105 Berger VLD 6mm

[chuckles]

I was wondering if someone could comment on the performance differences (if any) between the new Berger 105 VLD and the Berger 105 hunting VLD. I have been having difficulty getting the the VLD match to shoot in a 243 win- tried a multitude of seating depths, cases, primers, etc. Would it be worthwhile to try the 105 hunting VLD?
Thanks,
Chuck

 

[mao0720]

Probably not. My understanding is that the match and hunting vld is the same except for a thinner jacket on the hunting version. What are you trying to shoot these out of?

 

[spclark]

Yep, only difference (as I understand it) is thinner jackets on the Hunting line.

Can you give us some particulars about what your 243 is built with? Barrel length & twist, powder(s) you've tried, distances you shoot and whether for hunting or target-shooting?

The Berger 105VLD is the standard by which I judge other projectiles for my mid- and long-range 6mm shooting (target, sling & match sights) & they've never been particularly troublesome to get to shoot well.

 

[wapiti25]

You may not have a barrel with enough twist in your rifle. You might try the 95's and have better luck. Check the twist rate required.

 

[chuckles]

Barrel is a 5c 8 inch twist broughton. The length of the barrel is 26".
The gun is used for mid-range target shooting. The powder used is H1000.
Thanks, chuck

 

[chino1969]

Chuck, I've had good luck shooting the 105's in my .243 A.I. Bartlein 1 in 8" 5R using H4831. I believe I am jumping them approx. .040. Read Berger's info. about jumping the VLDs. In my opinion, H1000 is a bit too slow.

 

[Big Bob]

I would suggest trying a lighter Berger VLD bullet as your barrel may not twist fast enough to stabilize a Berger VLD 105 gr.
I started with Berger hunting VLD 95 gr in my new 243 (not sure of rate of twist) and accuracy is not as good as I want.
Next up is the Berger hunting VLD 87 gr.

I would suggest you also might to use IMR 4350

Also proper seating depth is critical with these bullets.

I hope this is some help.

 

[spclark]

1:8 ought to work fine but I think H1000 is too slow despite being listed on Hodgdon's 243WIN load listings for 100+ grain bullets.

In my 6XC (3,050 fps) and 6HAGAR (2,900 fps) they shoot great either 0.020" or 0.005" off the lands. I use the same loads for each depth, seating deeper for days when temps are more moderate. My favorite propellant for 6XC is IMR 8208XBR & RL15 in the 6HAGAR while noting either may be too fast for the greater case volume of a 243WIN.

If you truly believe the VLD'S to be a waste of more time I suggest you try Berger's new 105 Hybrid. Supposed to be less finicky over seating depth. They work great for me too in both the cartridges mentioned above.

 

[stacy]

CHUCKLES
HEY THAT COMB. OF BULLET AND POWDER SHOULD WORK GREAT W/8TW I SHOOT THAT ALL THE TIME IN A 243IMP BUT LIKE ALL READY SAID YOU GOT BACK THEM OFF THE LANDS MINE SHOOTS IN THE LOW .2'S AT 30THS OFF BUT SOME GUYS ARE AS MUCH AS 50THS OFF I USE THE 105VLD HUNTING.

 

[timeout]

Chuck, I've had good luck shooting the 105's in my .243 A.I. Bartlein 1 in 8" 5R using H4831. I believe I am jumping them approx. .040. Read Berger's info. about jumping the VLDs. In my opinion, H1000 is a bit too slow.

You may be pleasantly surprised at how well they shoot .120" off. Test seating depths for these as Berger recommends. this will get you to the sweet spot quickly and you can then move a few thou at a time for optimum results. 1 in 8 twist should be fine.

 

[swampshooter]

I get very good accuracy from 105 Hornady's with H-1000. 1 in 9 twist. 243. It's a varmint rifle, but I will probably shoot a mid-range match with it while my target rifle is being re-barreled next month.

 

[xdeano]

northing wrong with H1000 in a 243. I'm shooting it in my 6SLR which is basically a 243. The velocities might not be what H4350 would give you but it sure is a heck of a lot better on barrel life.

xdeano

 

[SierraCJ5]

I exclusively use the 105 grain Berger HUNTING VLD in my 6BR when shooting long range due to the ~8% higher BC. The hunting version is actually the original 105 VLD design issued by Berger before modifications were made to prevent blow-ups. The modifications incorporated into the target VLD were made necessary by the thicker jacket and its inability to form/eject properly with the original small meplat dies. I'm always amazed by how few people use the hunting version to take advantage of the original VLD design.

Berger Tech Bulletin:
http://www.bergerbullets.com/change-to-6mm-105-grain-vld-target-bullet/

To answer your original question; I haven't had trouble tuning the VLD design and don't notice any difference in tunability between the target and hunting VLD designs.

 

[Catfur]

In my 244 Rem I shoot the 105 VLD Hunting bullet, and it does best somewhere between .08 and .12 off the lands.

 

[chuckles]

Thanks to all of you. When I ordered this barrel I stipulated an 8 inch twist from the manufacturer.
After measuring the twist numerous times today it is not an 8 twist they sent me -but a 9 inch twist. This helps explain my difficulties.
Thanks Chuck

 

[spclark]

Yep, that's a definitive answer to your difficulties. Your gunsmith by chance take a rubbing / snapshot / slice off the breech end to preserve the barrel's specs before fitting it to your action?

Might have recourse with the manufacturer, unless of course that info was also in error....

1:9'll still shoot plenty good, just needs shorter (lighter) bullets. If fitted for a popular action you ought to be able to find a buyer PDQ if the supplier won't own up to the mistake.

 

[sbhooper]

The 8 twist may work OK, but I was given some of those once and I tried them in my standard Remington 6mm and they were horrible. It looked like a shotgun pattern. I could not give them away quickly enough.

 

[dkhunt14]

The 8 twist may work OK, but I was given some of those once and I tried them in my standard Remington 6mm and they were horrible. It looked like a shotgun pattern. I could not give them away quickly enough.

The standard Remington didn't have fast enough twist to stabilize the 105 VLD. With my 300WSM heavy gun the 210 hunting VLD shoots great and the target version doesn't. The meplat and hole in the target version is much bigger. I shoot them about 10 in. In my 6 Dasher i shoot the hunting VLD about 10 in and it shoots really good. Haven't tried the target version in this gun. I did try the 105 Hybrid and tried them at 10 in to 50 off and they would shoot vertical. Just couldn't get them shooting like the VLD. This is all shot at 1000 yards.