Do polymer tips do anything or just looks?
 

Another newbie bullet question, but I have noticed a lot of manufacturers offer a bullet with a hollow point, then offer the exact same bullet with a plastic tip for a few more bucks (barnes, harvester, powerbelt).

If a projectile is traveling at the speed of these projectiles with at least 100 grains of powder behind them, is a little pointy plastic tip gonna do anything? Maybe its because I am new to muzzleloading but it seems like it just looks cool.

You probably wouldnt notice it on the average ML shot but the polymer tip serves two functions. One, it provides a more streamlined shape accounting for better ballistics and two, upon impact the polymer tip is forced back into the 'nose' of the bullet to assist in starting the expansion.

Well the objective of the tip is of course to be driven back into the bullet and help in the over all expansion. Also at long range, I am sure there is some effect to flight of a pointed bullet compared to a hollow point bullet. So in answer to your question, yes the pointy tip does something. It probably helps in the stabilization and flight pattern of the bullet at long distances, and also offers some assistance in the over all expansion of the bullet once it hits the intended target.

The better BC makes a difference at long range in both velocity and enegry, the soft tip keeps the hollow point from cutting a plug which would keep the hollow point from opening properly, as well as effecting the opening.

So if I am shooting 100 grains of Triple seven pellets and will not take a shot over 150 yards, does it matter if I shoot a hollowpoint or polymer tip?

I can't see that a tip adds anything at that range buckslayr. I shoot 250 grain Deep Curls at that range with very good accuracy, and they have a HUGH hollow point.

The pointy tip bullets absolutely give better accuracy, especially at longer ranges. a good example is a SST bullet. look at some of the groups people are shooting with harvester PT gold bullets and the parker extremes and barnes poly tipped M/L bullets.IMHO it makes a huge difference,especially at the 200 yd mark.