Boat Tail v. Flat Base Bullets ~ Why flat base are (usually) better!

Published on May 11, 2018
Duration: 54:51

This video explains that while boat tail bullets often boast higher ballistic coefficients (BC) for marketing, flat base bullets are frequently more accurate for hunting and target shooting up to 300 yards due to better muzzle exit consistency. The speaker details the history of ballistics, the development of BC standards like G1 and G7, and argues that for most practical applications, the perceived advantages of boat tails are minimal compared to their sensitivity to bore imperfections. Flat base bullets are recommended for their superior accuracy and core retention in typical hunting scenarios.

Quick Summary

Flat base bullets are often more accurate than boat tail bullets up to 300 yards because they exit the muzzle more evenly. Boat tails are more sensitive to bore imperfections. While boat tails have higher BC for marketing, flat bases offer better practical accuracy and core retention for most hunters.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Ballistic Coefficients & Modern Bullets
  2. 00:51Subscriber Question: Flat Base vs. Boat Tail Performance
  3. 02:25History of Ballistics: Benjamin Robins & Ballistic Pendulum
  4. 07:16Discovery of Air Drag's Impact on Bullets
  5. 09:43Evolution of Bullet Shape: From Round Balls to MiniƩ
  6. 11:11Standardizing Ballistic Coefficients: G1 & G7 Forms
  7. 16:13Visualizing the G1 Standard Form
  8. 18:11Marketing vs. Reality: BC Numbers Explained
  9. 21:01Accuracy of Flat Base Bullets Explained
  10. 24:31Data Comparison: .270 Winchester Flat Base vs. Boat Tail
  11. 30:01Wind Drift & Time of Flight Impact
  12. 33:01Conclusion: Flat Base vs. Boat Tail for Hunters

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are flat base bullets often more accurate than boat tail bullets?

Flat base bullets tend to exit the muzzle crown more evenly, leading to better accuracy up to about 300 yards. Boat tail bullets are more sensitive to slight imperfections in the bore or muzzle, which can negatively affect their flight path.

What is the practical difference between G1 and G7 ballistic coefficients?

G1 is an older, simpler standard often used for marketing due to higher numbers. G7 is a more refined standard that better represents the aerodynamic drag of modern, sleek bullets, making it more accurate for ballistic calculations.

Are boat tail bullets always better for long-range shooting?

Boat tail bullets offer advantages at extreme long ranges (600+ yards) due to their superior aerodynamic efficiency and lower drag. However, for typical hunting distances, flat base bullets often provide better practical accuracy and core retention.

What are the key advantages of flat base bullets for hunters?

Flat base bullets are generally more accurate at common hunting ranges (up to 300 yards) because they are less sensitive to bore imperfections. They also tend to offer better core retention upon impact, which is crucial for effective game harvesting.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from GunBlue490

View all →