I'm not real well read on the whole Berger thing. I've seen the usual threads and such. Most based on the belted magnums. I have a 7 Rem Mag here. It's a T3 Tikka though,and not overly blessed with mag length. On the other side of the safe is my long action M700 custom 284 Win. It has a goodly amount of mag length,and a throat to go along with it. If you were me,and wanted to try a box of hunting VLDs,which weight would you start with? Mule deer / Whitetail would be the likely quarrywith the potential for Elk given the right circumstances. Thanks a bunch.
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VLD (hunting) ?
- Thread starter 25 Otter
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ICANHITHIMMAN
Well-Known Member
Heavy as I could go for my twist rate.
I use the 168 in my 7mag.
ZSteinle
Well-Known Member
168's would give you a good combination of speed, wind drift, and knock down power (if you ever decide to go for elk.) If your not totally dead set on using the berger VLD maybe give the new 7mm 168 classic hunter a try.
Berger Bulletin » Berger Classic Hunter Bullets Put to the Test
Hunting_Bullets
Berger Bulletin » Berger Classic Hunter Bullets Put to the Test
Hunting_Bullets
Airgunner7
Well-Known Member
After seeing the fragmentation of the super accurate Berger VDL's on targets, I would not use em on game I intend to eat because, of lead getting in the blood stream/meat. The lead powder is all over the targets. They do shoot better though.
This is just my 2 cents. Try a bonded bullet, like an accubond for game.
I just feel better about feeding my kids that way...
BTW I still buy tons of berger vdls and love em.
This is just my 2 cents. Try a bonded bullet, like an accubond for game.
I just feel better about feeding my kids that way...
BTW I still buy tons of berger vdls and love em.
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I have 3 6x284's never tried the 115, what are you getting vel. and load data?
MIke
With every one I used on deer, there was definitely lead splattered ALL in the blood. Crazy thing though, the only flowing blood was flowing out on the ground. I don't drink blood so I am all good! Do you know how much and how long the lead would have to be in the blood to contaminate the meat?? I have heard a lot of reasonable arguments against the VLD Hunting, and I sincerely mean no offense, this is not the first time I have heard it, but this is the worst.
Airgunner7
Well-Known Member
No offense taken. Just my opinion after seeing the lead everywhere on the targets. Let the shock wave do the damage and not the fragments.
I don't believe the fragging does nearly as much damage as the shockwave that comes with the point the bullet starts to shed weight, all of mine have been pass throughs with HUGE (fist size and bigger) exit wounds. Had to be a substantial shockwave. I am not trying to convince you though. To each his own, there are a lot of other types that work VERY well too. That's why they make different kinds. If they made one type and said "it kills good enough" we would all be bitter even if we agreed.
Airgunner7
Well-Known Member
Just wanted to give OP something to consider when choosing a VDL.
Lots of pros and cons.
If fast kill and LR accuracy are your priorities the Berger VDL's are king.
Happy Hunting
Lots of pros and cons.
If fast kill and LR accuracy are your priorities the Berger VDL's are king.
Happy Hunting
I have been using the Berger hunting VLD's in my 6.5x284 with numerous deer szed animals taken from 50 yards to 1000(998) yards. I have gotten 1" entrance, 2-3" exits on all shots, and major internal damage. All animals were dead in their tracks. I haven't experienced any bits of anything other than occasional pieces of jacket material, no different from any other bullet. Its the best bullet I have ever used for long range shooting. I know many hunters that have seen the same results. If long range shooting is your goal, I would try the 168 Hunting VLD's, if your rifle's twist rate is compatible. I wouldn't necessarily write off the short magazine length on the 7mm Mag. I seat my VLD's well off the lands and get excellent accuracy and ES.
