A .308 Winchester round is a favourite among hunters, sharpshooters, and long-range shooters for its versatility and accuracy. But how fast does a .308 bullet travel over different distances, and what happens to its speed, energy, and trajectory as it covers these ranges? This post breaks it down for you with detailed insights into the performance of the .308 round, whether you’re targeting 100 yards, 900 yards, or beyond.
For those curious about how long it takes a .308 round to cover 900 yards—short answer? A fraction of a second. But if you’re ready to dig into the specifics of bullet speed, energy loss, and flatness of trajectory, read on.
How Long Does It Take a Bullet to Travel 100 Yards?
To understand how long a .308 bullet takes to travel 100 yards, it’s helpful to know its muzzle velocity. A typical .308 Winchester round has a muzzle velocity of around 2,800 feet per second (fps), depending on the specific ammunition and firearm used.
At this velocity:
- A .308 bullet can cover 100 yards in approximately 0.1 seconds.
- It maintains significant energy at this range, making it ideal for medium-range hunting and target shooting.
How Long Does It Take a Bullet to Travel 150 Yards?
At 150 yards, a .308 bullet is still travelling at an incredibly high speed:
- It may take approximately 0.16 seconds to reach 150 yards, assuming its velocity decreases slightly due to air resistance.
- The slight deceleration experienced by the bullet is negligible at this range, making it a reliable choice for shooting within this distance.
However, precision shooters will likely begin noticing a minor amount of bullet drop as distance increases beyond 100 yards.
How Long Does It Take a .308 Bullet to Travel 1,000 Yards?
When a .308 round reaches 1,000 yards, the dynamics change significantly. With its velocity reduced due to drag and gravity affecting its trajectory:
- A .308 bullet typically takes around 1.5 seconds to travel 1,000 yards.
- This time can vary based on the load, bullet weight, and environmental conditions (such as wind, temperature, and air density).
At this distance, shooters need to account for substantial bullet drop, wind drift, and a notable reduction in energy. For shooting at 1,000 yards, precise calculations and adjustments are essential.
How Far Will a .308 Bullet Travel After Hitting a Deer?
When a .308 bullet hits its target, its remaining travel distance depends on the type of ammunition and the resistance provided by the target (in this case, a deer). Upon impact:
- A .308 bullet will likely expend most of its energy within the animal, mainly if you use expanding (soft-point or hollow-point) bullets designed for hunting.
- If the bullet exits, its reduced velocity means it will not travel far—typically less than 100 yards, depending on the conditions.
This controlled performance is why the .308 is a popular choice for ethical hunting, ensuring a clean shot with minimal risks to unintended targets.
308 Energy at 1,000 Yards
Energy loss over distance is a critical factor to consider for long-range shooting. At the muzzle, a standard 150-grain .308 Winchester round might boast energy levels of about 2,800 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). However, as the bullet travels:
- At 500 yards, the energy drops to around 1,200 ft-lbs, which is still sufficient for medium-to-large game.
- At 1,000 yards, the energy decreases to roughly 400-500 ft-lbs, making it less ideal for ethical hunting but still viable for competitive shooting.
Understanding this energy drop is essential for determining the effective range and purpose of your .308 round.
How Far Will a .308 Shoot Flat?
“Flat shooting” refers to a bullet’s trajectory minimally influenced by gravity over a given range. For the .308:
- A .308 round shoots relatively flat up to 200-250 yards, making it an excellent choice for hunting and short- to medium-range shooting.
- Beyond 250 yards, shooters will start to notice more pronounced bullet drops, requiring adjustments in aim or using ballistic calculators.
For example, at 500 yards, you might need to compensate for around 60 inches (5 feet) of bullet drop, depending on your load.
6.5 Creedmoor vs .308 at 1,000 Yards
The debate between the 6.5 Creedmoor and the .308 Winchester is common among long-range shooting enthusiasts. At 1,000 yards, key differences emerge:
- Ballistic Performance: The 6.5 Creedmoor typically outperforms the .308 regarding wind resistance and maintaining energy over long ranges, thanks to its higher ballistic coefficient (BC).
- Bullet Drop: The 6.5 Creedmoor experiences less bullet drop at 1,000 yards compared to the .308, which requires more elevation adjustments.
- Applications: While both rounds perform well, the 6.5 Creedmoor is often preferred for precision shooting, whereas the .308 remains a versatile, all-around cartridge.
Ultimately, your choice depends on personal preference, shooting style, and intended use.
How Fast is a .308 at 1,000 Yards?
By the time a .308 bullet reaches 1,000 yards, its velocity will have decreased significantly due to drag. From an initial speed of 2,800 fps:
- Depending on the load and environmental factors, the bullet’s speed will typically drop to around 1,200-1,500 fps at 1,000 yards.
- This velocity is still fast enough for accuracy in skilled hands but requires careful adjustments for external influences like wind and elevation.
Wrapping Up—Mastering the .308 for Long-Range Shooting.
The .308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge that excels in medium- and long-range applications. Its performance over various distances, from 100 to 1,000 yards, highlights its reliability, power, and adaptability. Whether you’re hunting game, honing your skills at the range, or competing in shooting sports, understanding the specifics of the .308 round’s velocity, energy, and trajectory is essential.
When planning your next shoot, ensure you have the proper ammunition, a reliable ballistic calculator, and a clear understanding of your firearm’s capabilities. Happy shooting!