Re: Berger 308 185 VLD for Hunting?
Okay "experts" any 30 caliber rifle from 308 on up with a decent hunting bullet that will shoot inside 2" at 100 yards will kill any lower 48 big game at responsible hunting ranges.
The "experts" who target shoot using live animals to "prove" they can kill at 500-2000 yards are not hunters in the traditional sense of hunting. Anyone who disputes the fact that the chance of wounding an animal at those ranges is far greater than at 300 or less is just dead wrong. Further, it would appear they lack basic hunting skills a or are just to lazy to get out of the truck or off the ATV to actually stalk the animal. One wonders how archers actually kill animals at 40 yards or less that, according to the "experts" are impossible to approach closer than 1000 yards.
On Bergers or other match bullets for hunting: All the PUBLISHED stories I have read say they will kill, BUT typically the entrance hole is closed by the skin and there is no exit hole.
I happen to like TWO holes in an animal should tracking be required. I agree with guys like Elmer Keith, Jack O'Connor and Craig Boddington but the "experts" all know they are just paid off hacks whose experience is worthless. The other "hacks" who write for respected magazines like Handloader and Rifle have actually tested various bullets on ballistic gel, other media and lots of animals.
There is one consistant fact: Well constructed hunting bullets (Swift, Barnes, Accubond, Partitions etc) can be counted on to penetrate and break large bones when required.
So, I am left with the never to be answered question:"Why use a match bullet?"
This made for a dead Elk, bits of jacket material and a lead spray, may or may not. You choice, your ethic.