7mm RM with 180vld

[malcarjeb]

I just got a few sample 180 VLD from JLK and the bullets look impressive with a listed BC of .735. Has anyone tried these and if so, does the advertised BC work out to the .735? I did get to try them today a 100 yards and they shot very well. What powders are you using for the 180s? Velocity in 7mm Rem Mag? How well do you think these would work for whitetail deer?

Thanks

[linksmechanic]

I'm getting 2900 with 68 grains of retumbo and 215m primers. I'm shooting the bergers. They group into tiny groups. This is max load according to hodgdon.

[MontanaRifleman]

I think the VLD's are great bullets, my only concern with them is their expolsive nature at high velocities. I would consider using them as a long range bullet, i.e., 600 yds plus for accuracy and longer down range ballistics and punch and something else close in.

[MontanaRifleman]

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May I ask how long your barrel is and how far off the lands your bullets are seated? I'm guessing the shape of the ogive might not allow close seating to the lands. But if you're getting good velocity and accuracy I guess it doesn't matter.

[linksmechanic]

montana: what are your concerns with vlds at close range? Penetration? loss of meat? I have shot numerous animals with them at close range. I shot a deer last year at 10 yards and it was devastating. Bang flop! entrance hole was tiny. Exit hole was a silver dollar. Just curious.

[Derek M.]

Originally Posted by malcarjeb

Has anyone tried these and if so, does the advertised BC work out to the .735? I did get to try them today a 100 yards and they shot very well. What powders are you using for the 180s? Velocity in 7mm Rem Mag? How well do you think these would work for whitetail deer?

Thanks

Email Jeremy Winters at BOTW Productions. His favored load for LRH is 7mag/180 VLD/Retumbo. jeremy@botwproductions.com

If I recall, he stated to me that 73.0 grains of Retumbo was his load with the 168 VLD. I do not know what charge he is using with the 180s. He also stated that his Broughton 5C barrel is 27" long. He can give you all the details. I've exchanged several emails with him and talked with him on the phone....very nice fellow.

[linksmechanic]

My barrel length on my rifle is 26". I'm just at or slightly into the lands. No pressure signs. Berger vld's are designed to be at or in the lands.