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> Berger VLD performance
Berger VLD performance
@ 05:46 am (GMT) |
Andy StewartHi Nathan,In the process of working up loads for a new 270 M70 Winchester Extreme, (birthday present from the wife!)current top accuracy loads are Sierra GK 130 at 0.5" and Berger VLD 150 at 0.4".The GK running at 2900 and the VLD at 3000. Same windage, B&C retical so seperate zeros no drama The logic is the GK ( the rifle doesn't like the Sierra PH or TTSX 110)out to 200/250 and the VLD for out to 500/550, the GK as a short range load doesn't need big velocity as I would rather avoid SST style bullet blow up at close range, and the VLD has better BC out in the wind. In my 2506, the 115 VLD is really effective at long range(500/550, light animals), but I do not actually know yet about the 150 terminal performance in the 270, and the internet is not allways the best source of good information. In the 2506 I run the Sierra PH 117 out to 300 and it never lets me down. Would like your considered opinion on the VLD. have never used the VLD at close range as I am not altogether sure about it, hence two loads when I would rather just run the VLD for everything. A big bodied Bull Tahr will go 100/120 kg, not the time to find out a 100m shoulder shot from a 150gn VLD just blows a hole without penetration..... Andy. |
Replies
@ 06:09 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Berger VLD performanceHi Andy, the Sierra GameKing is a fully frangible bullet without any means of controlled expansion. In essence, you have adpoted two frangible bullets.Both have similar jacket tolerances (fairly heavy). One has a wide copper tip (GK), the other has a very narrow tip (VLD). The wider the copper at the tip, the faster the rate of fragmentation or expansion. The 130 grain Gameking and 130 grain SST are both prone to full fragmentation, even from MV's as low as 2900fps, however the 130 Gameking will often out penetrate the SST. As much as I like the 130gr GK, neither of these bullets are ideal for bull Thar. In a house in South Canterbury, there is a bull mount with an interesting story attached to it. The bull had a .243 GK, a .308 150gr GK and a .270 130gr GK in his shoulder, none entered the vitals from the three shooters. A fourth shot (can't remember if it was the .270 or .308) made it through to the vitals. All four shots were within a 3" circle. Body weight was around 150kg (330lb). I will not offer you my opinion of the VLD, only experience. The VLD is now a tough bullet. I have written about this countless times in the KB and here on the forums. I have also put explanations in the KB, in the annealing article/video. Having said this, it can display full fragmentation with ease, if striking bone, heavy body resistance or if used at high velocity/ close range. But more often than not, results are unpredictable as to when the ogive will collapse and rupture (the HP is too small to expand). Wind drift causing shots to strike the paunch at extended ranges where velocity is low, combined with delayed fragmentation can result in narrow wounding, ultimately resulting in a failure to destroy the liver or arterial system. The most reliable and effective bullet for you, as a single load capable of reaching out to truly long ranges, is the Matrix 165gr VLD. You will be able to purchase this from Reloaders Supplies in the coming months. The second most reliable bullet is the 150 grain SST. It works well on Thar, especially when annealed. As for the VLD, have a look at the annealing video to begin with. Consider meplat trimming. Try to refrain from commenting on bullet performance until you have a good number of animals under your belt. The VLD may well suit you. Much depends on how far you shoot, average body weights and how well you shoot in the wind (or how far you push shots stronger winds). Keep your camera handy, take autopsy photos, monitor results. I would appreciate any autopsy photos you get (can email me directly). All input helps me keep up to date. Hope that helps a bit. |
@ 06:48 pm (GMT) |
stephan bieganekRe: Berger VLD performanceHave you tried the 175 grain matrix VLD hunting bullet in a 270 Weatherby Magnum ?The BC of 0.7828 looks pretty epic. Almost as good as the 7mm 190 gr. |
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@ 05:14 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Berger VLD performanceThe Matrix bullet is 165 grains, quite soft, high SD and high BC. An excellent bullet. Just writing about it now in my next book. |
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