I've now had two experiences in cold temps (around 5 degrees Fahrenheit) where I believe a Berger VLD Hunting bullet (7mm 180gr) appears to have penciled through an elk.
First occasion: Last year, a mature cow through one shoulder, out the other armpit. I did recover this cow, and verified this. I was so cold and tired I didn't take a picture, but it was for sure a pencil through because there was no meat damage surrounding the entrance and exit. 320 yards.
Second occasion: This year, a mature bull I never recovered, but watched (and heard the tell tale sound) armpit impact maybe 3-4" above heart, perfectly broadside, at 294 yards. No blood anywhere to be found within 1/2 mile radius in fresh white snow.
I load these rounds myself, and have been doing so for long enough to know for certain they are going the correct velocity out of the muzzle. Both of these bullets were going ~2940 out of the muzzle, +or- 30fpm at worst, though both of them were from load developments that were averaging 15-20fpm extreme spreads. I cannot remember the last time I saw an ES greater than 40fpm. This isn't a velocity issue.
I have killed 5 elk, 2 antelope, and 4 deer, 1 bear with these same exact loads, but all in warmer temps bottoming out around 15 degrees. Every other one has expanded correctly, devastatingly.
I do visually check each bullet to make sure that visually there are no obstructions prior to loading my magazine, but I do leave them in the magazine for up to a few days at a time, and I don't run a drill bit like I know some people do.
1. Has anyone else personally experienced this in cold temps with the VLD H's?
2. Maybe with all the hiking around, I'm getting some snow or ice in the tips of the bullet? Could that prevent expansion?
3. I know some people have had tips close on bullets in a magazine, but these are the first bullets out of the magazine.
I'm thinking of switching to the 175gr Elite Hunters, as I'm guessing the thinner ogive and larger cavity in the tip would give tip these over the edge to expand properly in the cold. But I've also used these VLD Hunts for a few years and I love them, and have successfully killed a lot of other animals with them. I love the terminal performance when they expand.
First occasion: Last year, a mature cow through one shoulder, out the other armpit. I did recover this cow, and verified this. I was so cold and tired I didn't take a picture, but it was for sure a pencil through because there was no meat damage surrounding the entrance and exit. 320 yards.
Second occasion: This year, a mature bull I never recovered, but watched (and heard the tell tale sound) armpit impact maybe 3-4" above heart, perfectly broadside, at 294 yards. No blood anywhere to be found within 1/2 mile radius in fresh white snow.
I load these rounds myself, and have been doing so for long enough to know for certain they are going the correct velocity out of the muzzle. Both of these bullets were going ~2940 out of the muzzle, +or- 30fpm at worst, though both of them were from load developments that were averaging 15-20fpm extreme spreads. I cannot remember the last time I saw an ES greater than 40fpm. This isn't a velocity issue.
I have killed 5 elk, 2 antelope, and 4 deer, 1 bear with these same exact loads, but all in warmer temps bottoming out around 15 degrees. Every other one has expanded correctly, devastatingly.
I do visually check each bullet to make sure that visually there are no obstructions prior to loading my magazine, but I do leave them in the magazine for up to a few days at a time, and I don't run a drill bit like I know some people do.
1. Has anyone else personally experienced this in cold temps with the VLD H's?
2. Maybe with all the hiking around, I'm getting some snow or ice in the tips of the bullet? Could that prevent expansion?
3. I know some people have had tips close on bullets in a magazine, but these are the first bullets out of the magazine.
I'm thinking of switching to the 175gr Elite Hunters, as I'm guessing the thinner ogive and larger cavity in the tip would give tip these over the edge to expand properly in the cold. But I've also used these VLD Hunts for a few years and I love them, and have successfully killed a lot of other animals with them. I love the terminal performance when they expand.
