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Berger VLD report; 300 WSM |
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Big Squeeze
Optics Master Extraordinaire GOOGLE NINJA Joined: August/30/2007 Location: Anaheim, Calif. Status: Offline Points: 3143 |
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Posted: June/12/2009 at 16:38 |
Since becoming intrigued with the Berger hunting VLDs, I have used them (168 VLDs) with excellent and devastating results on big hogs.
Although the 168s will work for an upcoming elk hunt, I`d thought I`d try some 190s or 210s for some better downrange energy and BC. My dealer had some 210s on hand so I picked them up and then began researching for a good load.
From the "reloadersnest" site, I found load #5221 using the 210 VLD that I duplicated with the exception of the primer. Starting at 63 gr, I worked up to the 66 grains listed and chrony`d the 66 gr load. Although nearing the max, there were no pressure signs.
Load #5221 on the reloaders nest site, was using the 210 gr VLD (BC .616) and was fired from a 26" barreled Savage @ 2897 fps using 66 gr RL22; COAL of 2.885" with a 0.285" grouping @ 100 yards. Well!! This particular load looked like a good one to copy and a good place to start.
From my Ruger compact using WLRM primers and 66 gr RL22, I received 2732 fps (- 165 fps vs the 26" barrel), with an OD 3 shot grouping of 0.343" using the 210 gr VLD. The best groupings so far with the 168 VLD is 0.321." Before trying any VLD, my previous best 3 shot grouping with 180 gr Hornady SSTs was 0.544." For curiosity, I will try other powder combos with the 210, but don`t see how it can really get too much better than that. I guess I got real lucky with a real good first load try. With a .616 BC VLD bullet @ 2732 fps, 1900 + lbs of downrange energy @ 500 yards will be just peachy keen for elk.
These VLDs when loaded properly to a rifle`s COAL sweet spot, are not only extremely accurate, but they are absolutely devastating hombres on game too! It appears I just may have a new bullet.
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billyburl2
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/08/2009 Location: Cottonwood, AZ Status: Offline Points: 4015 |
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Thanks for the info B.S., I have been wanting to try vld's but can't find them around here.
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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
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Big Squeeze
Optics Master Extraordinaire GOOGLE NINJA Joined: August/30/2007 Location: Anaheim, Calif. Status: Offline Points: 3143 |
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Big Squeeze
Optics Master Extraordinaire GOOGLE NINJA Joined: August/30/2007 Location: Anaheim, Calif. Status: Offline Points: 3143 |
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Yep!.....As it says below my avatar,,,,,Ruger- who needs accuracy anyway!!!...
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Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
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Sounds like a great load, Squeezer. Good luck on the elk hunt, BTW. Get a big one.
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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
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Steelbenz
Optics Jedi Knight ROLL TIDE ROLL Joined: January/03/2006 Location: Heart of Dixie Status: Offline Points: 5153 |
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My local supplier has them, I'm just to dang cheap to spend the money on them. LOL!
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"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"
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