We shoot our elk from a healthy distance and they tend to be confused and then dead but I have heard a million storys about an unstoppable death run when you jump them and then shoot. For what it's worth.
Berger tactical bullets on big game
- Thread starter wvlongshot
- Start date
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
How an animal reacts to a shot all depends on the amount of hunting pressure in the area, whether or not they've been shot at before, how far the shot came from, whether or not they had their coffee that morning, and if the sun is shining. 
But honestly, I've seen mule deer and elk both stand there when hit and take off like a bolt of lightning before dropping. Some hit the dirt at full speed then some slow, wobble, and drop. Some just stand there like they don't know what happened or why the lights are going out. The beauty of hunting is every animal is a completely different story. You can try to generalize how an animal will react, but any statements made in that regard can NEVER be 100% accurate.
How many hunting stories do you folks have that include a sentence that starts with "I couldn't believe....."
But honestly, I've seen mule deer and elk both stand there when hit and take off like a bolt of lightning before dropping. Some hit the dirt at full speed then some slow, wobble, and drop. Some just stand there like they don't know what happened or why the lights are going out. The beauty of hunting is every animal is a completely different story. You can try to generalize how an animal will react, but any statements made in that regard can NEVER be 100% accurate.
How many hunting stories do you folks have that include a sentence that starts with "I couldn't believe....."
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I'm a fan of the Berger bullets that are designed for hunting. The tips and noses on their other bullets may not be conducive to reliable expansion. Though it does not seem to hurt accuracy, we have noticed slight variations in the point area from one box of bullets to the next on some of their tactical bullets. I think they are paying more attention to issues related to reliable expansion on their hunting bullets. Given the awesome accuracy of their hunting bullets, I'd stick with those.
How an animal reacts to a shot all depends on the amount of hunting pressure in the area, whether or not they've been shot at before, how far the shot came from, whether or not they had their coffee that morning, and if the sun is shining.
But honestly, I've seen mule deer and elk both stand there when hit and take off like a bolt of lightning before dropping. Some hit the dirt at full speed then some slow, wobble, and drop. Some just stand there like they don't know what happened or why the lights are going out. The beauty of hunting is every animal is a completely different story. You can try to generalize how an animal will react, but any statements made in that regard can NEVER be 100% accurate.
How many hunting stories do you folks have that include a sentence that starts with "I couldn't believe....."
so true, I shot a few whitetail with my 300NM and 208Amax and was very happy. I had a few(@5-10) 210 Hunting VLD just to try (too embarrassed to tell you I traded 3 boxes 210 for 6+ boxes of 208"s) and 210's shot way better BUT then I saw the 230OTM and had to try them as it is a GREAT weight and balance with @90gr rl33 and full case. I think I will go back to the 210 Hunting VLD just until Berger comes out with a 230 Hunting VLD. I filed a few 230 tips and they are pretty thick, I am going to file a 140 today to compare.
I am always trying to improve on what I am using....
I have seen many posts where people complain about a Berger or a Sierra match not opening. It seems sometimes to be about a 50 50 mix, especially on Sierra match. What I see upon examination of many boxes of bullets and shooting them is, some lots or boxes seem to have the hole plugged some. Also seen the lead come to or very close to the tip. I believe if the holes are plugged that these are the ones causing problems. My buddy and I discussed this and he agrees. This is just my opinion. Matt
here is a link to a thread I started on longrangehunting . the thread is about the plugged up hollowpoint holes . I haven't bought the hand drill set that's mentioned in the thread , but I will . I think I'll buy a meplat trimmer too . my opinion is , to hunt with these bullets and not check for a plugged up hole is asking for problems . Jim
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f28/berger-bullets-blocked-hollow-point-hole-174870/
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f28/berger-bullets-blocked-hollow-point-hole-174870/
I have used 30 cal 175's and 6mm 107's SMK's extensively for crop damage deer and believe the above observations to be very accurate. An inspection of the bullets used on fur resulted in a higher percentage of expansion and the trimmed and prepped tips have proven to be extremely reliable for what I'm using them for.
