berger VLD bullets

benny7mmWSM · January 27, 2010, 08:11 AM

i am in the process of loadining some target ammo for 270 win, 308 win, 7mm WSM, im gonna load some berger VLD hollow points in various wieghts mostly heavier. so its said that they a extremly good long range projectiles i figured that a good hand load and projectile polishing i can get a consisant 700 yards from my 308 in 175gr, does any one know what kind of effect they will have on like whitetail game at various distance, will they be suitible for hunting do you know what the interior ballistics are. thanks

**Unclenick** · January 27, 2010, 04:32 PM

Yes. Not sure what you want to know exactly? Be aware that long bullets need adequate twist to stabilize them. Berger's minimum twists are on this page in the right column.

Be aware that some VLD shapes cannot be seated deeply enough to allow the finished cartridge to fit in a magazine. Those need to be loaded singly. You probably also want to look at this from Walt Berger on seating his bullets.

CarterMccoy · January 27, 2010, 06:42 PM

I read somewhere that Berger bullets were originally designed to be long distance competition projectiles. Somewhere along the way, some moron shot one into some media and BAM, great expansion too!

Apparently, the construction lends itself not only to velocity retention, but to excellent expansion on game as well.

I got some 115 VLDs for my 25 caliber, and cant wait t o try them.

Thank you for that twist recommendation link, big help there. 1 in 10 is pretty much the standard for 25-06 rem., but it never hurts to verify what you THINK the twist should be.

amamnn · January 28, 2010, 12:14 AM

Direct your question to Walt Berger on the Berger website. I am sure he will be able to answer your question and I am also sure he'll be happy to do it.

jordandakota · January 28, 2010, 01:54 AM

On the show "Best of the West" which plays on the outdoor channel they use the Berger VLD bullets with either a 7mm or 7mm WSM. The ballistic coefficient for that caliber is a very aerodynamic rating. They constantly make long range shots. Here is their website: http://www.thebestofthewest.net/

tachunter · January 28, 2010, 02:31 AM

Quote:

does any one know what kind of effect they will have on like whitetail game at various distance, will they be suitible for hunting do you know what the interior ballistics are

For the VLD's...devastating effects. I think if you can't drop an elk at 850yds with one shot, a white tail would be subject to even worse results. Watch the show “Best of the West.” The drop everything from Elk to Moose at ranges over 800yds.

VaFisher · January 28, 2010, 07:03 AM

I have used 30 caliper Berger on deer myself with great results.

**Unclenick** · January 28, 2010, 08:43 AM

This brings up an interesting topic. The reason the Adjutant General's opinion from the 80's OK'd the development of the Sierra 175 grain MatchKing for M118LR sniper ammo, is he found the small hollow points in match bullets were non-expanding, and therefore did not violate the Hague Accords expanding bullet prohibition for warfare. I would not expect Berger VLD's to be any different? I know the VLD's they made for target shooting were the same ones that started their use for hunting. I just assumed the longer shapes would tumble more easily on impact than a shorter shape does, but I could be way off the mark there. I think I'll have to communicate with Berger to ask what they've learned on the topic?

benny7mmWSM · January 28, 2010, 06:05 PM

thanks for the info guys, and UNCLENICK's link that much information on seating depth is just nuts, blows my freakin mind. but i will work with it.

benny7mmWSM · January 28, 2010, 06:09 PM

i spent years sending 175 gr ball ammo down range one at a time never would i have thought that there was this much to gettin long range accuracy, im not trying to shoot the tightest group, just keep it simple and keep it sub MOA! HOOOOOAAHH!

VaFisher · January 28, 2010, 06:59 PM

Quote:

This brings up an interesting topic. The reason the Adjutant General's opinion from the 80's OK'd the development of the Sierra 175 grain MatchKing for M118LR sniper ammo, is he found the small hollow points in match bullets were non-expanding, and therefore did not violate the Hague Accords expanding bullet prohibition for warfare. I would not expect Berger VLD's to be any different? I know the VLD's they made for target shooting were the same ones that started their use for hunting. I just assumed the longer shapes would tumble more easily on impact than a shorter shape does, but I could be way off the mark there. I think I'll have to communicate with Berger to ask what they've learned on the topic?

