Berger VLD 80gr "Jam"

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I am going to be loading up some of these Berger 80gr VLD bullets and while trying to find out some data I came across some discussion about setting the bullet .010" to .020" into the lands or Jamming. Now I am pretty new to reloading and have only reloaded 55gr bullets for my AR15 but always thought you had to be "off" the lands.

So what I am understanding is that say if I check my ogive and it is 1.993" that I should try some loads that are 2.003" and 2.013" which would actually be touching the lands with these Berger bullets?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I am going to be loading up some of these Berger 80gr VLD bullets and while trying to find out some data I came across some discussion about setting the bullet .010" to .020" into the lands or Jamming. Now I am pretty new to reloading and have only reloaded 55gr bullets for my AR15 but always thought you had to be "off" the lands.

So what I am understanding is that say if I check my ogive and it is 1.993" that I should try some loads that are 2.003" and 2.013" which would actually be touching the lands with these Berger bullets?

It's very common. In fact, when searching for best seating depth, I usually start at absolute "full jam", or as far as a given neck tension will allow me to seat the bullet into the lands. Only reason is that it only leaves one way to go from there with seating depth....it won't/can't go further into the lands.


The standard "work up with caution" applies, as seating depth can and does affect pressure. So, if you're at the top end, back off and work back up.

 

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You bet, I'll start off at the lowest end I can, I love my rifles and me! ;D

 

[raptor1ronin]

Mine like .20 off the lands.

 

[missed]

My 80 hybrids are jumping 0.120" they were good at the lands and at the jump, but quicker at the jump. One thing to think about if you have them jammed and need to unload it can pull the bullet out.

 

[Corey Schwanz]

I personally don't like putting the bullets into the rifling for fear of pulling the case off the stuck bullet if there isn't enough neck tension. That's a mess that I want to try to avoid if possible so I stay off the rifling. A lot of people do it though, with excellent results.

 

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Thanks for the replies. I think I'll try keeping it off the lands at first and if I don't get good results I may try it just touching. I'll let you know the results but first I am having a new shed built plus setting up my shop with a new mill.

 

[amlevin]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll try keeping it off the lands at first and if I don't get good results I may try it just touching. I'll let you know the results but first I am having a new shed built plus setting up my shop with a new mill.

Try reading this first http://www.bergerbullets.com/vld-making-shoot/

It might save you some time and "components".

 

[Thumb]

Yes, I have read that article about the VLD bullets. I can easily go both ways but wanted to get some input from all of you.

 

[barefooter56]

Thumb,
Simple answer is seat the bullet to the CBTO (cartridge base to ogive) length that is the most accurate and then work you load back up. You want to do all your seating depth testing at the lowest powder charge listed for the bullet/cartridge /powder combination you are testing for though! The 80 brain VLD is most commonly used single shot in the AR-15 because the seating dept usually makes the round way over magazine length after you find your seating depth accuracy node. Also ,if you seat the bullet to magazine length it impacts the powder column restricting the load you can use. To use the 80 grain VLD in your AR it must have a 1-8 inch twist rate minimum. If your AR has a 1-9 inch twist rate ( or 1-8) you can load our 70 grain VLD and our 73 grain BT ( boat tail) bullets to magazine length. If you have any more questions please let us know.

 

[Thumb]

Thanks barefooter56, All my AR's have 1:7 twist so no problem there and I also use a bobsled for single shot loading. I also have multiple powders to try but for sure will start out at the low end.