Re: Lapua scenars & Berger VLDs
Speaking of BC only, the 185 Scenar is a poor performer. The bullet has a reputation for very good accuracy, but the drag is over 14% higher than the 155 Scenar. It has a slightly higher BC only because it's so much heavier.
.30 cal 155 Scenar: G7 BC = 0.236
.30 cal 185 Scenar: G7 BC = 0.247
Considering the MV hit you take with the 185, the overall comparison is in favor of the 155 Scenar for both wind deflection and drop.
If you're looking for a 185 grain class bullet for target shooting, I highly recommend the 185 Berger BT: G7 BC = 0.287 (0.006 higher than the VLD). This is the bullet I'll be shooting in Palma competition this year (in matches where the < 156 grain restriction isn't enforced). Even at lower MV's, this bullet outperforms the best 155's by a noticeable margin (speaking of wind deflection only. The 155's will still be flatter for quite a ways).
You'll have an easier time finding accuracy with the BT than the VLD because of the tangent ogive, it's not nearly as sensitive to seating depth as the VLD. In the case of the Berger .30 cal 185's, I would only recommend the VLD's if your application is hunting (the VLD's are Berger's Hunting bullets). If you're intent on shooting the VLD,
here's a link to our recommended seating depth test that's been used sucsesfully by many shooters to find the <span style="font-style: italic">seating depth sweet spot</span> for VLD's.
The 190 grain Sierra Match King is another popular option in this weight class: G7 BC = 0.270. Easy accuracy and lots of high scores and records shot with this bullet. Ballistic performance wise, it's between the 185 Scenar and 185 Berger BT. Sierra recommends against using their Match King bullets for hunting.
All of the above bullets are stable from a 1:12" twist or faster barrel.
I hope this information is useful,
-Bryan