is capable of traveling somewhere between 3,000 – 3,300 meters (2+ miles) if fired at the right angle. It is a high-velocity, light round designed for distance.

How far does a .45 caliber bullet travel?

The .45 ACP bullet is slower and heavier than many other bullets, and will usually only travel about maximum of 1,000 meters (0.6 miles), and the effective range is really only about 50 meters or so.

How far does a rifle bullet travel?

Regular rifle bullets (.30-06, .308, etc) can easily be fired a distance of 2,500 to 4,000 meters (1.5 to 2.5 miles) if the shot is taken at the optimum angle.

How far does a 30-06 bullet travel?

The .30-06 Springfield is a very powerful hunting round, with an approximate distance of up to 3,500 meters (2.2 miles).

How Far Does a Bullet Travel in Water?

One of the most shocking histories about bullet physics is how quickly bullets slow down when they enter water.

• A bullet fired into a body of water can be stopped in as little as 3 to 5 feet (1–1.5 meters).
• Water is 800 times denser than air, which results in very high resistance.

MythBuster Moment: Contrary to Hollywood action films, if you jump into water, your odds of dying from a gunshot actually improve. It depends on the depth and angle from which the gun is fired.

Why Do Speed and Distance Matter?

• Safety: Understanding the range of bullets can save you from an accidental injury or death.
• Hunting and shooting sports: Knowing how they travel will aid your accuracy and weapon selection.
• Ballistics science: Police and forensic scientists apply this information in their examination of bullet trajectory at a crime scene.

Conclusion

Now that you know what bullets travel at speed and distance:

• Speed: Produced in the range of 850 fs, to 4,000+ fs depending on the type of firearm and bullet.
• Distance: Stops 3 – 5 feet in water – stops travelling up to 2 -3 miles through air depending on angle of shot.

Always remember: bullets don’t just stop going after they have missed their target – they continue to travel until classified as having ‘stopped’ by gravity and resistance. That’s why knowing how far and how fast bullets travel is important to gun safety and awareness.

Read about: When Can I Eat Solid Food After Tooth Extraction?