I finished off a black bear @ about 8 yds in the alders with a 308 210 VLD Berger out of a 300 WM yesterday. Muzzle velocity ~ 2975 fps. The cross-section through the chest cavity of the bear was about 16 inches in depth from sternum to the back bone. The bullet hit the bear in the sternum area and didn't exit out the top of the back. So the bear was laying on its side and I shot at the underside of the ribs. The bullet shrapneled and no part of the bullet exited the top of the back. In fact the back straps weren't even damaged.
I observed massive internal damage and the bear expired within seconds from this finishing shot.
Thought this information might be of interest as this test of the 210 VLD was on a live bear. I expected some type of exit wound but nothing exited the top of the bear. First time I've ever had a bullet that was this heavy not exit an animal on a broadside shot.
Conclusion: The Berger VLDs shoot well, have a high BC, and from what I've read, are a good long range bullet after they've slowed down a bit. I couldn't recommend them for large bodied elk, moose, brown bear, etc. at close range (velocity anywhere near 3000 fps).
My plan is to carry Barnes TSXs, Nosler Accubonds, Swift A-Frames, or Trophy Bonded Bear Claws in the magazine while hiking and in camp for any close to mid-range game encounters, and shoot the Bergers on the long range shots. I'm thinking the VLDs will penetrate deeper once they've slowed down to less than 2200-2400 fps.
I observed massive internal damage and the bear expired within seconds from this finishing shot.
Thought this information might be of interest as this test of the 210 VLD was on a live bear. I expected some type of exit wound but nothing exited the top of the bear. First time I've ever had a bullet that was this heavy not exit an animal on a broadside shot.
Conclusion: The Berger VLDs shoot well, have a high BC, and from what I've read, are a good long range bullet after they've slowed down a bit. I couldn't recommend them for large bodied elk, moose, brown bear, etc. at close range (velocity anywhere near 3000 fps).
My plan is to carry Barnes TSXs, Nosler Accubonds, Swift A-Frames, or Trophy Bonded Bear Claws in the magazine while hiking and in camp for any close to mid-range game encounters, and shoot the Bergers on the long range shots. I'm thinking the VLDs will penetrate deeper once they've slowed down to less than 2200-2400 fps.
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