Berger 6.5mm 140 VLD Questions

[sawacs]

I am almost ready to begin reloading for a CBI barreled 260 Rem and just received my first box of Berger 140 VLD's: have never used VLD's before.

First, when I opened the box I noticed most of the bullets had some dark discoloration to them. Berger told me they are from the wash they have to use in California to clean the lube off. Anything to worry about here?

Second, all of the bullets are slightly larger than a Hornady or Lapua bullet. For instance, when placing a Hornady or Lapua into the Hornady modified case, they go in with minimal resistance. The Bergers, however, take a bit more to get them into the case. The Berger bullets measure right at a half a thousandths larger.

Lastly, when using the modified case, with the bullets touching the lands, the base of the VLD is sitting right at the body shoulder junction. Is this too deep or about right for my chamber? My OAL for the 260 and the 140 VLD's touching the lands is 2.950": subtract .030 from that for a starting load and the base of the bullet will be below the neck shoulder junction.

Thanks,

Shawn

 

[Sniper338]

First, when I opened the box I noticed most of the bullets had some dark discoloration to them. Berger told me they are from the wash they have to use in California to clean the lube off. Anything to worry about here?
~No~ nothing to worry about thats normal many times

Second, all of the bullets are slightly larger than a Hornady or Lapua bullet. For instance, when placing a Hornady or Lapua into the Hornady modified case, they go in with minimal resistance. The Bergers, however, take a bit more to get them into the case. The Berger bullets measure right at a half a thousandths larger.
I wouldnt be worried here either to me thats just more meat on the bullet for the rifling to grab and twist good, I have had no problems at all

Lastly, when using the modified case, with the bullets touching the lands, the base of the VLD is sitting right at the neck shoulder junction. Is this too deep or about right for my chamber? My OAL for the 260 and the 140 VLD's touching the lands is 2.950": subtract .030 from that for a starting load and the base of the bullet will be below the neck shoulder junction.
This is where I see potential problems, in my 260 I have a slightly longer free-bore to allow me to sit out the 140s a tad further so the base of the vld is not in the shoulder but in the neck of the case, thats why I went with a 260 tactical chamber instead of the normal 260 chamber for this reason alone and it has prooven to work VERY VERY well. By all means try the 140s see what it does, but if it doesnt shoot to your wanting look for a shorter bullet that will allow to seat right off the lands and not go below the shoulder junction. My 260 shoots 140s 10thou off the lands... Im thinking your 30 thou may be a bit too much jump, but every rifle is different.

my $0.02