berger VLd Thicks

[paulT]

Hello all, I have been looking at prices for berger 105g 6mm vlds with sinclairs and medway and noticed a "due soon" message with medways for the berger VLD "Thicks," They seem to be priced much less than the regular vlds, am i right in saying the vld thicks have thicker jackets to help prevent blow up over 3000fps? Is there any other difference between the regular vlds and the thick vlds, I was trying to find out which type would suit my setup as lapua 105g are prity much all thats availible where i am and alltough they are a exellent bullet the few berger 95g vlds which i managed to get shot really well in my 10 twist 243 barrel, So with my same make new 243 1 in 8 twist 24in barrel what would you guys suggest would be the best choice, the regular or thick VLDs, thanks paul.

 

[daveb]

Standard jacket should be good.
Blaser barrels have a good internl finish and we shot them in a 6x62 freres barrel at 3300 ft/s

Paul did you get my email concerning the blaser barrel?
Best David

 

[ronemus]

The Thicks are a different design with a tangent ogive - technically not a VLD. The drop in BC isn't huge,and they're intended for shooters who want a less fussy bullet as they're not a sensitive to seating length, velocity, etc. as VLDs. The thick jacket is intended to keep them intact a high velocities.

 

[EricStecker]

Paul,

The new Berger THICK bullets are the same design as the standard bullet. We are making THICK bullets in both VLD and BT shapes. The THICK bullet is made with a thicker jacket specifically designed to significantly reduce or eliminate bullet failures.

Keep in mind bullet failures are rare and are the result,most often) of the core melting due to extreme friction. If you take a few steps to keep friction levels away from the extreme you will likely not have any problems with the regular bullets. If you or anyone wants to see our report on the causes of bullet failures,and some recommendations on how to avoid failures) send me an email at eric.stecker@bergerbullets.com. Please mention this situation as I get a large number of emails daily.

Ronemus,

The THICK bullets are going to be available in both the BT and the VLD design. The bullet design you are describing is our BT design. You are correct that the BT design is an alternative for those who do not want to fuss with the sensitive nature of the VLD.

You are also correct when you say that the difference in BC between the VLD and the BT is not huge. Each design is a compromise. The VLD has a higher BC but shoots best in a COAL sweet spot that can take time to find. The BT has a slightly lower BC but typically shoots well at any,or most) COAL.

Regards,
Eric

 

[Turk1961]

Eric,

I have a 264WM coming and was planning to shoot Berger VLDs for both Texas varmints,cats & song dogs) and deer. Should I wait until the VLD thicks are out? How would the present VLDs work at 264WM speeds? Would like to shoot the same load for both. Of course will shoot some long range paper too. My local club offers up to 600 yards. What do you guys think, 130 or 140s?

Are the VLD thick jackets in stock anywhere?

Thanks,
Richard

 

[Turk1961]

Eric,

Never mind, I found them at Midway. Also found this quote for what to use.

"Berger recommended the thick jacket bullets for target shooting only. Use the standard Match bullets for game hunting."

Have there been any problems with the original 264 VLDs? Or was it the 243 VLDs blowing up? How fast can the original 264 VLDs be pushed? Anyone using them in a 264WM?

Thanks,
Richard

 

[EricStecker]

Richard,

Even under the harshest high friction circumstances the bullet failures most usually occur during high round count match situation where many shots were made during a string.

If you plan on shooting a number of shoots in a matter of minutes then you need to take steps to reduce friction. If you are going to shoot a shot every several minutes then you will have no problems using the standard bullets.

The reason we are not recommending the THICK bullets for game is because they have not been tested. The standard VLDs work great and the thicker jacket could change how the bullet comes apart. They might work fine but until we know for sure we can't recommended the THICK bullets for game.

Regards,
Eric

 

[Turk1961]

Thanks for the info.

I will shoot the normal VLD bullets. Shooting only a few over a period of time would be normal for me. The state of Texas won't let me shoot that many deer. AND my calling skills are too poor to allow me to get a rifle hot! :,

Thanks again,

Richard