Berger VLD Hunting bullets.

[savage M110 BAS]

Looking for some insight on Berger VLD hunting bullets. From what I have read, they are deadly on small-large game because it enters the vitals, (assuming it was a decent shot) travels 3-5'' and essentially fragments like a varmint bullet.

To me, this screams catastrophic meat loss. And let’s be honest, the reason I am hunting is to fill my freezer.

what’s your experience with these bullets?

 

[sheephunter]

They are deadly but at higher velocity impacts they are explosive and yes meat loss can be extensive. They are designed to work well at long distance/lower velocity impacts and they do. Pretty hard for a bullet to do everything well. If you don't plan on long-range hunting they likely aren't the bullet for you.

 

[delta1]

I have taken deer ( white tail and Muley ) and moose with the Berger VLDH. Nothing but good things to report on how well they work. As to meat loss very minimal, But that will depend on where you put the bullet.

 

[Tikka6xc]

I shot a doe with a vld 2 years ago. Typical meat loss. I find I loose more meat from scabby blood than actual bullet damage.

Great bullets. The hunting bullets are actually the old target bullets. Only difference with the target bullets now is they have one more layer in the jacket to keep the lead from melting and developing a flyer. A problem with the higher velocity target shooters like.

Sheep hunter is right tho. Perfect bullet for long range hunting but for closer range there are much better choices. The vld does not hold weight. It's a grenade.

 

[mossyhorns]

I shot a bull moose two years ago with a 150g VLD out of my .270 Weatherby. The shot was close and centered in the ribs tight behind the shoulder. Clean hole for about 3-4 inches and then BAMB, it was like a Granade went off in there. There was little to no meat lost as the fragments never made it to the other side. Complete and total devastation inside that chest however. He ran about 60 to 70 yards and died mid stride. Ok, the round to the back of the head helped but was not required.

Personally I will not use them again. Did it do what it was designed to do, you bet. I just prefer something that holds together a bit better then that.

 

[gtrussell]

How did the bullet perform to the back of the head?

 

[Northman999]

I shot a moose with them about three years ago. 30-06, 210 grain VLD @ 2645 fps. Range was just under 100 yards.

The bullets performed as advertised; tiny entrance hole for about 2" deep and then a 4" diameter x 16" long sausage shaped area inside the vitals literally liquified. Absolutely unreal trauma.

I also delivered a headshot from about a foot from the muzzle. The bullet entered right between the eyes, the whole head kind of ballooned out a little and settled back immediately. No exit from the headshot, the bullet exploded inside and was somehow retained. The headshot entrance wound actually sealed up, and there was no blood at all on the head except for one small drop of blood that fell out the animal's nose while I was butchering it.

I am going to use this load again.

I have definitely heard some horror stories of the Bergers failing however , and have no reason to doubt those who were involved.

 

[Tikka6xc]

It passed threw on the doe I shot.

Just thought I would add that in there.

 

[kman300]

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...-lots-of-newspaper-Part-1-Part-2-Part-3-added

I tested several "fragile match" bullets in a worst case scenario and none of them blew up and they outperformed "real hunting" bullets.

 

[mossyhorns]

Actually it blew a decent hole in the back of his skull but did not exit. Had the desired affect however. Dead after all, is dead! The velocity on this load was over 3300 fps and the shots were close.