Berger load data
- Thread starter rebs
- Start date
Retired Grunt
F Open Shooter
I bought their manual looking for a base and that's what I got. It sits on my bench, haven't used it in over a year.
I agree, A BIG waste of money and time.
I wish more of the companies that publish load data would just put their data online (like Hodgdon or Alliant) or in apps (like Sierra). Publishing hard copy is slow and expensive. Electronic Stuff is cheaper, easier and faster to update. Sierra’s app is really nice.
wkdickinson
Gold $$ Contributor
We all know why they don't - they want you to buy the book. What I wonder is why??? The book sells for $29, 100 140gr Hybrid bullets sell for about $52. They may sell one copy of the book to a person, but how many boxes of bullets is that person likely to buy? Seems a bit short-sighted to me. What business are they in, books or bullets. Why not make it as easy as possible for a shooter who uses your product, to get the data?
TheOtherZilla
Pull my finger
Yeah I bought a Berger book. Rarely look at it
Nick Caprinolo
Gold $$ Contributor
I use the Berger book if I am loading Berger bullets. Every bullet manufacture test certain powders while shooting their bullets. Ever brand of bullet has different characteristics, and shapes. Bullet jackets are different, bearing surfaces are different and Ogive is different. If I load Sierra bullets or any other brands, I use their data.
Hogdon powders, list different bullets of the same weight, then recommends different loads for each bullet they show. It is not an all inclusive list.
No two manufactures recommend the same load. There is a reason for this. They spend millions of dollars in development for a reason.
Hogdon powders, list different bullets of the same weight, then recommends different loads for each bullet they show. It is not an all inclusive list.
No two manufactures recommend the same load. There is a reason for this. They spend millions of dollars in development for a reason.
What I do is as follows:
I have 3 manuals.
I take the starts from all three. Add them up and divide by 3 to get average number for start. If there are four or five sources, I add all and divide by the number. I do the same on the max side. I then add the two up and divide by two. That is my starting point. I them go up and down from that number to get the best load for my rifle.
I would venture to say that EVERY manufacturer, from bullets to powders to rifles or whatever that publishes data has a speed dial set for their lawyers. We are in a litigious society and nobody, but nobody, wants the publicity as a defendant or to be found liable for even a penny.
If you enjoy the folksy stories about old Uncle Bert and his invigorating and fascinating prairie dog hunt in 1937, there are plenty of those in every manual. The "how to's" for hand loading were helpful to me, especially the Lyman manual of the time.
I, indeed, noticed that some max loads in one book are lower than the starting load in others.
If your bullet is NOT listed, call the bullet maker, i.e. Berger. They will give you a close match to one that is listed.
I have 3 manuals.
I take the starts from all three. Add them up and divide by 3 to get average number for start. If there are four or five sources, I add all and divide by the number. I do the same on the max side. I then add the two up and divide by two. That is my starting point. I them go up and down from that number to get the best load for my rifle.
I would venture to say that EVERY manufacturer, from bullets to powders to rifles or whatever that publishes data has a speed dial set for their lawyers. We are in a litigious society and nobody, but nobody, wants the publicity as a defendant or to be found liable for even a penny.
If you enjoy the folksy stories about old Uncle Bert and his invigorating and fascinating prairie dog hunt in 1937, there are plenty of those in every manual. The "how to's" for hand loading were helpful to me, especially the Lyman manual of the time.
I, indeed, noticed that some max loads in one book are lower than the starting load in others.
If your bullet is NOT listed, call the bullet maker, i.e. Berger. They will give you a close match to one that is listed.
3Ackleys
Gold $$ Contributor
This is why they sell the book. More people with the book less people calling. Less employees answering phones equals more profit.
jackson1
Silver $$ Contributor
I don't believe I am totally risk adverse. Usually find my most accurate loads near the top of the chart. One exception is my European made rifles a Sako, and a Saure, both like like loads at the lower end of the spectrum. Have several manuals both newer and older and for the most part have stayed on the reservation. Don't believe the loads in the Ackley manuals had a lawyer any where near them and Todd Kinder's load book for 17's is plenty hot. For better or worse, life is about learning. Guess that is liberty.
Guys,
The BERGER MANUAL is conservative on purpose because of the length of our bullets like the VLD , Hybrids (except the CLASSIC HUNTER) and Long Range BT Target bullets. Many reloaders , (especially if new) will just go to seating a bullet to magazine length (COAL) . So we have to gear the loads to that. Those of you that do bullet seating depth testing ( CBTO ) just use the starting powder charge listed . That way you dont have to go home from the range early with a locked up bolt . If you dont see the load data you need in the manual or on the BERGER BULLETS website :https://bergerbullets.com/reloading-data/ . Please call us ( 660-460-2802 8am to 4:30pm EASTERN TIME MON THRU FRI ) FOR UNPUBLISHED LOAD DATA or help with a load. We are currently running 14 to 28 days or so behind due to the volume of load data requests we are receiving . And will be closed 12/24/20 to 01/04/21 for holidays.
Hang tough ! We will get through these , as the Chinese curse says " Interesting times".
Merry Christmas to all !
The BERGER MANUAL is conservative on purpose because of the length of our bullets like the VLD , Hybrids (except the CLASSIC HUNTER) and Long Range BT Target bullets. Many reloaders , (especially if new) will just go to seating a bullet to magazine length (COAL) . So we have to gear the loads to that. Those of you that do bullet seating depth testing ( CBTO ) just use the starting powder charge listed . That way you dont have to go home from the range early with a locked up bolt . If you dont see the load data you need in the manual or on the BERGER BULLETS website :https://bergerbullets.com/reloading-data/ . Please call us ( 660-460-2802 8am to 4:30pm EASTERN TIME MON THRU FRI ) FOR UNPUBLISHED LOAD DATA or help with a load. We are currently running 14 to 28 days or so behind due to the volume of load data requests we are receiving . And will be closed 12/24/20 to 01/04/21 for holidays.
Hang tough ! We will get through these , as the Chinese curse says " Interesting times".
Merry Christmas to all !
yep, but not near as concise and organized as in that manual. Do as you like but that manual is a must have for competitive shooters.
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