Who really makes the best bullets?

[silverback]

I have been searching and comparing different bullets mostly the 6.5 and 30cal groups. What do you think of Berger, JLK, Sierra MK, Hornady A-max and Lapua Scenars? To many brands and is there really that big of a difference. Also where do you shop for the best prices for these components?

 

[Forum Boss]

Powder Valley, www.powdervalleyinc.com, has excellent prices on most of the brands you mentioned. That's the first place I look.

In terms of "who's the best" -- every barrel is different. I will say the Lapua makes some of the most consistent bullets I've measured. They shoot great in many barrels. On the other hand your barrel may well prefer Bergers or Sierras. You won't know until you try them all.

 

[silverback]

I'm not a benchrest or longrange die hard shooter so one question I ponder is, are the VLDs and thier high BCs better than the SMK or the A-max?

 

[jb77]

Silverback yes there is a difference. The best bullet is the one that shoots best in your rifle.

Some of my rifles prefer the custom or high end bullets others like the off the shelf Sierra's, Hornady's etc. best.

Do you need custom made bullets, if your application calls for them, then yes.

I shoot informally and I hunt and plink so V-max's, Ballistic Tips, Accubonds, Partitions and Interlock's are mainly what I have in the cabinet. I do have a bunch of Berger's though because I like to see what my guns and myself are capable of.

Every reloader I know has lots of stuff sitting on the shelf that is waiting to be tried. I view my stock of bullets, powder, primers and brass to be a bank, and there is always room for just a little more LOL! In fact you know your ruined when your wife and kids buy you powder and bullets for Chritmas and birthdays.

 

[silverback]

I love your wife and kids. Thats great. I really like
Bergers. I have read alot not only about thier accuracy but also thier use as a hunting bullet,VLDs). Have you hunted with any of the Berger VLDs?

 

[jb77]

Silverback, no I like the accubonds, partitions and interlocks too much for hunting. I am shooting 140 gr accubonds out of a TC Encore 7mm-o8 right now and they are awesome. Super accurate and great performance on game. They are a little pricey though.

 

[Clark]

I have put the most effort in with Sierra Match Kings, Berger VLD, and Hornady Vmax.

I get the best results with Vmax.

 

[Preacher]

jb77--
Have you tried the Nosler 140 gr Accubond seconds yet ?
They seem to shoot as well as the others do for me, and a bit less out of pocket.
They weigh the same, look the same, and shoot the same, what's not to like....

 

[silverback]

Have any of you used Sierra's 85gr.varminter bullets. I got a great deal on some today so I bought them. I am building a Remington 260.

 

[jb77]

Preacher, I have not, but I would. Where did you find them at?

I would not have thought that Nosler would let any seconds get on the market as it might tarnish their reputation if they didn't meet someones expectations.

Word of mouth is a double edged sword. Example: Barnes bullets haven't worked for me I have tried them in 3 different calibers in 4 different guns. Are Barnes bullets bad, it would be easy for me to say yes, but obviously they work for a lot of guys so no they just haven't worked for me.

 

[1bamashooter]

Well I have been shooting Berger 175 VLD in my 308 and love them. I still shoot SMK 175s in my tactical matches so I can load to mag length. I placed a order for JLK 175 VLDs in early Dec. they told me in a email that they should ship late Dec early Jan, well I haven't seen them yet I sent them 2 emails that have been unanswered. I hope they come through but it ain't looking good.

 

[varmint]

I have used 87gr varminter bullets in my contender with a 15" barrel and it is a .25 bullberry,with is a 30-30 necked down to .25 cal. Shoot a deer at 25 yds and went through it.Vol.was 2900 FPS.