Boat tails???

[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.