How far can a bullet travel
The distance a bullet can travel depends on various factors, including its initial velocity, ballistic characteristics, environmental conditions, and the angle at which it is fired.
In terms of maximum range, bullets fired from handheld firearms, such as pistols and rifles, generally have effective ranges that are limited to a few thousand yards at most. Beyond these distances, the bullet’s velocity and stability decrease to the point where it becomes inaccurate and loses effectiveness.
For example, typical military rifles like the M16 or AK-47 have a maximum effective range of around 600-800 meters (650-875 yards). However, specialized sniper rifles with high-precision optics can achieve greater effective ranges, with some reaching up to 1,500 meters (1,640 yards) or more.
It’s worth noting that even though a bullet can technically travel much farther, its effectiveness in terms of accuracy, energy, and terminal ballistics diminishes significantly over long distances. Additionally, factors such as air resistance, gravity, wind, and the bullet’s ballistic coefficient also influence its trajectory and range.
In summary, while bullets can travel over long distances, their effective range is typically limited to a few hundred to a few thousand yards, depending on the firearm and conditions.
