Lot to lot variation with Berger 210 VLD Hunting

[Jayman_10X]

Good Morning Folks,

Here's a strange one. I spent last year working up loads for my new 300 WM with 210 gr Berger VLD Hunting. All of my load development was out of one box (lot 3471). Found a load that works great so I bought another box of 100 count (lot 4671). Last night after loading 20 rounds of the new lot, I noted something odd - the box had a label error - instead of VLD, it showed "VDL". That prompted me to check base to ogive measurements and compare the new lot with a few remaining bullets from the old lot. It turns out the new lot's are about 0.030" longer base to ogive than the old lot's! Yikes. When loading the 20 rounds I used the same dial setting on my Redding seater die as I had with the old lot and when checking them with my indicator did not note any major variation so maybe this will not be an issue? Bullet weights also checked fine with the new and old lots.

Question - has anyone experienced this type of lot to lot variation with their Bergers? And if so did you find any major differences in terms of lot to lot accuracy? thanks, Jason

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: Lot to lot variation with Berger 210 VLD Hunting

btt

 

[Mutt]

Re: Lot to lot variation with Berger 210 VLD Hunting

"VDL's"??? Really? That's a new one on me. I'm leaning towards a Chinese counterfeit theory...or possibly Nigerian.

The lot to lot variations are well known in the Berger line. If you call them they'll likely (politely) inform you that such a variance falls within their tolerance and further advise you to buy your bullets in as large a quantity as you can to minimize changing lots.

However, I'd wager if you called them about the Nigerian, "Very-Drag-Low" label they'd probably replace it with a new box...MAYBE!

 

[Aimsmall55]

Re: Lot to lot variation with Berger 210 VLD Hunting

Seems every lot of vld's regardless of caliber is different. For example .... Got one lot of 6.5 140 vld's and they averaged 1.398". New ones are 1.420" average. Haven't measured to ogive yet but I'd bet the bearing surface is different which will yes result in different pressures

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: Lot to lot variation with Berger 210 VLD Hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The lot to lot variations are well known in the Berger line. If you call them they'll likely (politely) inform you that such a variance falls within their tolerance and further advise you to buy your bullets in as large a quantity as you can to minimize changing lots. </div></div>

So a company who markets itself as a precision bullet manufacturer will claim that 0.030" lot to lot variance is within their tolerance? Pathetic. If they tell me that I will find business elsewhere. Lot's of good bullet makers out there.

 

[Huckleberry75]

Re: Lot to lot variation with Berger 210 VLD Hunting

Whats with the different size boxes as well??

 

[Bluejazz]

Re: Lot to lot variation with Berger 210 VLD Hunting

Let us no if they shoot any different than the old lot.

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: Lot to lot variation with Berger 210 VLD Hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bluejazz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Let us no if they shoot any different than the old lot.
</div></div>

Will do. It'll be a couple weeks - very cold and very windy in MN at the moment and in the forseeable future. They're loaded up just need a break in the weather to test.

thanks