With that being said i just shoot the 338/ 300's without inspection and have yet to see a deer survive and encounter with one. Just my .02
I use the 300SMK in a 338 edge as my go to hunting rifle. When I first started using "match" bullets for hunting I was overly concerned so I actually did trim meplats and use the point opener for extensive experimentation including hundreds of rounds at the range and two years of hunting. I quit using it for two reasons...very time intensive and could tell no definite gain.......I honestly see no harm in it other than spending money but would not invest in it for the purposes of reliable expansion............In my case: I am using "enough" gun as to not even worry about it anymore.......when in doubt, go bigger.
I'll take it . send me a pm with your address . I'll get payment right out to you . check ok , or do you want a PO money order ? thanks Jim
On Oct. 15, 2013 I used a 230 grain Berger OTM Hybrid to take a 6x5 bull. .300 Win Mag, range 350 yards, muzzle velocity 2775, impact velocity 2400 fps + or -. Bullet hit directly on the near side shoulder bone just above the "knee" and under the wide "blade", made a mess of the lungs near the heart, and I found the bullet (pic) in the hide on the far side with no further bone hit. Retained weight 81 grains. The bull went down when hit, no tracking needed, the near shoulder was completely unhinged. You can see that it is hanging oddly. Wish now I took more damage pics, wasn't trying to prove anything at that time.
Have used heavy-for caliber Bergers on other kills and different cartridges, with devastating results.
Hunting VLDs, Match Hybrids, OTMs, all work well on game for me.
Have used heavy-for caliber Bergers on other kills and different cartridges, with devastating results.
Hunting VLDs, Match Hybrids, OTMs, all work well on game for me.
Lone Hunter
Silver $$ Contributor
Ok, you guys are lucky and get to shoot longer distance than I get to. I live in Tennessee and on average the shots are 15 - 100 yds in the thick woods. My furtherest shot is an 8 pt at 314 yds in a clear cut.This was with a .300 WM 180 gr interlock. My question is how do Bergers 168 classic hunters open up at 15-100 yds. Will be shooting them out of a .308 win. Am considering using them and would like someone's opinion on them that have used them. The only experience I have is with 185 Juggernauts for FTR Class and my experience with them is great. Sorry to the OP for hijacking your thread.On Oct. 15, 2013 I used a 230 grain Berger OTM Hybrid to take a 6x5 bull. .300 Win Mag, range 350 yards, muzzle velocity 2775, impact velocity 2400 fps + or -. Bullet hit directly on the near side shoulder bone just above the "knee" and under the wide "blade", made a mess of the lungs near the heart, and I found the bullet (pic) in the hide on the far side with no further bone hit. Retained weight 81 grains. The bull went down when hit, no tracking needed, the near shoulder was completely unhinged. You can see that it is hanging oddly. Wish now I took more damage pics, wasn't trying to prove anything at that time.
Have used heavy-for caliber Bergers on other kills and different cartridges, with devastating results.
Hunting VLDs, Match Hybrids, OTMs, all work well on game for me.
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The Berger 230 OTM and Target open very well from what I've seen, I honestly would not shoot them with the thinner hunting jacket. Good expantion on antelope in the 300-900 yard range at win mag speeds and at RUM speeds 1600+ on elk they open well.
We played with meplat trimming and turned some bullets into grenades and generally just did not improve anything so we've just come back to checking tips to make sure their clear of copper, some match bullets I shoot have lead right to the top and they open absalutely predictable everytime so really just worried about the copper.
We played with meplat trimming and turned some bullets into grenades and generally just did not improve anything so we've just come back to checking tips to make sure their clear of copper, some match bullets I shoot have lead right to the top and they open absalutely predictable everytime so really just worried about the copper.
nastynatesfish
A day which we will live in infamy
Any animal
I've shot with the Berger hunting bullets from 140gr to 230 have all exited. My farther shot was 635yards on a mule deer buck. Most drop in the tracks. The 140gr out of my 7rem mag did this at 415 yards
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I've shot with the Berger hunting bullets from 140gr to 230 have all exited. My farther shot was 635yards on a mule deer buck. Most drop in the tracks. The 140gr out of my 7rem mag did this at 415 yards
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Lone Hunter
Silver $$ Contributor
My question is "How do they perform in close,say 15 yards to 100 yards" ? Most of my shots are going to be around those distances and wonder if it is worth it to change from 165SGK to Bergers. I shoot 185 Juggernauts and love them but they are shot from 300 to 1000. I was looking at the 168 Classic Hunters.
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