168 gr. berger vld for my 280 rem?

[huntinfool87]

So I'm very new to reloading and i have received lots of help from you guys already and I'm very thankful for that. So I guess first things first. am I getting in over my head going straight to Berger vld? I know all about the jump and needing special dies and I have ordered Berger reloading manual but it's on back order and will be a few weeks before I get it. I have purchased 100 ct. Of 7mm 168 gr. Berger vld. I want to use alliant rl-22 but I'm not sure what the max load is for this and I can't seem to find it online anywhere. So I guess what I'm asking is this... Is there anywhere online that I can find the max load and a starting load for this option? Also any input on my choices would be greatly appreciated. If anybody know what kind of powder this caliber likes (fast or slow) I'd love to hear more about it. My 280 was custom built on a mauser action and has a 26" barrel. The guy who built it ( Don Mahaldevic ) is no longer alive so I can't really find anymore out about the gun.

 

[ironworkerwill]

Consider 53 grains max, start 10% below max( data is for 175gr bullets applicable for you as there is no 168gr data available on the Alliant site). Data for Reloder 22 is available at Alliant's site.

Imo RL22 is suitable for your application, and has been used with great success. There is no way to know how it will perform for you as every rifle is different.

Berger makes fine bullets for target shooting especially for Lang range. I don't think you made a poor decision. Realize that the VLD is not designed for game animals. You will benefit from the Barnes manual.

 

[huntinfool87]

I almost picked up a barns Manual today I will go back and get it. After doing some research on the vld it seems as it would be a good hunting round as it dumps all its energy into the target... It does come apart instead of mushrooming like traditional hunting rounds but doesn't retain any energy past the target... At least this is how I understand it to work.

 

[RAT807]

My Berger manual shows 53.3 hrs as max with 3.330 as COAL. Minimum is 48 grs.
I haven't loaded with any of the RL- powders but have used IMR 7878SSC, 4350, 4831 and H4831. I did not get the speed and accuracy that I wanted with my stock 700. Bought an aftermarket stock and bedded the action. I haven't had time to load test with the 168 gr Bergers yet but it's on my list.

 

[huntinfool87]

Thank you very much exactly what I wanted to know! Thanks guys

 

[climbnjump]

I have purchased 100 ct. Of 7mm 168 gr. Berger vld. I want to use alliant rl-22 but I'm not sure what the max load is for this and I can't seem to find it online anywhere.

Mr. RAT807 already posted the load data for RL22 from the Berger manual, so I won't repeat that. But it was also mentioned in another post that the VLD bullet isn't intended for hunting use. Actually, the 7mm 168 gr Berger bullet comes in 3 varieties. The "VLD Target" bullet is indeed intended only for target use.

However, since the boxes are clearly marked, I'm going to guess that you have the "VLD Hunting" version of that bullet which obviously is intended for hunting use.

The 3rd version is the "Classic Hunter" version which is a hybrid bullet that blends the secant ogive profile from the VLD bullets with the tangent ogive profile more common to hunting bullets. More info can be found here: http://www.bergerbullets.com/hunting-bullet-designs/

The VLD bullets have a reputation for being finicky with regard to seating depth with many folks having the best results with these when seating at or into the lands. However, this isn't always the case. I have a Rem 700 in 7mm RM that likes these bullets just fine seated .035 off the lands.

If you find that the VLDs are not working for you, then the "Classic Hunter" might be a better choice.

In any case, I'd suggest that you call the tech support folks at Berger. They would be more than happy to talk to you about your application and help you out with your questions.

 

[Edarnold]

Have you checked the twist of your rifle's barrel? With a custom rifle you can't assume standard factory twist, it would be shame to get your hopes up ( and invest a bit of money ) to find that the bullet won't stabilize because the twist is too slow.

 

[ironworkerwill]

Good point Ed! Considering the OP can push the bullet at least 2600fps he should be good with a 9.5 twist. Anything more will be borderline instability.

*2600fps and 9.5 is about average.