Berger Target VLDs for Hunting Experiences?

[elkaholic]

Originally Posted by canyonman1

I witnessed a long time shooting buddy of mine hit a small blacktail buck in the shoulders with his 7-08 improved 168 gr. Berger target vld. @ 2,832 fps. Knocked him on his ass. Exit hole was 1.5". Whats amazing is the range was 1,050 yards! Dear was DRT. Never twitched. I was scepticle of the bullet for small game at long range so I was on "back up" with my 338 Edge. Not needed.

I suspect that the bullet expanded because it went through both shoulder blades! I'm not too sure that a shot through the ribs would produce the same results but nevertheless, still quite encouraging. Good post!.......Rich

[canyonman1]

Yes sir. Through both shoulders. I was in doubt also, hence the Edge. But this time it turned out just fine. I believe he is going to the hunting vld with the thinner jacket. Should be better at long range for low velocity impacts.

[Blacktail]

Originally Posted by sniperjwt

A good friend of mine and I have shot deer with the 168 grain target bullets in our 7mm stw and had great results. I am shooting at 3330 fps and his is at 3380 fps. We have shot deer from 200 to 960 yards and get the same results every time (dead deer) pin size entrance hole 3 inch exit hole with the insides completly demolished. I asked him if he was going to switch to the hunting ones he just told me if it ain't broke don't fix it. I however have bought a box of the hunting to see for myself how they work. I emailed Walt Berger my results with the target bullets and he did not seem surprised by the results.

Just curious to what load you guys are using. i have a 26" shilen on a 700 action. I ran the 168's with 80 grs of h1000 and best i could get was 3150 fps but it was .5 groups. i would love to get closer to your fps i would be extactic with 3250..any help would be appreciated..,thnx

[elkaholic]

Originally Posted by canyonman1

Yes sir. Through both shoulders. I was in doubt also, hence the Edge. But this time it turned out just fine. I believe he is going to the hunting vld with the thinner jacket. Should be better at long range for low velocity impacts.

If you REALLY want to expand at low velocity, use the A-max. I wouldn't use it up too close though.....Rich

[sniperjwt]

Originally Posted by Blacktail

Just curious to what load you guys are using. i have a 26" shilen on a 700 action. I ran the 168's with 80 grs of h1000 and best i could get was 3150 fps but it was .5 groups. i would love to get closer to your fps i would be extactic with 3250..any help would be appreciated..,thnx

i am useing 77grains of RL22 and he is useing IMR 7828 but im not exactly sure how much. My barrel is whatever comes on a weatherby mk V 26" and his is a 30" but not sure of the maker.

[Team Roper]

I have used both the hunting vld and the target vld on Elk, Whitetails and Pigs ranging from 60 yds to 410 yds. I honestly cannot tell the difference between the 2. I believe it is more of a marketing gimmick having the designation of the "Hunting VLD" Just my 2 cents.

[MontanaRifleman]

If my memory serves me well... which I think it does .... the meplat of the target bullets is the same thickness as the hunting bullets, and gradually thickens as it gets to the bearing surface of the bullet.

The minimum advertised expanding velocity for the Berger hunting bullets is 1800 fps, which is the same for many other hunting bullets. Ballistic tips are 1600 fps, as well as most GS HV's.