They may look alike but I can tell you from experence the berger bullet performs well and very much like the ballistic tips. The do not just punch a hole.

January 27, 2010, 08:11 AM	#1
benny7mmWSM Member Join Date: January 12, 2010 Location: MISSISSIPPI, INC. Posts: 56	berger VLD bullets i am in the process of loadining some target ammo for 270 win, 308 win, 7mm WSM, im gonna load some berger VLD hollow points in various wieghts mostly heavier. so its said that they a extremly good long range projectiles i figured that a good hand load and projectile polishing i can get a consisant 700 yards from my 308 in 175gr, does any one know what kind of effect they will have on like whitetail game at various distance, will they be suitible for hunting do you know what the interior ballistics are. thanks

January 27, 2010, 04:32 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	Yes. Not sure what you want to know exactly? Be aware that long bullets need adequate twist to stabilize them. Berger's minimum twists are on this page in the right column. Be aware that some VLD shapes cannot be seated deeply enough to allow the finished cartridge to fit in a magazine. Those need to be loaded singly. You probably also want to look at this from Walt Berger on seating his bullets. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 27, 2010, 06:42 PM	#3
CarterMccoy Member Join Date: December 31, 2009 Posts: 66	Berger for hunting I read somewhere that Berger bullets were originally designed to be long distance competition projectiles. Somewhere along the way, some moron shot one into some media and BAM, great expansion too! Apparently, the construction lends itself not only to velocity retention, but to excellent expansion on game as well. I got some 115 VLDs for my 25 caliber, and cant wait t o try them. Thank you for that twist recommendation link, big help there. 1 in 10 is pretty much the standard for 25-06 rem., but it never hurts to verify what you THINK the twist should be.

January 28, 2010, 12:14 AM	#4
amamnn Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2006 Location: WA, the left armpit of the USA Posts: 1,323	Direct your question to Walt Berger on the Berger website. I am sure he will be able to answer your question and I am also sure he'll be happy to do it. __________________ "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal

January 28, 2010, 08:43 AM	#8
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	This brings up an interesting topic. The reason the Adjutant General's opinion from the 80's OK'd the development of the Sierra 175 grain MatchKing for M118LR sniper ammo, is he found the small hollow points in match bullets were non-expanding, and therefore did not violate the Hague Accords expanding bullet prohibition for warfare. I would not expect Berger VLD's to be any different? I know the VLD's they made for target shooting were the same ones that started their use for hunting. I just assumed the longer shapes would tumble more easily on impact than a shorter shape does, but I could be way off the mark there. I think I'll have to communicate with Berger to ask what they've learned on the topic? __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 28, 2010, 01:54 AM	#5
jordandakota Member Join Date: January 26, 2010 Posts: 16	On the show "Best of the West" which plays on the outdoor channel they use the Berger VLD bullets with either a 7mm or 7mm WSM. The ballistic coefficient for that caliber is a very aerodynamic rating. They constantly make long range shots. Here is their website: http://www.thebestofthewest.net/

January 28, 2010, 07:03 AM	#7
VaFisher Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2006 Posts: 596	I have used 30 caliper Berger on deer myself with great results.

January 28, 2010, 06:05 PM	#9
benny7mmWSM Member Join Date: January 12, 2010 Location: MISSISSIPPI, INC. Posts: 56	thanks for the info guys, and UNCLENICK's link that much information on seating depth is just nuts, blows my freakin mind. but i will work with it. __________________ as i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i fear no one, for i am the best shot in the valley. U.S. ARMY SNIPER!!!!!

January 28, 2010, 06:09 PM	#10
benny7mmWSM Member Join Date: January 12, 2010 Location: MISSISSIPPI, INC. Posts: 56	i spent years sending 175 gr ball ammo down range one at a time never would i have thought that there was this much to gettin long range accuracy, im not trying to shoot the tightest group, just keep it simple and keep it sub MOA! HOOOOOAAHH! __________________ as i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i fear no one, for i am the best shot in the valley. U.S. ARMY SNIPER!!!!!