someone gave me some Bergers in 257

[nitis]

I am wondering what you all think of them and I am open to suggestions. I always like to try new bullets especially when they are free!

I have a 257 wby and a 25.06. Both love the 110 AccuBond and RL22 and RL17 respectively

Biggest question is what length to load my wby at it likes short3.16 with the accubonds

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

My 2506 shot them exceptionally well with rl22.

1-2" groups at 400 yards from a bench. 3 shot groups.

115g VLD
50g RL22
CCI 200
Win Case
3.352" right at lands in M700
1/4-1/2 MOA at 3000fps

My Win model 70 classic sporter also really liked the 125g Wildcat ULD RBBT with 50g RL22 as well...

Seems like good place to start.

 

[DrMike]

Try them and see what they do for you. Some people really like them. They will generally give a high degree of accuracy.

 

[HTDUCK]

I contacted Berger when I started working up loads in my 264 with the VLDs.
Their advice was load 3 rounds at the lands.
Next three .040 off the lands.
Next three .080 off the lands.
Next three .120 off the lands.

Somewhere in there you should see a sweet spot.
Adjust OAL as you like from best group.
I never made it past the first bunch, 5 rounds went into one ragged hole.
YMMV

Howard

 

[SJB358]

I contacted Berger when I started working up loads in my 264 with the VLDs.
Their advice was load 3 rounds at the lands.
Next three .040 off the lands.
Next three .080 off the lands.
Next three .120 off the lands.

Somewhere in there you should see a sweet spot.
Adjust OAL as you like from best group.
I never made it past the first bunch, 5 rounds went into one ragged hole.
YMMV

Howard

Nice! I remember those groups and man, they looked pretty awesome..

 

[Guy Miner]

I've used the 115 gr Berger on three mule deer and a few coyotes etc.

First thing to figure out is if you've got the thicker jacket target bullets, or the thinner jacket hunting bullets. The original VLD's had the thinner jackets, and later were labeled "hunting" bullets after Berger started marketing them as such.

The thicker "target" jackets were introduced a few years ago when some long-range precision shooters found that with a fast twist barrel and a heavy powder charge, the thin jacketed originals could come apart in mid flight. Believe me, Berger isn't the only bullet to have ever suffered this malady, they just did something about it, and didn't keep it quiet.

The difference is important to a hunter.

The original, now hunting, VLD's were extensively tested by hunters and from what I've seen, they perform as advertised: excellent accuracy, good BC's for a flat trajectory and minimal wind drift, initial penetration of an inch or two (perfect for through the ribs shots, or even shoulder blades on deer) and then violent expansion inside the animal's chest cavity - resulting in massive damage and a quick drop.

There are a couple of guys posting on different forums that they prefer the performance of the thicker jacket "target" bullets even for hunting - but I don't believe that Berger has yet endorsed that. As I recall, those fellows have stated that the bullets are hanging together better and that they're getting exits - which aren't all that common with the originals.

Just some thoughts to mull over. Most of this has been hashed out before. Some folks seem to hate the Bergers, some wax enthusiastically about them. I try to explain them. A noted gunwriter you might want to look up, who has used the Bergers extensively, is John Barsness. He's pleased with them for deer sized game, as am I.

Best of luck. They can be a bit of a trial to get shooting well. Mine have shot well from the .25-06 Rem 700 with Retumbo powder.

Regards, Guy

 

[nitis]

Thanks for the replies I cant wait to get started

on another note anyone have any experience with the berger 87 gr? how would this bullet do on small deer or coyotes