Reloading and shooting with VLD's

[ovenpaa]

I have just been reading Eric Stecker's (Berger Bullets) article on VLD OAL's here: http://02b0516.netsolhost.com/blog1/?cat=9 Right now I am shooting with 7mm 180 Targets instead of VLD's and I am tempted to make the move but I need to do it soon before the serious season starts. Has anyone tried VLD's with long jumps instead of jamming, and even better tried VLD's and Targets in the same rifle?

Any views on this?

[Alpha1]

Err could you repeat that in English please :shock:

[dromia]

He's ben typing with his mouth full Dave, there is a lot of that going on here.

[ovenpaa]

What I mean is instead of jamming the bullet into the lands a bit is it worth looking at building them short so they have a bit to go before they get to the lands.

You knew that!!! :roll:

[Alpha1]

No I didnt know that I will read up on it then I will know what you are talking about. :lol:

[Laurie]

ovenpaa,

I'd forget about spending too much time on playing with VLD COALs as I reckon they'll be the 'past thing' in a couple of years. With Berger introducing 'Hybrid' versions of its long-range bullets that have VLD level BCs but are as jump-tolerant as a typical tangent ogive form bullet, why would anybody choose a VLD?

The first Hybrid 'thirty' is currently being tested on the ranges in the USA by a select group of competitors - a new 155 that has 4% higher BC than the 155.5gn BT Long-Range and reportedly performs well. Having started with the 180gn 7mm, and now with the big seller in the thirties nearly here, I'm sure Berger will carry on this switch for all of its most popular calibres and weights.

[ovenpaa]

Laurie, I have been watching the development of the Berger XLD for a while now and look forward to trying some when they arrive in the UK. I skipped the VLD stage in my 7mm and went straight for Berger targets as they are far less finicky about build length and gave me instant good results.

Another possible are the new 180SMK's in .284" if they ever get here and Swampy is also looking at selling JLK's in the UK, all of which might just mean a more cost effective selection of 180's over here.

[Laurie]

Another possible are the new 180SMK's in .284" if they ever get here

I saw on another forum that HPS has them in stock already - give John Carmichael a ring.

[Scotsgun]

I will never, ever touch another Berger VLD bullet, as long as i live. Those bloody things drove me insane....i practically lived, ate, breathed and often dreamed about lands, 1 thou off lands, engaged lands, etc, etc.....it's just not worth it.

I've since returned to Hornady A-Max's and am a much more happy and sane boy.

[Alpha1]

What do you mean by VLD I dont understand please educate me. :?