VLD vs ELD-x

[Trapper65]

I have a 6.5 Creedmoor with a 24 inch barrel (Remington 5r) that I've been shooting factory 143 grain ELD-x with good results. Now that I have lots of brass I'm ready to reload for it.

I was looking at some 140 grain hunting VLDs as I've had good results with VLD bullets on my 25-06. But I've had good results with these factory ELD-x that I'm considering reloading with them.

Anyone used these and have results they want to share? I know the VLD can be tricky to initially get the "sweet spot" off the lands, not sure if the ELD-x is the same or not. I have plenty of H4350 I'm planning on using

 

[biednick]

Good luck finding the Bergers. I switched to ELD-X because the Bergers are so scarce. I've found the ELD-Xs are much less sensitive to seating depth than VLDs.

Both have performed well for me. I don't see a reason to switch back to the VLDs, but if availability flips I will.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

I have a 6.5 Creedmoor with a 24 inch barrel (Remington 5r) that I've been shooting factory 143 grain ELD-x with good results. Now that I have lots of brass I'm ready to reload for it.

Seeing that you have already had good results with the 143 ELD-X, and that they are available & less expensive, I'd stick with them.

 

[Trapper65]

Good luck finding the Bergers. I switched to ELD-X because the Bergers are so scarce. I've found the ELD-Xs are much less sensitive to seating depth than VLDs.

Both have performed well for me. I don't see a reason to switch back to the VLDs, but if availability flips I will.

Yeah the availability may make the decision for me. I use VLD in my other caliber's reloads so that got me leaning that way. Glad to know the ELD-x isn't as sensitive to seating depth

Anyone have recommended loads?

 

[biednick]

Yeah the availability may make the decision for me. I use VLD in my other caliber's reloads so that got me leaning that way. Glad to know the ELD-x isn't as sensitive to seating depth

Anyone have recommended loads?

Your typical pet loads for 6.5 CM are a good starting place. There's nothing really special about them, they're just a fairly easy to load long range bullet that expands well. I've been running near max charges of StaBall 6.5.

 

[FEENIX]

Good luck finding the Bergers. I switched to ELD-X because the Bergers are so scarce. I've found the ELD-Xs are much less sensitive to seating depth than VLDs.

Both have performed well for me. I don't see a reason to switch back to the VLDs, but if availability flips I will.

- Eurooptic has 140s, https://www.eurooptic.com/search.aspx?keyword=140 bergers
- Midway, https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1076137644?pid=845049
- Precision Reloading, and https://www.precisionreloading.com/cart.php#!l=BG&i=26701

 

[-WARDOG-]

VLD are different than VLD-H (Hunting).
I agree. I was a fan of Berger VLD-H's but since I haven't found them (.264 140 gr) in a year, anywhere, I recently switched to ELDx.

 

[biednick]

- Eurooptic has 140s, https://www.eurooptic.com/search.aspx?keyword=140 bergers
- Midway, https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1076137644?pid=845049
- Precision Reloading, and https://www.precisionreloading.com/cart.php#!l=BG&i=26701

Those are their target bullets, not hunting bullets. They proved to be explosive the one time I tried them.

Berger 6.5mm 140gr Match VLD Hunting (100pk) 26504

Berger 6.5mm 140gr Match VLD Hunting 26504 for sale! Call (570) 368-3920

www.eurooptic.com

Berger Hunting Bullets 264 Cal, 6.5mm (264 Diameter) 140 Grain VLD

The Berger Hunting bullet line features match grade bullets that have the highest possible ballistic coefficient designed for 300 yards or more....

www.midwayusa.com

Shop Rifle & Shotgun Reloading Supplies | Dies | Bullets | Hulls | Wads | Powder - Precision Reloading

Shop online for shotshell and metallic reloading supplies, shooting supplies, metallic presses, rifle reloading components, shotshell reloading components, shooting accessories, rifle reloading brass and Bullets.

www.precisionreloading.com

 

[FEENIX]

Those are their target bullets, not hunting bullets. They proved to be explosive the one time I tried them.

Berger 6.5mm 140gr Match VLD Hunting (100pk) 26504

Berger 6.5mm 140gr Match VLD Hunting 26504 for sale! Call (570) 368-3920

www.eurooptic.com

Berger Hunting Bullets 264 Cal, 6.5mm (264 Diameter) 140 Grain VLD

The Berger Hunting bullet line features match grade bullets that have the highest possible ballistic coefficient designed for 300 yards or more....

www.midwayusa.com

Shop Rifle & Shotgun Reloading Supplies | Dies | Bullets | Hulls | Wads | Powder - Precision Reloading

Shop online for shotshell and metallic reloading supplies, shooting supplies, metallic presses, rifle reloading components, shotshell reloading components, shooting accessories, rifle reloading brass and Bullets.

www.precisionreloading.com

I use target bullets, i.e., 215s, without any issues. I also prefer the ELD-Ms over the Xs. So yes, they are marketed as target bullets but have been a proven bullet in effectively harvesting games, esp. at LRH. Many of us here use them. Berger bullets (hunting or target) are designed to fragment on impact. In short, they are available and effective.

 

[FEENIX]

VLD are different than VLD-H (Hunting).
I agree. I was a fan of Berger VLD-H's but since I haven't found them (.264 140 gr) in a year, anywhere, I recently switched to ELDx.

 

[MallardAddict]

140 vld's are out there but in my 6.5's I've come to prefer the 130 OTM. In my experience they are a bit easier to find a good load for. Work just as well on game, the little bit of extra speed helps and most of all they are easier to find.

 

[buckbrush]

I use target bullets, i.e., 215s, without any issues. I also prefer the ELD-Ms over the Xs. So yes, they are marketed as target bullets but have been a proven bullet in effectively harvesting games, esp. at LRH. Many of us here use them. Berger bullets (hunting or target) are designed to fragment on impact. In short, they are available and effective.

View attachment 433240

He's inquiring about 6.5 mm bullets, not 30 cal???

 

[FEENIX]

He's inquiring about 6.5 mm bullets, not 30 cal???

I use them, too; I just have more experience with the 215s. I posted the 215s because it is my latest bullet acquisition and to prove Berger bullets are out there, along with the links I provided.

Good luck finding the Bergers.

 

[FEENIX]

140 vld's are out there but in my 6.5's I've come to prefer the 130 OTM. In my experience they are a bit easier to find a good load for. Work just as well on game, the little bit of extra speed helps and most of all they are easier to find.

Agreed! I need to give the 130 OTM a try too.