Boat-tails vs. flat base?..........

[Robert]

I have always heard that boat-tail bullets are better down-range,but.......what about 'out of the hole'? I am usually shooting 100yds, give or take for hunting.  What is the difference shooting under 100 yds?  It would seem to me that a boat-tail would be ineffecient for pressure, a flat based bullet would seal the throat better on firing and seems that it would have better pressure through the length of the barrel.  It just seems to me that the base of a boat-tail defies logic. Is there anyone here that could explain this?  I really dont know what is involved with the pressures moving down the barrel.  Does the shape of the base make a difference?  I understand that a boat-tail would be more aero-dynamic in flight, but if I am shooting at closer range for hunting, rather than long range target shooting, would a flat base be a better choice?

[KN]

I have heard all the same arguments you have and come to the conclusion that you should use whichever is most accurate in the gun your shooting. I have several P-dog guns and they all shoot different bullets the best. 22/250 700rem= 55gr spt., 25/06 110 tactical=100gr spbt., 223 contender=55gr spt., 22/250 Encore=55gr Blitz king. All of these are long range and yet most are more accurate with a flat base. No real ryme or reason, just start testing. Just my $.02  KN

[Zachary]

Flat based bullets have more mass and weight at the base, and this causes it to push the bullet deeper once it make contact.  On the other hand, you could argue that, at 100 yards, a boat-tailed bullet has more velocity and energy and thus, even though it doesn't have the flat base to drive it deeper, it does have more velocity, so it's about equal.

The truth is, under 100 yards it doesn't really matter.  Actually, it's almost a non-issue.  The only thing that matters at that distance, at least to me, is accuracy, but you could get a flat-based bullet that is more accurate than a boat-tailed bullet.  Remember, it's what your gun likes, in part, that's important. :wink:

Zachary

[Mikey]

Robert:  There was an article in either the Shooting Times or the American rifleman recently comparing the accuracy and drop of those two bullets you mentioned and the round nosed bullet as well, in the 06 caliber.  I think it was Rick Jamison who wrote the article but I'm not sure.

The findings were that the round nosed bullet was the more accurate and that even at the longer ranges its drop was not so significant that the other two bullets were more preferred.  If you are shooting at 100yds or less, or for my money 200 yds or less, the round nose will do everything you want and need your bullet to do, with all the accuracy you would want.

Also, a lot of folks have found that you need not go to the more expensive or trendy bullets.  Most have found the Hornaday to be just as good as anyting else.  For my particular purposes I would prefer a bullet that expands but holds together and I have reloaded for family and friends with this thought in mind, both for the averall effect of the bullet and because I don't like picking lead shavings out of my teeth whenever I bite into a viece of venison steak or sausage.  

My brother shoots a 308 Encore and was disappointed with the results of the Winchester 150 grain loads he used on his last hunt - quite a bit of bullet fragmentation.  I recommended reloads with the Hornaday 180 for bullet retention and penetration but he felt that the accuracy load for that bullet would create a trajectory he wouldn't care for and asked me to use the 150 grain instead.  I still used the round nose bullet and he used it to great effect on half a dozen whitetail this year, without excessive fragmentation or bullet shaving.

Hope this helps.  Mikey.

[Siskiyou]

I have to agree with you on the round-nose.  When I was a kid there was a logger who knew where the bucks were.  He normally collected two a year using Remington 150 grain round nose in his .270's.  He had a Rem. 760 and a S&W bolt.  He was a great friend to this kid and my brother.  Taking us hunting and fishing all the time.  Thanks Fred!

I have been impressed with the WW 150 power point in 30-06.  Buddy has taken a number of bucks with them, but what created a lasting impression was a one-shot kill on a black bear.  We estimated the bullet penetrated about 28 inches.  It had a text book mushroom.

I have taken deer with the WW 150 power pt. in the .270.  It did a great job.

Now you have gone and done it.  I quess I need to load up a bunch of those Remington bullets that I have been storing for a few years.

Siskiyou