Berger VLD mis-shapen tips

[mtngun]

I purchased a box of Berger 7mm 168 gr for a new rifle.
When I opened the box I was surprised many of the bullet tips were mis-shapen: rather than a square cut tip, the crown is slanted at about 30* to 45* on about half of the bullets. This affects only the smallest portion of the tip, but can be clearly seen by eye.
I contacted their customer service and what they offered, while admirable, left me no knowing if I should send them back, or try them.
They said to try them and if not completely satisfied, return the balance of the box for a new box.
So, does anyone have any experience shooting Berger bullets (at 500 to 1k yds) with tips that are not square to the centerline of the bullet?
What would you do?

 

[DIBBS]

Re: Berger VLD mis-shapen tips

I'd say you've got nothing to lose by loading some up and shooting them. If they perform erraticly, send the remainder back for a new box. Seems reasonable to me.

 

[bohem]

Re: Berger VLD mis-shapen tips

For the general game we're playing it doesn't matter that much.

At the national level in F-class or long range Benchrest, then it is time for trimming and tipping the meplats.

 

[jbailey]

Re: Berger VLD mis-shapen tips

Picture?

No impact at 500; slight impact at 1000 (maybe .25-.5moa). Base of bullet, not the nose, is the key dimension. If the bases are f*cked, send them back.

 

[Tripwire]

Re: Berger VLD mis-shapen tips

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesBailey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Picture?

No impact at 500; slight impact at 1000 (maybe .25-.5moa). Base of bullet, not the nose, is the key dimension. If the bases are f*cked, send them back.

</div></div>

I second that....it's the base, not the tip, that matters the most.

The Hornady Vmax and Amax are considered very accurate bullets, and extoled as such here, and elsewhere. I run 'em myself in several rifles. Have you ever spun 'em on a concentricity gauge and watched the plastic tip? Perfect runnout on the ogive but the very tip of the plastic tip wobbles like a drunken hobo. Still, they shoot lights out.......

 

[gvanhyning]

Re: Berger VLD mis-shapen tips

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For the general game we're playing it doesn't matter that much.

At the national level in F-class or long range Benchrest, then it is time for trimming and tipping the meplats. </div></div>
+1 ... that is what the meplat trimmer or tipper is for. I once ask Sierra what the design length was on the 6.5mm 123 gr SMK and their reply ... Don't know and don't care.

 

[dujd09]

Re: Berger VLD mis-shapen tips

I shoot Berger VLD's in my 223 and 260, and the tips are like you describe. I don't think you will have any problems with them. My groups do open up a little starting around 400 yard, but I think that's me and my lousy wind calls. Still, the Bergers shoot MOA or better at 500 and beyond for me. I would take them up on their offer.

I recently bought a meplat trimmer... but so far haven't bothered to use it. Maybe I'll trim some of the Bergers and try to get some objective results to see if its worth the extra time.

 

[Buzzsaw]

Re: Berger VLD mis-shapen tips

normal, just measure oal off ogive