Berger VLD Reloading Data

slimjim · Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 6:47 pm Post subject: Berger VLD Reloading Data

I am interested in loading some Berger VLD bullets in my 6.8. I contacted Berger and they provided some recipes generated from Quick Load's software application. I post these for others who might be interested. I'm glad to have some sound data to start with. Please feel free to post any load data you have developed for Berger's VLD bullets.

Elvis · Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:33 pm Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

wow thats the first time Ive seen loads with anything heavier than 130s!!!
have you had a butchers at the barnes 85 grners?

Elvis · Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:37 pm Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

looking at those powder weights gets me thinking?? how much different is the case size than a .223???
my pet load in .223 is 24.5 grns of AR2206 and the case isnt full right up!!!

slimjim · Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:51 pm Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

Elvis, these pills are pretty big - over optimum size - for the 6.8. Up until now, the 135gr SMK is about the largest folks were loading. Silver State Armory just came out with some tactical loads using the 140gr which has gotten lots of interest. I feel these loads are conservative, but at least they give me some place to start without concern that I'm are risk of an over pressure situation. I've got some 150gr VLDs I'd like to use to break the barrel in, and if they shoot well, use for target practice. I may even try some 4895 and Varget now that I have something to work from.

Elvis · Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:40 pm Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

well I guess its just like a .270 win at 200 yards so it will do the job on game no dramas.

slimjim · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 4:31 am Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

Elvis, I really didn't answer your original question about powder capacity. I filled a .223 and 6.8 case to the top of the neck with H414 and the capacities were 31.2 and 37.2 grains, respectively. Thus, the 6.8 could have up to 6 grains more powder compared to a .223. Put a big pill like these VLDs in the 6.8 case and you eat up a lot of powder capacity.

The picture below is a good comparison of the two cartridges. I would guess the 6.8 as a 115gr bullet while the .223 is loaded with a 62gr bullets.

Elvis · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 1:04 pm Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

ok thanks for that Slim. somewhere around 20% larger capacity then.
it sure looks like a nice round to use, sort of like a 7.62x39 that is all grown up.

slimjim · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 3:34 pm Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

I'll keep you posted. The guys with 6.8 bolt actions seem to like them lots and they can run a bit more pressure.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

I'm curious. What is the reason for using such high BC bullets in a relatively slow cartridge?

slimjim · Last edited by slimjim on Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:53 pm; edited 1 time in total

I have 172 150gr VLD bullets sitting on my workbench

slimjim · Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 6:32 am Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

Also, a lot of 3-gun competitions go out to 500 yards. Plus there is always some folks that like to shoot 800 to 1000 yards (and keep up with the 6.5 Grendel crowd). Thus, these bullets and the 135gr SMK give the 6.8mm SPC a viable long range capability. Because I have some 150gr VLDs, I'm going to use them to break-in my barrel and just see how well they shoot. Most likely I will use Barnes 95gr TTSX for hunting and Hornady 110gr HPBT for target shooting (or the 150gr VLDs if they work out).

Elvis · Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 11:40 pm Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

yip I can see the logic in that.
how have you got on with hornady 110grn hps??? I found them super explosive at 3000fps ish out of the old smoke pole but not super accurate, good wallaby/goat/hare/possum medicine.

slimjim · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 4:43 am Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

Elvis, I haven't got the rifle built yet. It still is an incomplete pile of components on the study floor. I have been finding many items out of stock/indefinite backorder as people gobble up ARs and components running up to the election. I'm hoping to have everything I need by the middle of this month. I'm trying to figure out I will develop my loads as part of the planning process. I am not planning on buying any factory ammo, going to start just with reloads.

fnuser · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:05 am Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

I'm curious. What is the reason for using such high BC bullets in a relatively slow cartridge?

another thought from the peanut gallery. Through the years we have been reading authors poo-poo the importance of boat-tails because they didn't come into play until near the end of flight and as Elvis pointed out here is the ballistic equivalent to a 200 yard .270 Win. Also conserving velocity w a cartridge that has a lower starting velocity makes sense to me.

PaulS · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 11:01 pm Post subject: Re: Berger VLD Reloading Data

The boat-tail adds BC to any size bullet at any velocity. when you start with a lower velocity round the boat-tail design will "buck the wind" better as well as maintain th velocity yo have. In the high velocity 270 bucking the wind doesn't really mean much until you get that bullet down range a ways but with the slower bullets it is key right from the start.