What is "boat tail" and what are the other variants of tails???  Whats a tail?  The back of the bullet?


Nuckles.

The "tail" end of the bullet and the "base" are generally synonomous.  Bullets can be flat based, with the longitudinal surface ending at 90 degree angle with the bullet base.  With "Boat tail" bullets the longitudinal surface stops short of the base and changes angle towards the bullets central axis before making a 90 degree angle with the base.  In other words, the base is narrower than a flat version.  If you lay such a bullet on a flat surface and look down on it, it is the shape of a boat.  In my experience boat tail bullets are more accurate than flat based bullets when shooting at long ranges.

There are other specialty versions such as hollow base, gas check, etc.  Good reloading manuals such as those published by Sierra, Hornady, Speer and Nosler, discuss bullets and their characteristics in great detail.

Nuckles,

Not a stupid question.  It is bullet shape.  For the best answer, go to the Sierra website, or Hornady, or other bullet manufacturers.  I'd list them but don't have them now and am on the way to range to test new scope on M14.  Yeehaa.

James

Thanks guys!!!  I love this place, instant info.


Nuckles.

All your tail are belong to us.

Speaking of tail...oh never mind.