Berger VLD or not?

[stover]

I'm currently using 69 grain HPBT SMKs for HighPower matches, A few people at the matches are using Berger and swear by them. I'd like to give them a try but I dont know if I should be using the VLD or "normal" match projectiles? Anyone use both? Any comments on them? Thanks

[Stringer]

What twist is your barrel?

I've had acceptable results with the Berger 73 gr out of a 1-9" twist, out to 500+ yards. I haven't tried any of the VLD varieties though.

I've observed that the Bergers are much more uniform from bullet to bullet than the SMK.

[stover]

I'm using a 1/9 primarly but waiting for a new WOA upper in 1/7.7. I agree with what you found with the uniformity of the SMKs. Mine have ranged from 69.2-69.9 grains. I group them in batches by weight for matches.

[Stringer]

Oooh WOA...nice!

Might as well give a box of the 80 gr a try. Also, give Berger a call. They'll email you load data and give you recommendations. I haven't tried any bullets that long, but getting your cartridge at magazine length could be an issue. You might want to ask them about that. In their load data sheet, they specify that all loads be 2.260" COAL, which strikes me as very odd, especially since their FB varmint bullets are really short, even compared to just the 73 gr.

Word of warning: the relatively high cost of Berger bullets really adds up over time.

[stover]

Oooh WOA...nice!

Might as well give a box of the 80 gr a try. Also, give Berger a call. They'll email you load data and give you recommendations. I haven't tried any bullets that long, but getting your cartridge at magazine length could be an issue. You might want to ask them about that. In their load data sheet, they specify that all loads be 2.260" COAL, which strikes me as very odd, especially since their FB varmint bullets are really short, even compared to just the 73 gr.

Word of warning: the relatively high cost of Berger bullets really adds up over time.

Yeah, Can't wait for the WOA upper to show up. I'm definately am going to try 80 grain for the 600 yd line. I'll give Berger a call for their load data. Thanks.

[Ahhnother8]

I'm currently using 69 grain HPBT SMKs for HighPower matches, A few people at the matches are using Berger and swear by them. I'd like to give them a try but I dont know if I should be using the VLD or "normal" match projectiles? Anyone use both? Any comments on them? Thanks

If you test your loads and are experienced at reloading, then the 80 VLD's work great. If not, then the 82 might be a better choice. They are more forgiving for those that don't want to work a little to find a good load. The Hornady 80's are also a great bullet.

[bombadillo]

One of the best groups I had ever gotten was a Berger VLD but it was lighter than 69gr. I honestly don't remember what the bullet weight was, but it was fired out of an 18" JP 1:9 twist Stainless bbl. It was around 3/4" or so just plinking around.

[GeoffLinder]

Unless you are shooting High Master level scores just stick with the SMK 69 and 77's and 80's. Your pocketbook will thank you and you will not see a difference on the target face.

[stover]

If you test your loads and are experienced at reloading, then the 80 VLD's work great. If not, then the 82 might be a better choice. They are more forgiving for those that don't want to work a little to find a good load. The Hornady 80's are also a great bullet.

I do quite a bit of reloading and testing. This is why I an thinking about a different load. I like what I have come up with so far with the SMKs but I'd like to experiment a bit with something different. I am aware what the VLDs are pretty touchy when it comes to COAL.

[killshot44]

I use the Bergers, both type. Sent a PM....

[bridgeport]

I am more a fan of the VLD in my heavier rifles such as 7mm RSAUM where I use the 180 VLD exclusively. I use the 70 VLD in 223 and find it superior to the 69 smk in the sweet spot. You must really be shooting at the razors edge to notice the difference though. I notice slightly decreased recoil using the VLD and believe that was the reason it was developed, that is to achieve superior flight characteristics with slightly less powder charge.