As a firearms expert with extensive knowledge in ballistics and the operation of various firearms, I can provide a detailed explanation on the question of how far a .308 caliber round travels. The .308, also known as the 7.62x51mm NATO, is a versatile and widely used caliber for both military and civilian applications. Its effective range, which is the distance at which a round can be expected to maintain accuracy and deliver a lethal hit, is indeed approximately 1000 yards (914.4 meters). This range can vary based on several factors, including the skill of the shooter, the quality of the firearm, environmental conditions, and the specific type of ammunition used. However, the question of how far a .308 round can travel in terms of its maximum distance is a different matter. When a bullet is fired, it follows a ballistic trajectory influenced by gravity and air resistance. The initial velocity of the .308 round is quite high, which contributes to its ability to travel long distances. The statement that a .308 round could travel about 5600 yards (5,181.68 meters) under perfect conditions is theoretically possible, but it's important to clarify what this means. The maximum distance a bullet can travel, often referred to as its "terminal ballistics," is the point at which it loses all its kinetic energy and comes to a stop. This distance can be significantly greater than the effective range of the round. Several factors can influence the maximum distance a .308 round might travel: 1. Bullet Weight: Heavier bullets tend to maintain their velocity better over long distances, which can increase the maximum range. 2. Powder Load: The amount of propellant used can affect the muzzle velocity and, consequently, the bullet's trajectory and range. 3. Atmospheric Conditions: Wind, air density, temperature, and humidity can all impact the bullet's flight. 4. Barrel Length: A longer barrel can provide a higher muzzle velocity, which can increase the range. 5. Angle of Fire: A bullet fired at a flatter trajectory (closer to horizontal) will generally travel further than one fired at a steeper angle. It's also worth noting that the bullet's terminal velocity, or the speed at which it is traveling when it hits the ground, can be quite low after it has traveled a long distance. This is because air resistance will gradually slow the bullet down over time. In practical terms, the maximum range of a bullet is less relevant to most shooters than the effective range. For hunting or self-defense, for example, the ability to accurately hit a target at a reasonable distance is far more important than the bullet's ability to travel a very long distance without hitting anything. In conclusion, while the .308 is capable of traveling considerable distances, its practical use is best within its effective range of about 1000 yards. Beyond that, the bullet's trajectory becomes more challenging to predict and its ability to deliver a lethal hit diminishes. The theoretical maximum range of 5600 yards is an interesting figure but is not particularly useful for most shooting scenarios. read more >>

The effective range of a .308 (7.62x51) is 1000 yards. That's not saying it's the maximum distance it will go. If it's fired perfectly horizontal, also depending on bullet weight and powder load and atmospheric conditions, it could travel about 5600 yards.read more >>