My Savage 12BR prefers 105 Amax over 105 VLD

[zanemoseley]

I'm kind of new to precision rifle and my Savage 12BR. So far I've tried 105 VLD hunter and 105 Amax. Most shooting so far is at 50&100 yards, I know not ideal but I don't have easy access to longer ranges. I'm trying to get loads worked up for 600 f class next year.

The 105 amax bullets average right over .5moa, it just seems to shoot .5 moa groups easily, I've had several groups in the .300-.400 moa range. I shoot these just touching the lands with 29.7 Varget.

Just made my way though a box of 105 VLD hunter bullets, they averaged closer to .75-.875 moa and just seemed harder to get it to group, had some at .500 moa but a lot were larger. Seemed to shoot slightly better .010" into lands but also tested .010 jump and touching the lands.

Problem is the 105 Amax got discontinued. I have about 500 left. They have the new ELD bullet that replaced it I want to try.

Since I seem to shoot the Amax better than the VLD what else should I try. Is the Amax profile closer to the Berger Hybrid? I'm not really knowledgeable about the different ogive profiles.

 

[Shynloco]

Zane,
If you want to see that rifle REALLY perform, get hold of some Bart's 68 gr FB or Berger 68 gr FB;s being pushed preferably by VVN133. But since you have Varget, the Bergers will love it and the Bart's will tolerate it as well (VVN133@29.4 and Berger 68's @ 29.5-29.6). I've been using the Bart's 68 FB's and VVN133 from day one (5 yrs ago) and that rifle has consistently shot in the 1's and low 2's when I do my part. PM inbound!

Alex

 

[zanemoseley]

Replied to your PM.

 

[moorepower]

Zane,
If you want to see that rifle REALLY perform, get hold of some Bart's 68 gr FB or Berger 68 gr FB;s being pushed preferably by VVN133. But since you have Varget, the Bergers will love it and the Bart's will tolerate it as well (VVN133@29.4 and Berger 68's @ 29.5-29.6). I've been using the Bart's 68 FB's and VVN133 from day one (5 yrs ago) and that rifle has consistently shot in the 1's and low 2's when I do my part. PM inbound!

Alex

He said he wants to go to 600 yards. how do they work in the wind at 600?

 

[NorthGATactical]

I shoot 105VLD (Target and Hunt), Hybrid and AMAX from a 6BR 26" 8T at 600 in both F-Open and sling. X count has been consistently higher with VLD's. Velocity node in my gun runs 2875-2920. The VLD's and AMAX seem to perform best from slight jam to .0010 off. Once I find a load that looks good at 100, I find that you have to test at 200+ to determine best loads since elevation issues start to to show.

 

[Shynloco]

He said he wants to go to 600 yards. how do they work in the wind at 600?

OPS/\,,my bad! Must have gotten to 50-100 yds and stopped reading....bad move on my parts....I think I'm hung over from a late family T=Day dinner yesterday. Don't even try a 68 gr bullet at anything over 200-300 yds unless you want to see keyholes. Thx moorepower for bringing it to my lack of attention.

Alex

 

[Texas10]

I ran the 108 ELD over a stability calculator and it just didn't measure up. Shooting it, same thing, just wouldn't group like the 105 A-Max. Darn them for discontinuing the Amax! Wish I had your 500!!

The Berger Hybrid, 105 grain does shoot well, I'd recommend giving it a try. For cheaper thrills, the 105 BTHP from Hornaday will get the job done. Good BC too.

Good luck!

 

[243BR]

You might want to try Berger 105 HVLD also (not TVLD). If I remember from measuring a couple of years ago, the profile is the same as 105 AMax. I've had better success in Savages with them than the hybrids (29.8 - 30 Varget). The 108 Bergers are currently my "go to" bullet.

 

[moorepower]

Have you tried the Hornady ELD match?

 

[jr600yd]

Don't overlook the good old 107 SMK's

 

[walker2713]

At our 300 and 600 yard matches the 105gr Berger Hybrid more often than not is leading the pack......

 

[zanemoseley]

I think I'm gonna try the ELD's and a box of Hybrids.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

That Hunting VLD is a hammer when you get them shooting

 

[fm1947]

105 Berger hybrib