Boat tails???

[Blktail]

I have been looking at the Sierra website for bullets to load in my .308 and 30.06
I am just starting in the reloading hobby. I thought that you always want the best ballistic coefficient that you can get in a bullet, especially if you do any longer range shooting. The boat tail bullets always have the best BC.
Given that, why aren't all bullets made this way? What is the trade off? Do you get the same velocity initially, or does the shape of the base cause reduced initial velocities.

Anybody have a short version on the way to choose a bullet?

Thanks

[Ol` Joe]

Boat tails don`t really offer much until the ranges get long, 300+ yds is a good starting point with most cartridges. The higher BC does help retain velocity which aids in reducing wind drift and bullet drop, but at shorter range the amount isn`t very noticable under hunting conditions.

The flat base bullets supposedly hold their cores better and are a better choice for hunting but I can`t back that claim with any proof. The flat base also are reported to be easier to manufacture with more consistant bases and are more accurate at close range because of it, Again I am relaying info I`ve heard or read. A call to the manufactures and you`ll find they recommend the flat base for most hunting at normal ranges and the boattails for long range shooting.

Bonded core bullets are a whole new animal though.............

[Rocky Raab]

Joe pretty much covered it.

I'd add that flat-base bullets are often more accurate at ranges under 300 yards. Some rifles just don't like boattails, either.

To answer the question, "Why aren't all bullets made this way?" allow me to use an analogy:

Indy race cars are the fastest, sleekest and most aerodynamic cars made. So why aren't all cars made that way?

Because you'd have a heck of a time buckling in the wife and kids, not to mention the groceries or a load of firewood.

Flat-base bullets (even ROUNDnose bullets) are the best choice for many uses, despite their BC numbers Normal deer hunting ranges and methods don't require them; and flat-base bullets may even perform better.

Forget BC numbers unless you always shoot animals at 500 yards. Pick a bullet that's known for consistent performance: reasonable accuracy, good expansion and structural integrity.

[skb2706]

As long as they are appropriate for the task and they shoot well in my gun I use them exclusively. Because of their higher BC they not only are superior in long range shooting but also are less effected by the wind. In the open prairie where I often hunt this is a major plus. One other side benefit.....when it comes to handloading they start and seat better for me.

[Jack]

I agree with everything Joe, Rocky, and SKB have said.
SKB hit on something definitely relevant- lotsa reloaders pick boat tails because they are a bit easier to start into the case neck.
It is worth noting that long range (600+) match shooters use boat tail bullets- at those kinda ranges the slight advantage shows up.
It is also worth noting that the 100 and 200 yard match shooters use flat base bullets almost exclusively. They are after the absolute most accurate bullet (and world record small groups), and they find flat base bullets better at those ranges.

[Blktail]

After more research on manufacturers websites, I found basically the same info.
I am going to get some of the less expensive bullets I shoot in factory ammo. I know how they perform on game and while there may be better bullets out there, the lower cost will allow me to practice more.
I will teat myself to some of the premium bullets periodically and compare them to the cheapies as funds allow.

Rocky

I have no trouble with my Ferrari. The kids, dog and firewood ride in the trailer.

[denton]

If your bullets are going to impact on big game between 2100 and 2800 fps, Sierra boat tails work approximately as well as anything. Above that, they tend to fall apart, and below that, they won't open reliably. For my 30-06, that means that a 180 grain bullet works well from the muzzle to 400 yards.

The red, yellow, and green boxes of standard bullets perform very much alike over that range.

Sierra has a reputation for excellent accuracy. That makes them a good starting place for rounds the test a new rifle, and for general target shooting.

If you want to open up your performance window, Nosler Partitions are an excellent choice. They also have a reputation for accuracy, and they open at 1800 fps and hang together well at up to 3100 fps.

At the same impact speeds, Partitions make about a 3" longer hole than Sierras... 18" vs. 15". Extra wound channel length is only helpful if your animal is thick enough for it to matter.