BT vs FB bullets

[21PHX]

For all you short range benchrest 6PPC shooters——
What’s easier to tune boat tail or flat base bullets?
A lot of shooters are now shooting boat tails. Is it a fad or what. Is there any evidence that they perform better at 100 and 200 yards?
What say you?

 

[DShortt]

Tagging to see replies.

 

[Eric Leonard]

I’ve shot 2 different 68 bts the last 3 years and they both tune pretty easy.

 

[Ccrider]

You will have to test this for yourself. They both have the potential to shoot small. How they perform in the wind is one question that may favor boattails, but I believe there is not much difference at 100 and 200 yards. Some say boattails measure smaller. Not sure about that but I almost believe it, looking at the difference in the holes. My experience is that flat base tune easier. I am convinced of this.

 

[WyleWD]

At 100 & 200 yards I don't see any glaring advantage to a BT over a FB. Maybe FB tune a little easier, Maybe BT has some advantage in conditions. 2 things I firmly believe is that you have to have good quality and consistent bullets that work with your rifle-powder-barrel & twist combination. Which brings us back to posts 3 and 4 above...... You'll have to test this for yourself and see. Tony Boyer wrote a very good book that this is well covered in a few chapters. JME, JMHO. WD

 

[Ccrider]

good quality and consistent bullets

There is a lots being said here. Bullets vary in quality, even from the same maker.

 

[LCazador]

Boattails in a 13.5" twist or 14 twist, or a .237" or .236" bore, you'll have to test for yourself. Boattails are easiest to tune.

 

[Eric Leonard]

Boattails in a 13.5" twist or 14 twist, or a .237" or .236" bore, you'll have to test for yourself. Boattails are easiest to tune.

My last 4 bbls have been 4 groove Bartliens 13.5 twist .237 groove. With 68 BTs they have all tuned in within .3 of LT32 ,, 3 of them were between .010 and .015 in the lands and 1 was .007 off.

 

[LCazador]

You have an amazing lot of LT32. I haven't found LT32 to be that consistent. My .237" groove Bartleins seem to tune much easier and stay in tune longer than the Kriegers.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I've done a pretty good bit of testing in short range using 65-95 gr 6mm bullets over the last few years. What I can say for sure is that first, it's not a bc contest and that if you pull the trigger at the wrong time, you won't like the results with either. Can't really say that I see any significant advantage, really, in any regard. This is over many different bullet and bbl combinations. The heavies seem to have a very small edge at 200-300 but nowhere near enough to make up for shooting in a switch and the accuracy at 100 or in good conditions must be equal or you leave way more on the table than bc will ever get you..on average.

This might ruffle a few feathers but the most consistent truth I have found is that shorter bullets tend to be more accurate than longer bullets and that it does NOT seem seem to be twist related much, if at all, within reason. Been testing a 10 twist a bit and the most accurate bullets have consistently been 68-80 grainers. Can't tell much difference in that range but when I step up in length(weight), the accuracy does fall off a bit. Still good by most standards but not by sr br standards at 100-200

 

[21PHX]

Bart, what do you have to say about this?. You’re as knowledgeable as just about anyone.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Bart, what do you have to say about this?. You’re as knowledgeable as just about anyone.

@BartsBullets

 

[21PHX]

@BartsBullets

Thanks Mike, I couldn’t remember how to tag him.

 

[JEFFPPC]

I think .237 and flat base for short range is the easiest to tune. Twist as stated above within reason not a big deal. However, come match day best Indian trumps all.

 

[Shooter13]

I’ve shot 2 different 68 bts the last 3 years and they both tune pretty easy.

I've been shooting Barts Avengers BT for a couple of years, down to the last 3,000 so may buy 100 FB just to see.

 

[Shooter13]

I've been shooting Barts Avengers BT for a couple of years, down to the last 3,000 so may buy 100 FB just to see.

EDIT: Don't judge Barts bullets by my shooting!! ;-)

 

[jackieschmidt]

Many of us have been shooting BT’s for into 15 years in Short Range, so I doubt they would be considered a fad.

I have dies for both. FB’s are easier to make. It might be a toss up which is ultimately the most accurate at the yardages we shoot.

As was said, you get a great lot of bullets in either, and you will start to believe you actually know what you are doing.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Well, Im not highly experienced with short range BR. But I have found the Peinhardt 65.5 boat tail to be very easy to tune. Compared to what Im used to with long range bullets it was very forgiving.

 

[JMayo]

I shot fb for a while them switched to bt's because that what i got.

I did really well with the fb and that barrel. Broke some records with them. I forget who made them he's gone now.RR is all i remember.

Now I'm shooting barts and doing pretty good at calling shots.
Peinhardt's are in my cabinet to be used soon.
Jcline is making ppc bullets now i believe.