Review: Berger verses Barnes Bullets

[Guy]

Nice bull there WSMNUT!

Re Berger & Barnes - my last five mule deer, all with the .25-06, two were with the Barnes 100 gr TSX @ 3340 fps, both were instant drops/kills. Three were with the 115 gr Berger VLD at nearly 3200 fps. All three were instant drops. I had to put another bullet into the chest of one buck to kill him as I had only spined him, hitting him from above.

The Barnes TSX bullets exited, the Bergers did not, except in the one instance where the bullet from above struck the spine a glancing blow and then exited via the ribcage, sideways.

I have room for both of them in my toolbox, although for some reason I seem to have gone back to my much appreciated Nosler Partitions, Accubonds and Ballistic Tips.

Berger & Barnes - two very different bullets, but both work. I think the key is understanding how and why they work, and using them appropriately.

Regards, Guy

[high country]

Your last paragraph says it all.....well, don't covet there are a lot between the two as well.

[TwoSixFourWins]

If it were my hunt and my money going into everything there are some factors I would consider.

1. Game type- Heavier game requires stiffer bullets*

2. Expected Shooting distances- If all shoots will be closer then the all copper bullets will be fine as there is enough speed for reliable expansion
                       Further distances require a more frangible bullet that will expand reliably at the reduced velocity that farther distances bring.

3. Muzzle Velocity- This one goes along with the first two. If you are starting out in the slow lane to begin with, you may just be shooting drill bits
                       with all coppers. Conversely if you a shooting a faster load then using a frangible bullet may result in premature detonation (how embarrassing)

4. Reputation- When I decide to try a new bullet type I ask around and read a lot. Some peoples opinions are pure bunk and others are solid and you must decide for yourself which is which.

5. This one is the most important to me, preferred bullet placement-No bullet no matter how good or bad it is will kill humanely when shot poorly or into an area it is not intended to go. If I decide to always punch the shoulder then all copper it is. If I shoot behind the shoulder then explosive it is. Either way I must hit my intended target.


For me personally I like an explosive bullet. I do not try and break shoulders as I have never had the need. I have never had a critter that went more than 50 yards after being shot and most crumple up on the spot. I am not using any super magnum or secret bullet. Most of what I claim was done with a 308 with modestly loaded 165gr Ballistic tips or a 6.5x55 with 139gr Soft points. I'll stop rambling now.

[longrangekiller]

bergers work awsome at long ranges i do not have very much experience with barns but i have heard good and bad but thats with everything there is always good and bad 

[Curly]

http://www.barnesbullets.com/information/bullet-talk/lab-tests/

Check out the lab tests comparing Barnes, Nosler, and Berger...................interesting stuff.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Interresting to say the least but I wonder why they left hornaday out of the equation ??

[Nape.257]

I have shot deer with both at around 220 yards both deer died just one a little faster (Berger)  than the other (Barnes).

Deer shot with Berger
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f84/my-little-luck-charm-63749/

Deer shot with Barnes
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f84/last-day-buck-39173/

[ellensburgpo]

Great bucks nape. This has been a very interesting thread so far. It's interesting to hear what people are looking for in their bullet selection.

[jess]

the berger did exactly what it is made to do... Stay in the animal with all the energy unlike other bullets that exit and all the energy goes in to the ground... I shoot better i shoot berger!

[highmuley]

I have been using ONLY barnes for the past 8 years or so. In both .308 (150 graines) and 30-06 (180 graines). I have NEVER had terminal failure with them. Meaning.....I've never had an animal (deer) leave its tracks. All shots were either thru the lung, heart or a portionn of the liver. I love them.