Tell me about Berger .243 hunting bullets

[Alabama556]

I am in the process of developing a new hunting load for my 243 ackley. Custom Winchester 70 with heavy hart barrel.

I was using 95 grain SST's but I shot several deer at 100 yards or so and the bullet blew up with no exit hole. Several of the deer ran off with no blood trail and were a bitch to find. None ran further than 40-50 yards but it is thick where I hunt. Loadis 44 grains of 4350. I think I am getting 3250 fps. I can't find my data right now.

I get shots from 50 yards to 500 yards.

I don't think I can use the vld with my setup but could shoot their 95 grain classic. Will these bullets hold up at high velocities to get pass throughs? I hunt white tails with this gun. 220lbs would be the biggest animal shot.

Accuracy is important but my main concern is tissue damage and getting a good blood trail. This is the gun my kids and friends kids use.

Thanks

 

[RyeDaddy]

You probably will not get many exits with that bullet. I have used the 95 grain VLD on several whitetail and hogs and only had one exit on a rib shot. Animals didn't run very far either though, most were DRT. I think the farthest runner was a 150 lb pig that made it about 20 yards.

If pass-throughs and blood trails are your goal, why not Barnes?

 

[JLR]

Definitely not going to get pass through shots with a Berger at high velocity/short range. Like was said above, got with a Barnes if that's your goal. That being said, we've had great success with the 105 vld.....just not in the way of pass-through shots.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

I've had my 95 grain classics exit out to 250 but they didn't at 550. This was a little slower than you though cuz it's my forming load.

 

[Rookie]

I love VLDs for accuracy but not hunting. Had one explode on a Texas whitetail at 25 yards. Since switched to Nosler Accubonds. Not as accurate but never seen or heard of one coming apart.

 

[Alabama556]

I am going to stick with the accubonds. I used to shoot the Barnes but I think they are intended for bigger game than whitetail. I lost a few and had to track a few due to the bullet not expanding.

The accubond is my go to hunting bullet in my other calibers.

 

[Rhyno]

No, that bullet is design to expand, and basically explode after three or so inches.

That's the whole purpose and berger clearly states it.

You want something that holds together go monolithic, or bonded.

Personally I'd rather not leave energy in the air.

 

[Juma]

The best thing about Berger deer bullets is that they make you appreciate why you buy Barnes TSX and TTSX because quality never goes out of fashion and unlike the United Nations they take no prisoners.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

No flies on the 95 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip. The 80 grain TTSX works great when you're busting shoulders.