Flat base vs. Boat-tail

[dw33]

I was wondering if there are any notable accuracy differences between the two out to 400 yards. Federal has the Vital Shok (Barnes Triple Shok) in 7mm mag in 140 gr. bt and 160 and 175 gr. fb. Any input would be helpful, thanks.

 

[dw33]

I found an interesting bit of info on the Speer's page;

"In the "real world," the beneficial ballistics effects of the boat tail design do not appear until the bullet is more than 300 yards from the muzzle, depending on launch velocity and ballistic coefficient. We compared the path of boat tail and flat base 30 caliber 165 grain bullets. Both types were launched at 2800 ft/sec, typical 30-06 velocities. At 500 yards, the boat tail showed a 5 percent advantage in velocity, a 10 percent advantage in energy, and hit the target only 2.2 inches above the flat base."

So I think I will go with the 160 Barnes TXS.

 

[fdkay]

They real advantage to the boattail design is when the bullet gets WAAAY out there and is transitioning to sub-sonic. The boattail smooths the airflow and helps to keep the bullet stabilized. Of course, all things being equal, it also helps to keep the bullet supersonic a bit longer too.

 

[dw33]

Thanks fdkay. I guess it would be nice if they made that TSX in a boattail for the 160 gr. and the 175 gr. I am sure they will in the future.