Berger reloading- am I missing something?

[TBuckus]

I have some Berger Classic Hunters (.270 130gr. to be exact) that I'm planning on reloading.
In the Berger reloading manual, it states the VLD bullet and posts the data for it.
I haven't read the whole book. Can I assume that the reload data that they post for a particular grain bullet is the same whether it is a VLD or Classic Hunter?

I always hate to assume............

 

[Derek M.]

My first thought was yes. But like any guide, use them just as such. Start at the minimum recommended charge, then work up in your rifle and just take note of their max. I've never had one rifle max out at their max, always higher for me, so just work up slow until you find that pressure in your firearm.

 

[TBuckus]

Got a reply back from Berger. They said it is the same data.

 

[429421Cowboy]

On a related note, myself and many others here find Berger data to be very light, especially if you set the bullets out further like they want to be, so some personal discretion might get you the best safe load...

 

[varmintH8R]

On a related note, myself and many others here find Berger data to be very light, especially if you set the bullets out further like they want to be, so some personal discretion might get you the best safe load...

I would agree. Typically I try to get 3 different reference points for "similar" bullets of a given weight. By similar I mean not a VLD vs a round nose, etc. Typically I'll compare the bullet mfg, the powder mfg (Hodgdon has lots of data), and some other source (Lyman manual, different bullet mfg, etc). This gives me a frame of reference if one is way high or way low, and I feel better when working up. Clearly, being safe and cautious is imperative regardless of approach.