I bought 100ct box of Berger 140gr 6.5mm Hunting VLDs. I did not get the accuracy I expected. Of the dozen 142gr SMKs I traded to someone to try were better. Is there a noticeable difference in the hunting vs the regular VLDs? Should I give the regular bergers a try or just continue to improve the SMK loads? I should say this is a new rifle so it has not had more than a hundred rds through it. I am just trying to find the best load for the gun.
- Thread starter mnhntr
- Start date
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
There is no difference in the ballistics in Bergers hunting line vs. the target. The only difference is that the hunting bullets have a slightly thicker jacket than the target bullets.
There is no difference in the ballistics in Bergers hunting line vs. the target. The only difference is that the hunting bullets have a slightly thicker jacket than the target bullets.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
More than likely you are having issues with seating depth. The VLD has a secant ogive and likes to be seated close to the lands. The SMK, NOScc, HNDY Match, Berger boat tail Target (not the vld-target) all have a tangent ogive and can be seated out further.
http://www.accurateshooter.com/ballistics/tangent-vs-secant-vs-hybrid-ogive-bullets/
You can play with seating depth until you find an accurate grouping, but for me, if it doesnt fit my mag I have no use for it.
Now, on the horizon is the new Berger hunting hybrid, which will have the best of both worlds. Better BC, and some latitude on seating depth.
More than likely you are having issues with seating depth. The VLD has a secant ogive and likes to be seated close to the lands. The SMK, NOScc, HNDY Match, Berger boat tail Target (not the vld-target) all have a tangent ogive and can be seated out further.
http://www.accurateshooter.com/ballistics/tangent-vs-secant-vs-hybrid-ogive-bullets/
You can play with seating depth until you find an accurate grouping, but for me, if it doesnt fit my mag I have no use for it.
Now, on the horizon is the new Berger hunting hybrid, which will have the best of both worlds. Better BC, and some latitude on seating depth.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
Seating depth is very important with Berger VLD bullets. I have found no difference in accuracy when switching back and forth between Target and Hunting variants. With same load in same gun I get same accuracy.
Don't give up so quickly.
Seating depth is very important with Berger VLD bullets. I have found no difference in accuracy when switching back and forth between Target and Hunting variants. With same load in same gun I get same accuracy.
Don't give up so quickly.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is no difference in the ballistics in Bergers hunting line vs. the target. The only difference is that the hunting bullets have a slightly thicker jacket than the target bullets. </div></div>
Close the hunting bullets have a thinner jacket.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is no difference in the ballistics in Bergers hunting line vs. the target. The only difference is that the hunting bullets have a slightly thicker jacket than the target bullets. </div></div>
Close the hunting bullets have a thinner jacket.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The VLD has a secant ogive and likes to be seated close to the lands. </div></div>
This has not been my experience. In fact, my 25-06 shoots 115 VLD best from .090" from the lands.
Read this from Berger:
Getting the Best Precision and Accuracy from VLD bullets in Your Rifle
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The VLD has a secant ogive and likes to be seated close to the lands. </div></div>
This has not been my experience. In fact, my 25-06 shoots 115 VLD best from .090" from the lands.
Read this from Berger:
Getting the Best Precision and Accuracy from VLD bullets in Your Rifle
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hntbambi</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The VLD has a secant ogive and likes to be seated close to the lands. </div></div>
This has not been my experience. In fact, my 25-06 shoots 115 VLD best from .090" from the lands.
Read this from Berger:
Getting the Best Precision and Accuracy from VLD bullets in Your Rifle
</div></div>
+1 for above link. I start off with .010" off the lands with VLD hunting bullets. Find a good node, then test .050, .090,.130" off. You will find a good group out of those groups, then fine tune .002-.003" from there.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hntbambi</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The VLD has a secant ogive and likes to be seated close to the lands. </div></div>
This has not been my experience. In fact, my 25-06 shoots 115 VLD best from .090" from the lands.
Read this from Berger:
Getting the Best Precision and Accuracy from VLD bullets in Your Rifle
</div></div>
+1 for above link. I start off with .010" off the lands with VLD hunting bullets. Find a good node, then test .050, .090,.130" off. You will find a good group out of those groups, then fine tune .002-.003" from there.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnhntr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Is there a noticeable difference in the hunting vs the regular VLDs? </div></div>
I've shot 130gr target and hunting VLD's beside each other at 1000 yards from my .260, and could see no difference in group size or point of impact. From all I can see, they fly exactly alike, the target flavor are just more resistant to blowing up if you push them too hard and the hunting ones expand better. I always shoot hunting ones unless they're not in stock when I'm buying.
