Berger Bullets Introduces Revolutionary Sonic Ripple Bullet
At the end of this year, Berger Bullets plans to introduce a new projectile that may truly be the most revolutionary bullet design since the advent of jacketed spitzers in the late 19th Century. Berger’s new bullet is unlike anything we have ever seen before. It features concentric curved ridges, or “ripples”, on the bearing surface. Tests show that this new projectile, dubbed the “Sonic Ripple Bullet”, has signficantly less drag than conventional bullets (no matter what their ogive configuration). In addition, the Sonic Ripple design provides increased stability at all velocities (allowing barrels with slower twist rates for a given bullet weight).
So, what does all this mean in practical terms? Well, compared to conventional bullets (of similar weight/size), the Sonic Ripple Bullet will shoot a flatter trajectory, buck the wind better, retain energy longer, and remain stable for a much longer distance. That’s big news for competitive shooters, tactical shooters, and long-range hunters.
The Science of the Sonic Ripple Bullet Design
Bryan Litz, Ballistician for Berger Bullets, explains: “This radical leap forward in bullet design was made possible by advanced, new bullet-making technologies. The unusual bullet appearance is only part of the revolutionary ‘Sonic Ripple’ system. The curvilinear waves or ripples in the bullet jacket are designed to create a specific resonance when fired from a specially ‘tuned’ barrel system. The result is an optimization of the sonic wavefront created by the bullet as it travels through its trajectory. This wavefront optimization simultaneously reduces bullet drag while increasing bullet stability.”
In essence, the supersonic shock-wave is smoothed out, dramatically reducing secondary wave fronts. This is all good, as Bryan explains: “If all the internal ballistic requirements are met, the Sonic Ripple bullet exits the muzzle with a harmonically-stabilized launch dynamic. As a further benefit of the ripple design, tests show that the concentric ripples also enhance boundary layer airflow attachment on the bullet. This, in turn, dramatically reduces wake turbulence and attendant drag.”
The reduction of wake turbulence (combined with wavefront optimization) represents a “major breakthrough” which should increase projectile BC by at least 0.14 (on G7 scale), according to Bryan. But, we wondered, might the increased surface area associated with the ripples slow the bullet down in flight? Actually, no. Bryan explained: “Eddies in the boundary layer around the ripples actually lower skin friction drag which more than compensates for increased surface area, resulting in a net friction drag loss at all velocities — both supersonic and transonic.”
Sonic Ripple Bullets Available by the End of 2013
When will we see Sonic Ripple Bullets on dealers’ shelves? Maybe this year. Berger’s marketing department told us: “The Sonic Ripple technology is currently under development and is expected to mature enough for commercial application by late fall, 2013.”
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Tags: ballistics, Berger Bullets, Bryan Litz, Bullet Design, bullets, Sonic Ripple, Supersonic, Transonic, Turbulence
Very interesting but I have one question : Will this do better than the “Dimpled Projectiles”from a few years back ? Those looked promising but I imagine in all the reloading shortages of late I must have missed the Part Number. Want to get the soonest so I can at least have ONE box. heh heh heh
Have a good one!
Interestingly, there is a predecessor of this design. Many years ago,at least 40, Herters used to sell bullets that they called Wasp-Waist bullets. With various supposed benefits from a reduction of diameter in the middle of their shanks. Many years later, long after they were no longer in production, some magazine writer did an accuracy test with some. The results were not good. Perhaps this newer version will fare better. http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x157/hhclark/Auction%202/Hertersbullets-2.jpg
Maybe we should indent the bullet just like a golf ball, Add a wing on the boat tail. So funny.
April first is always fun here!.
Please excuse me if I sound skeptical to the extreme of infinity. How come the DOD, NASA, all of our brilliant scientists and supercompiters have not stumbled upon this? Why are they not utilizing this technology as a starting point in space vehicle or projectile design?
Remember this is 4-1-2013
I remember those wasp waist bullets of Herter’s ….
nice – and what an opportune time to release this product…
APRIL FOOLS DAY!
Please note the last four words, “…The curvilinear waves or ripples in the bullet jacket are designed to create a specific resonance when fired from a specially ‘tuned’ barrel system…”
Bryan – substantial amplification, please.
I am also considering publishing specifications on my new reloading tool I’ve developed for relaoding spent primers. This is escpecially important during these times when it’s had to find primers at the local gun shop. I call it my Harold Hill reloading tool. I plan to market it from my home town in River City, Iowa. I have a firm located in Gary, Indiana that will produce the tool. More later.
Are you sure it was Bryan Litz who is quoted here, not the famous Swedish Professor Olaf Priol?
Guys…it is April 1st…
Nice Bryan… Hummmmm. Wasn’t this pulled from that very last minute mid-term paper that you did in your Junior year in the Aerodynamics class? Maybe just changed the word “nose” to “bullet” Anyway, Nice work I was “dazzled with your brilliance”!!! snicker, snicker!!!!
OK…you got me on this. Forgot to look at the calendar.
Ahem, hook line and sinker…
Always good for a chuckle on 4/1….
I have some old Barnes TSX (triple shock x) .224 45 gr. bullets that have two very similar ridges just above the base. I cannot call them ripples. They shot terrible in my .223 and 22-250’s.
Give credit to Mr. Litz and Berger for another above and beyond design.
If you painted shark teeth, they eat the drag away
The ‘wheel’ just got re-invented.
These look like groove bands that monolithic bullet makers have used to decrease surface area, but were only possible because of the fact that they were turned on lathes. It will be interesting to find out if these are made with dies and if not, does that precludes the use of the J4 jackets.
You folk do realize what day today is right?
April fools I bet…
All AF’s aside, anyone ever actually tried these ideas? Why not give them a shot? Next year try the “drilled bullet base with slow burning powder inserted to release gas behind bullet and create a virtual boat tail.”
Fess up, Paul, April Fools. Right?
Crap! He gets me every year.
Nice work Ed.