Berger VLD test

[Antelope_Sniper]

Tested the 140gr Berger VLD in my 7STW this weekend. I used the new Berger recommended of varing seating depths:

Load 24 rounds at the following COAL if you are a hunter (pulling a bullet out of the case with your rifling while in the field can be a hunt ending event which must be avoided) or a competition shooter who worries about pulling a bullet during a match:
1. .010 off the lands (jump) 6 rounds
2. .050 off the lands (jump) 6 rounds
3. .090 off the lands (jump) 6 rounds
4. .130 off the lands (jump) 6 rounds

Shoot 2 (separate) 3 shot groups in fair conditions to see how they group. The remarkable reality of this test is that one of these 4 COALs will outperform the other three by a considerable margin. Once you know which one of these 4 COAL shoots best then you can tweak the COAL +/- .002 or .005. Taking the time to set this test up will pay off when you find that your rifle is capable of shooting the VLD bullets very well (even at 100 yards).

Well, I had to start at magazine length and work in. The groups were consistant....Consistantly the size of PIE PLATES.

 

[FOTIS]

That is sad!

 

[Ridge_Runner]

thats odd, I shot a group sat out of my 6.5 gibbs with 140 bergers that was around .3, .030" off the lands.
RR

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

I shot a group sat out of my 6.5 gibbs with 140 bergers that was around .3

That's what I was hoping for!

I think it's the length of my throat that's the problem. To get that close to the lands I'd have to shoot it single shot...and the bullets would probably fall out of the case. I wanted the 168's because they have a longer bearing surface, i.e. better support while the case is leaving case for the lands...but none in stock.

Might be fun to play with it single shot just to see what happens

 

[Guy Miner]

They're an interesting bullet. Can be superbly accurate, but sometimes it takes a bit of messing around w/seating depth to find that sweet spot.

I've used them in my .25-06, a 7mm Rem mag, the .308 Win, and the .300 WSM with excellent results. For hunting though - they are interesting... Have taken only one mule deer with the VLD, and it worked exactly as gunwriter John Barsness said it would:

Penetrated into the chest cavity with a very small/narrow entry wound, then expanded violently and destroyed the heart & lungs. Reminded me a bit of my experiences with the Nosler Ballistic Tip, another deer bullet with very rapid expansion.

For longer range shooting they're worth messing with because of the very high BC and resulting excellent performance in the wind and at long ranges. The 168 VLD has shot pretty well from my 7mm Rem mag.

Regards, Guy

 

[Big Squeeze]

Well, I had to start at magazine length and work in. The groups were consistant....Consistantly the size of PIE PLATES.

........................Pie plate groupings uh????.....I`m sorry!.... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: ....Keep trying!

Interestingly, the very first time I loaded some 168 gr VLDs using some Varget for my shorty Ruger 300 WSM, I started with the max COAL that my magazine would allow for hunting (magazine loadings) use. Don`t know exactly how far off the lands they were, but my groupings were sub-moa.

Damn them Rugers anyway; they can`t shoot!!.... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

The gun will shoot. I shot .40 with the 160 AB's but I would like to be shooting 1/4", and I think the Berger have set a few more distance records then the AB's....

 

[Ridge_Runner]

sniper, try the 180's, bergers have a problem when you launch them too hard and fast. If I wouldn't have just found some wildcat 200's I was going with the 180's in my 7 AM.
I've heard it said by guys in the know that you really can't push a berger real hard and get top notch accuracy.
RR

 

[Big Squeeze]

The gun will shoot. I shot .40 with the 160 AB's but I would like to be shooting 1/4", and I think the Berger have set a few more distance records then the AB's....

.......Your rifle just may not like the 140 VLDs, but may enjoy feeding on the heavier 168s and the 180s.

If you load to the max COAL that your magazine will allow for hunting and you`re still off the lands by a good margin, that may be too much bullet jump for achieving accurate VLDs coming out of your rifle.

Try a heavier VLD. Load em out as much as the magazine will allow and see what happens.

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the advice. I'll try a few more lengths with the 140's, and some heavier ones when I can find them. I have a keg of IMR 5010, which should push the 180's out at about the right velocity. I know I'm rifled fast enough for the 168's, but the 180's might be a little questionable. I guess there's one way to find out.

 

[Powerstroke]

A_Sniper,

I hear ya... I can't say I've given them a great effort and would like to go give them another try....
I've shot the 130's ok out of the .260... the 140's like you say.. Pie Plate Groups... :lol:
My .300RUM isn't much of a fan of what I've tried either...

 

[Ridge_Runner]

an STW with a 9 twist will stabilize up to 200 gr wildcats.
RR