The newly introduced .338" Nosler E-tip is a nice looking bullet. However, I have a question about the manner in which the BC was determined and in its comparability to other bullets and their BC's.

The Nosler E-Tip lists a length of 1.46" and a BC of .611 ! For comparison's sake, the Barnes TTSX has a longer length of 1.55" and a respectable BC of .514". What I don't understand is how Nosler could shorten the length of the bullet and increase the BC by almost 100 points. It looks a little like some "apples and oranges" have been slipped into the comparison figures.

Doesn't make sense, and logic is out the window. Could this be a typo?

Is the tip to shoulder longer on the Nosler? Longer transition, and shorter shoulder to base dimension would create better BC. May be the case. What material are they using to get bullet weight?

The pictures do not seem to support a big difference.
Here is the Nosler, pasted from their website:


For comparison, here is the TTSX. It's resolution is more grainy but the general shape of the bullet appears just as sleek if not more.


Myself? I suspect that both bullets will shoot about the same, and the TTSX might even do an inch flatter out at 500 yards, especially if the grooves allow a little more velocity/pressure.

Truthfully, I'd worry more about impact velocities than BC. Neither would be a great long-range choice. No doubt a higher BC will give you a few more yards range while maintaining +2,000fps impact velocities but in the scheme of long-range it will be insignificant.

I read some about it, and had not realized it was an all copper bullet.
You present a good question!

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunterab:
Truthfully, I'd worry more about impact velocities than BC. Neither would be a great long-range choice. No doubt a higher BC will give you a few more yards range while maintaining +2,000fps impact velocities but in the scheme of long-range it will be insignificant.

Well, the 225gn .338" TTSX drops to 2000fps out at 595 yards (5000 ft elev, 2830fps muzzle). I do my hunting inside 300 yards but want to have 400-yard capability, just in case. 595 yards is way beyond and over the pale for me.

The main advantage of a high BC is that a person can almost ignore winddrift out to 300 yards. The above 225 .338" TTSX, for example, moves 5.6" in a 10mph crosswind at 300 yards and only 10" at 400 yards. That's tracking pretty straight.

No question a higher BC does lots of things on paper but when we starting looking at real world practicality, it makes little difference inside 500 yards at least when comparing similar spire points. Pick a bullet that's accurate in your rifle and leave the BC worries to the long-range bombers.

The Barnes bullet has more grooves than the e-tip and that likely reduces the BC - that is, the multi-grooved Barnes bullet is not as streamlined in that it creates more turbulence and friction.

Perhap's the boattail design?

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
The newly introduced .338" Nosler E-tip is a nice looking bullet.
However, I have a question about the manner in which the BC was determined

Why not email Nosler and refer your Q. to them?
Ask if the BC figure is just a computer program model generated/calculated figure,
OR
if they have actually chrono-graphed the bullet in extended range tests to verify its BC.

1800 fps is all the TSX or TTSX require (according to Randy Brooks) to expand.

quote:

Originally posted by Trax:

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
The newly introduced .338" Nosler E-tip is a nice looking bullet.
However, I have a question about the manner in which the BC was determined

Why not email Nosler and refer your Q. to them?
Ask if the BC figure is just a computer program model generated/calculated figure,
OR
if they have actually chrono-graphed the bullet in extended range tests to verify its BC.

That's the way to go.

I have not had a lot of luck getting E-Tips to shoot.

For a copper bullet in 338 I would go the Lapua Naturalis 231 grainer. Much better killer than either the E- Tip or the TTSX.

If you want to shoot beyond 300 yards I would get a custom turret from Kenton Industries. They work really well.

You can not compare BCs across different manufacturers. They only make sense within an individual companies product line.

quote:

Originally posted by Mikelravy:
You can not compare BCs across different manufacturers. They only make sense within an individual companies product line.

The numbers of a BC are supposed to plug into a ballistics program and work reasonably well.
Granted, elevation, temperature and humidity can all affect this.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
1800 fps is all the TSX or TTSX require (according to Randy Brooks) to expand.

Speaking from a fair bit of experience, I'd say 2,000 for the TSX. For the TTSX 1800 is likely reasonable.

I've used the TTSX across a wide range of cartridges and think the bullet is first-class.
I used to use the TSX in several cartridges but currently only in a 325 WSM.
Back to your question: I had a long talk with Randy Brooks of Barnes about this topic and he said that published BC, by most bullet manufacturers, was really inaccurate.
I'm lucky to count Randy among my friends!
Take that for what it's worth.
Zeke

I have had my best luck with the GS Customs monolithic HPs...and they now have a US outlet. I have been using Gerards good bullets for over 20 years as best I recall, shot everything from rockchucks to Cape buffalo with them, they are boringly perfect.

With the Labradar chronograph theoretically we could calculate our own BCs...is this product available and has anyone used it?

http://www.mylabradar.com/#Contact-us

Some examples OF PUBLISHED BC (vs) MEASURED BC -with % variation between the two figures.
(all published theory based BC figures for hunting bullets in various calibres, can be guilty of the same errors)

Nosler .308 150BT 0.435/0.381
14.17%

Hornady0.308 150 FMJBT 0.398/0.361
10.25%

Winchester 0.308 168 CTBST 0.475/0.421
12.83%

Barnes 0.308 150TSX 0.428/0.349
22.64%

Hornady 0.308 150RN 0.186/0.163(6)
14.11%

Hornady 0.308 165SPBT 0.435/0.406
7.14%

Hornady 0.308 220RN 0.300/0.249
20.48%


--Who in their right mind would rely on bullet Co. computer generated BC figures as being accurate & reliable
for working out Drop and Drift and Vel. for precision LR shooting?


I found out when the Labradar is supposed to be available...this instrument "should" be able to calculate a "in the field" BC.

"The first batch is supposed to be delivered to me at the end of March. This is a limited run, all of which have been spoken for. Full production should start right after that. We have passed all the required FCC testing etc. the only thing that remains is getting into full production. The first units will be sold in the US and Canada, followed by exporting a few months later. We will keep your contact information and will let you know when they are available. They will be available from our website and various local dealers whom we will publish when they have been shipped product to sell. You can also keep watching Facebook and our website for new information. View our YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4a37bqY1SM Retail pricing will be $559.95 USD."

Best regards,
Richard Mouser
Exclusive Distributor for LabRadar

info@mylabradar.com

www.mylabradar.com

Barnes' web site says they measure their BCs at 300 yards. Nosler may not.