Big News from Berger Bullets

[EricStecker]

When I returned to Berger in 2004, I was able to spend more time communicating directly with shooters through emails, phone calls and these forums. I believe strongly that it is from these interactions that we gain a better understanding of what rifle shooters need to be successful. I also understand that there are many shooters who need technical assistance.

Thanks to your support, Berger has been blessed with significant growth. Lately, the challenges that go along with growth while staying focused on quality have pulled me away from the phone, emails and forums. For some time, I have been working on resolving this shortcoming. Our announcement today is the final piece in our solution to this challenge.

It is with great pleasure that I announce the addition of Kevin Thomas to the Berger Bullets team as our E-Technical Consultant. Kevin spent the last 15 years as Sierra’s Chief Ballistician. Prior to becoming Sierra's Chief Ballistician, Kevin spent 6 years moving from Sierra's production floor to their ballistics lab. Kevin will use his extensive shooting knowledge to help folks get the most out of their rifle shooting experience.

Kevin’s addition to Berger puts into place the final piece of our customer service solution. Below is a list of Berger Bullets’ resources that shooters can go to get the answers they need.

Technical Support by Phone – 714-447-5458
Berger has partnered with Sinclair International to provide extensive phone coverage by active and knowledgeable shooters. Led by Bill Gravatt, Sinclair is a highly-respected and legitimate source for technical assistance,among other things).

Loading Data and Technical Assistance from Walt Berger – bergerltd@aol.com
Founder and member of the Benchrest Hall of Fame, Walt Berger’s extensive shooting experience is a tremendous resource for those who need help. Over the last several years, Walt has been working on our loading manual. This work has generated loading data specific to Berger Bullets in most popular cartridges.

Loading Data and Technical Assistance from Kevin Thomas – kevin.thomas@bergerbullets.com,email is not active yet)
Kevin spent two decades shooting in Sierra’s test facility every day and working with major ammo producers on several projects. Additionally, he is an experienced, active and successful competitive target shooter. He will soon be available for those who need shooting related assistance.

External Ballistic Assistance from Bryan Litz – bryan.litz@bergerbullets.com
Bryan’s reputation as a top external ballistics mind is well known. Equally recognized is his success as a competitive target shooter. Bryan is available for those who need to address advanced external ballistics concerns.

Both Kevin Thomas and Bryan Litz will actively engage the forums as we strongly believe that forums are a valuable resource for all shooters,us included).

All of the people listed above are active rifle shooters and are committed to your success. These folks can provide an even greater level of shooting-related technical assistance than I. For this reason, you will see less of me as I focus my attention on the production floor,which is my strength). I will not be disconnected or unavailable, but I will rely heavily on this “dream team” of technical experts to provide you with the information you need to get back to the range or into the field.

Regards,
Eric

 

[EricStecker]

I'm on it Lynn:thumb:

 

[flatlander]

Eric,
Berger has assembled a fine team. I've met Kevin at matches, and look forward to each issue of PS in hopes that Bryan will have another article on ballistics. Looking forward to what you folks will be coming out with next.

Dennis

 

[waterdog]

Eric,,,,,just keep up the good work. If you have noticed the new IBS records for 600 yards, most of them was set with your bullets. So you guys and gals are doing something right out there.
Glad to hear about the new personnel. Can't help but be better.

Larry Isenhour

 

[KevinThomas]

Hey guys,

Many thanks for the warm welcome here, and I'm looking forward to chatting with you in the future.Glad to be on board, both here on the site, and with Berger.

Kevin Thomas
Berger Bullets

 

[bingo1010]

i realize this is my first post here guys so don't be too hard on me. i am from canada and on several prominent boards there so i am technically not what you call a 'newbie'. any way....eric i use your bullets and like em lots, one question that i do have though is why have the prices of your bullets jumped so much in the last 1 1/2 years? i used to pay 35/box in 07, now i am paying in excess of 50/box. i know raw materials have went up but the increase that other manufactures have had, like sierra and hornady) is quite minimal as compared to the bergers. thanks.

 

[EricStecker]

Bingo1010,

Frankly, I don't know the answer to your question as we have not changed our price since Jan. 08. In 07 our prices did go up during the material price increase.

Something that few people know or remember is that Berger did not change their price through the year while the other brands had as many as three price increases over the same year.

We believed it was important to keep prices stable even though our cost rose significantly. Needless to say this was a rough year for us.

I also understand that the Canadian dollar has fallen quite a bit lately which could influence this situation. Many of those who are selling Berger have purchased their inventory lately as we are working hard to open the pipeline into Canada. Other brands may have been on the shelf longer keeping their prices down since they were purchased while the Canadian dollar was stronger.

Frankly, this is just a guess. One thing I can tell you for sure is that we have not changed our prices for 14 months. If you've seen a change during this time it is related to the dealers other costs and not a change in the US cost of the product.

All,

Bingo1010 point was important to address however my purpose for visiting this thread is to announce that Kevin's email has been activated. If you need any technical assistance please contact him at kevin.thomas@bergerbullets.com.

Regards,
Eric