I forget my data, I'm jumping them about .030 if I remember right, and they shoot very well there. And, they kill stuff dead.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnhntr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Is there a noticeable difference in the hunting vs the regular VLDs? </div></div>
I've shot 130gr target and hunting VLD's beside each other at 1000 yards from my .260, and could see no difference in group size or point of impact. From all I can see, they fly exactly alike, the target flavor are just more resistant to blowing up if you push them too hard and the hunting ones expand better. I always shoot hunting ones unless they're not in stock when I'm buying.
I forget my data, I'm jumping them about .030 if I remember right, and they shoot very well there. And, they kill stuff dead.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
The link above has helped me loading for Berger VLD's very much. I started using the method a few years ago. I only shoot hunting VLD's because I hunt with all my rigs. They shoot just like the regular VLD's.....little clusters.
The link above has helped me loading for Berger VLD's very much. I started using the method a few years ago. I only shoot hunting VLD's because I hunt with all my rigs. They shoot just like the regular VLD's.....little clusters.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
Very interesting link.
Thanks! Sort of confirms my findings.
Very interesting link.
Thanks! Sort of confirms my findings.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
I've had really good groups out my Savage m12 .243 with 95gr VLD's and no difference between the target or hunting versions. Bullets are seated .002 off the lands. In my Remy .243 ( shorter mag box) I can't seat the VLD's close to the lands so I just followed the same link provided above and loaded them a couple days ago. I'll post the results if it's not too windy this weekend.
I've had really good groups out my Savage m12 .243 with 95gr VLD's and no difference between the target or hunting versions. Bullets are seated .002 off the lands. In my Remy .243 ( shorter mag box) I can't seat the VLD's close to the lands so I just followed the same link provided above and loaded them a couple days ago. I'll post the results if it's not too windy this weekend.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
The hunting line is the original jacket they started with, the fact they work well on game is a side benefit.
To counter some shooters that were experiencing bullet blowups in the super fast calibers during flight to the target they came out with a target line that has a thicker jacket and handles the high RPM those fast calibers twist and launch at. That is the difference.
The hunting line is the original jacket they started with, the fact they work well on game is a side benefit.
To counter some shooters that were experiencing bullet blowups in the super fast calibers during flight to the target they came out with a target line that has a thicker jacket and handles the high RPM those fast calibers twist and launch at. That is the difference.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
Made it out yesterday afternoon. Three different loads, 0.060 ( just fits the mag box), 0.080 and 0.120 from the lands. The 0.120 did the best, just under 0.4in at 100yds.
Lapua brass, fed205m primer, 45.5gr of IMR 7828sc
Good luck.
Made it out yesterday afternoon. Three different loads, 0.060 ( just fits the mag box), 0.080 and 0.120 from the lands. The 0.120 did the best, just under 0.4in at 100yds.
Lapua brass, fed205m primer, 45.5gr of IMR 7828sc
Good luck.
Re: Berger Hunting VLDs vs Target VLDs
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnhntr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have tried .001 to .004 off the lands. I will keep trying </div></div>
Get'em 0.040" off lands, they'll shoot better if you do.
Berger is a very consistant bullet but seating them 0.004", or less, off lands w/o culling bullet by base to ogive/bearing junction length you are kidding yourself. You'll have some off lands and some slightly jammed into lands. This is the reason you are not getting good accuracy as slight jam is worth about 0.5 gr in powder.
Jumping the Berger VLDs 0.040", or more in some cases, I'm seeing well below 0.5 MOA accuracy.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnhntr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have tried .001 to .004 off the lands. I will keep trying </div></div>
Get'em 0.040" off lands, they'll shoot better if you do.
Berger is a very consistant bullet but seating them 0.004", or less, off lands w/o culling bullet by base to ogive/bearing junction length you are kidding yourself. You'll have some off lands and some slightly jammed into lands. This is the reason you are not getting good accuracy as slight jam is worth about 0.5 gr in powder.
Jumping the Berger VLDs 0.040", or more in some cases, I'm seeing well below 0.5 MOA accuracy.
