Question On Bergers From A New Guy

[eicas]

Hello all. Post #1 under the .308 Load Sticky...

Wanting to expand myself beyond the 175smk and looking at the 185 Bergers. Not familiar with them besides their excellent reputation. They seem to have quite a few options in the 185gr range. In layman beginner terms, can someone explain the "basics" to me on their Target, Tactical, and Hunting bullets? I'm gathering it's jacket thickness, expansion characteristics, etc. The BCs on all of them look pretty similar around the 55-56 range. I'm looking for a bullet that will take my .308 out to 1K+ and is a step above the Sierras. If I can do that with one of their "Hunting" bullets, I'm fine with that.

Has anyone experimented with the various offerings and be kind enough to share what they found?

Gun is a 700 5R with a 24" tube.

Thanks again.

 

[Aimsmall55]

You have the 185 OTM (juggernaut) which is very jump tolerant and has a very low bearing surface which makes them fly faster. Then you have the 185 vld which is pickier about seating depth. The 185 hybrid is more like the vld with a higher bc but is a good bit longer of a bullet. For your application, I'd go 185 OTM all the way .... Are easy to make shoot, can fit in an AI mag, and were even designed to remain stable throughout the transonic stage. IMHO

 

[powereng]

Great topic eicas. I was just discussing this very topic with a shooting buddy of my this afternoon. We are both interested in trying out something other than 175 smk's.

 

[ZiaHunter]

I shoot the 185 VLD's and Hybrids out of my McMillan 300 WM and are extremely accurate. Due to mag length limits can't load the VLD's to just off the lands but they have shot very well out to 1200 yards. Frankly I shoot VLD's in several different calibers and seating depth hasn't been an issue. Great bullets and deadly on game the only problem is trying to find them these days.

 

[Black max]

To answer your question, the only difference between the hunting and target is jacket thickness.