any difference in flat base and boat tails?

At longer ranges the boat tails buck the wind better.

At shorter ranges, say 300yds or less, FB bullets actually shoot more accurately, IMO.....
 
I made benchrest bullest for a long time.

Most guns will shoot a flat base bullet better.

BC difference between a BT and FB of the same design is very little out to 450, all other variables being the same.
 
I also agree...flat base for me are usually more accurate than the boat tails...but that being said I have a couple hpbt loads that are blowing my mind lately. Does anyone know where I can find a 69gr flat base in 223?
 
Originally Posted By: DiRTY DOGMost people here wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the two at typical shooting distances.

I'm pretty sure that you got that one right. While I like the boat tail for most of my varmint shooting, I can honestly say that anything that I miss at 400 yards with a flat base bullet I would have missed with at boat tail as well.
 
Well, I was shooting a sierra 55 gr. Spitzer(boattail), and they grouped great. I shot the 55 grvmax and a five shot group of 55 gr hornady sp. (Both flat based), and neither one would group under 2 inches. All three bullets were shot at 35 grains even. That's why I was wondering if it was because of the flat bases. Thanks for reading!
 
Originally Posted By: bushy35 grains even under a 55gr bullet...what caliber and powder?

Sounds like a 22-250????
 
My buddy always seems to think the boat tails are better. He will only buy boat tailed projectiles for some reason. I try to talk him out of it because I really do not think they help with the 100-200 yards he shoots. Oh well. Maybe he is on to something or not who knows.
 
I have a 700 sps in 22-250 that would not shoot any better than a 3" group at 100 yards with 5 shots with 55 grain Vmax which are a flat base. I loaded some 50 grain Vmax which are a boat tail and got them to shoot a 0.35" group today. Not sure if this is due to going from flat base to boat tail, or from 55 to 50 grain bullet. Either way some guns like certain bullets and other bullets they don't like. My opinion would be that some guns shoot flat base better and some guns shoot boat tails better. Just have to try them and see.
 
It's all about what your rifle likes. Everything else is mere speculation, really. Spent primers are what really tell the tale......
 
Point is, the shape of the tail likely has the LEAST impact on accuracy compared to load developement, reloading procedures, etc.

All else being equal, two identical bullets one flat the other boat tail, 99% of shooters here wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

The idea that your rifle "just doesn't like boat tails" because you tried one brand/weight with zero load developement is rather comical.
 
I wasn't speculating that my rifle didn't like flat basd or boat tails, I just didn't know if there was any differences in flight between the two since I have not shot flat based bullets before.
 
I would have to say that most including I would not be able to tell the difference. I think some may look at the boat tail as an advantage. Because, "why would a company make them that way if they were not better?" I do however think that it depends on the rifle.
 
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