Rethinking Berger bullets for hunting

[yorketransport]

I'm not a big fan of using Bergers for hunting, not because they won't work, just because I think there's better options out there. I do shoot a lot Bergers for targets with excellent results. The more I shoot these 168 vlds out of the 7 SAUM I slapped together though, the more I think I should give the Bergers a chance. This particular group is with the 168gr Matrix VLD, but the Bergers the Bergers shoot equally well. I've only shot 5 100 yard groups with this gun and this is the best of the 5 so far, but all have been below .3" with all but 1 being below .2". All the other shots I've put through this barrel have been at 1381 and 1439 yards and they've all been well below 1 MOA with some decent winds.


I have a box of 143 Hammer Hunters to work up a load with, but I'm just not sure it's worth the time now! I just wish the velocity was a bit higher with the 168s. I'm using a long action so I have plenty of space to lengthen the feebore, but I just don't want to mess with the load! I had a clear shot at a bear yesterday at a pretty significant range. The impact velocity would have been below what I'm comfortable with using a Berger, but I know a Hammer would have performed at the same impact velocity. I just can't get over my distrust of Bergers on game.

[carpsniperg2]

I absolutely love the way they shoot and group. Yet hate the performance I have had on more then a few game animals and seen others have as well. They will kill ok in most applications but close range high velocity which is not there purpose or design, more failures then I care to discuss. I prefer a bullet that will do from 5 yards to any range I feel ok to shoot. the eldx and accubond are what I have settled on. From blackbuck to elk never had any failures from either.

[trophyhunt]

I’ve never had a problem with my Berger 190 grn vld’s in my .300 win mag.  Once I got past the fact that they explode inside the animal.

[jasnt]

I have never had a problem with bergers performance on game. Have take mule deer as low as 1900fps
Full pass through with quarter size exit.  This was with my 243

[BULLBLASTER]

Bout time you started hunting with awesome bullets York’! I hoped you would come around. 

[yorketransport]

Bout time you started hunting with awesome bullets York’! I hoped you would come around. 

In a man's caliber like a 338, I'm OK with the Bergers. There's enough mass there to actually make it all the way through the animal. I'm one of those guys who likes pass through shots. I want two holes, let the air in and the blood out!

[mountainman]

Good gun, good shooter, good load, and good bullets and this can be pretty routine👍

[carpsniperg2]

I have never had a problem with bergers performance on game. Have take mule deer as low as 1900fps
Full pass through with quarter size exit.  This was with my 243

That is very true and not where the problems happen. Low velocity longer range they do great. Put them in a animal at 3000-3300fps and they tend to vaporize before getting into the vitals to do damage.

[BULLBLASTER]

I have never had a problem with bergers performance on game. Have take mule deer as low as 1900fps
Full pass through with quarter size exit.  This was with my 243

That is very true and not where the problems happen. Low velocity longer range they do great. Put them in a animal at 3000-3300fps and they tend to vaporize before getting into the vitals to do damage.

imo if your hitting an animal at 3000+ FPS you need a bigger bullet. 

Thread jack

[carpsniperg2]

   I love me some big bullets you know that!

You take most magnum 300 type rifles with 168-180 grain bullet and get a elk that steps out at 50/100 yards. Your going to be cracking them in the 2900/3100 fps range. Which is where I have seen 5 or 6 bullets in said 300's fail to penetrate and grenade. Just not what they are meant for of course but it happens.

We have running joke anytime anyone who is hunting with bergers has a animal step out under 100. Yell and make them run to 500 then shoot them so the bullets work well

[jdb]

How to the bergers do on big bone? If you hit a big bull on the point of the shoulder will they make it through the bone to the vitals?

[h20hunter]

Tagging along. I'll be shooting 180s out of my 7mm in oct for moose.

[BULLBLASTER]

  I love me some big bullets you know that!

You take most magnum 300 type rifles with 168-180 grain bullet and get a elk that steps out at 50/100 yards. Your going to be cracking them in the 2900/3100 fps range. Which is where I have seen 5 or 6 bullets in said 300's fail to penetrate and grenade. Just not what they are meant for of course but it happens.

We have running joke anytime anyone who is hunting with bergers has a animal step out under 100. Yell and make them run to 500 then shoot them so the bullets work well

see! Bigger bullets! I actually kind of experienced that with 210 hunting vld once. Shot a bull elk at 80-90 yards and hit low in the brisket. Aimed higher and spine shot it. When I walked up the whole brisket was blown out and you could clearly see the heart beating in there. No idea why but there wasn’t much blood.


Magnum 300s all deserve 215 Berger’s. I’ve used them close to far and never had an issue. 168-180 grain bullets are for 7mms.

[carpsniperg2]

Could be the ticket! More weight less detonate? Dang I could be a rapper lol

180 accubonds do 90% of the whacking in the 30s for me.

[BULLBLASTER]

Could be the ticket! More weight less detonate? Dang I could be a rapper lol

180 accubonds do 90% of the whacking in the 30s for me.