Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Long Range Hunting confusing results with 168gr berger VLD hunting

I picked up a Red hawk rifles M40 in 308 a few months ago. Its been a pretty decent shooter so far with a few loads but I haven't done much shooting past 100 yards with it until today. It has 26" 1-12 twist barrel with wyatt detachable magazine and 6.5-24 Ziess conquest with mil dot.


I had worked up a load that shot really well at 100 yards. 168gr Berger VLD hunting with IMR 4895 for 2650fps with standard deviations in the low teens to single digits. Not a speed demon but was turning in some really impressive groups at 100 yards. I thought that I had it all dailed in until today. It started out well, here is two 5 shot groups at 100 yards.


Moved it back to 200 yards and shot two more 3 shot groups. It was matching up to my estimated corrections and was still shooting pretty decent.


Then I shot it at 300 yards. The groups really opened up. This was a 5 shot group and after seeing how spread out it was I shot three more to see if a pattern would start to appear. a second 5 shot group at 300 was even worse, with a verticle spread of 5 and 4-5" wide.

What in the world could cause it to fall apart like that? I don't think it was me because I shot some pretty impressive groups today with my 300 RUM turning in 1.25-1.5" groups at the same range.

I wonder if maybe the 1-12 twist isn't quite stabilizing the 168 VLD and its cause it to destablize somewhere past 200 yards. I'm really at a loss why it would just fall apart like that. I really expected it to shoot 2-2.5" after how well it was shooting at 1 and 2 hundred yards.

Any insight you all may have will be appreciated.

You aren't Twistchow,you are Bergerchow.

Go 155 Scenar,never look back and thank me later.

^^^^^What he said.....

I doubt it's twist by itself. The same bullet shoots quite well at 300 yards for me out of several 12" twist rifles.

Go back to 100 and see if the scope took a [bleep] on you.

Was there ANY wind when you shot at 300????

wind isn't the reason for that....

815 yd group..the wind was blowing...pard shooting my rifle..

Odd...I've yet to see any scenario,in which the wind was an "advantage".

Though in fairness,Bergers do blow on the average.

A strong tailwind is a wonderful thing with a 308 Win.....grin.

Josh, on a serious note, my Rem 1/12 308 shot the 210 Bergers very well. I'd be surprised if there were stability issues with the 168.

Agree with the 155 Scenar suggestion.

I would try increasing your powder charge , if that doesnt work try different bullets

Mebbe that tailwind and a 500yd shot,that starts at 5500' and ends at 4000'.(grin)

My experience with the VLD's are just the opposite; tight groups at long range and ugly ones at close range.

I'm guessing it has to do with the range chosen for initial development. I shoot long range Audette Ladders and choose the load from them, then shoot at close range to tune with depth.

Did you do all the development at 100?

If so, try starting over either by shooting long range groups with incremental charge weights or an Audette at long range. Use the OAL that they one-hole at 100 with.

I've never seen a Berger as forgiving as a Scenar.

Lil Fish,

Well built rifles with proper throat geometry don't require "forgiving" bullets.

I have yet to see an advantage to a lower BC in LR shooting but I suppose if you are running substandard equipment the Scenar might be your only option.

Get yourself a good barrel and have someone with a clue chamber it and your VLD issues will disappear.

Struggle on.

Love and Kisses
John

'Burns,

You are indeed an incredibly stupid dumbfhuck. I always enjoy your "Proprietary" Delusions and your Snake Oil Fabrications,as that schit is hilarious!

"Oddly" enough the Scenar I cited,has a better BC than the Berger cited by the OP and boasts a 13gr velocity headstart. I realize that such glaring constants exceed your "comprehension" and eloquently attests,that people who "know" as "much" as you,will do well to shut the [bleep] up,take notes and apply same. Hint.

Feel free to regale me with your Secret Squirrel barrels,their chamber particulars and more of your uncanny "insight". Looking forward to the excuses.

Bless your heart.

Lil Fish,

"Oddly" enough you are once more talking out your ass. Feel free to regal us all with Lapua add copy you read on the internet. That won't change the Scenars real world G1 BC from 0.460.

While you are at it please post a few more pictures of those fine rifles of yours that need "forgiving" bullets.

You make me smile.

Love and Kisses
John

Burn's,

I'll feign my "surprise" at your Secret Squirrel Build "particulars".

What's a "regal"...is it akin to Majestic?!? Laffin'!

I've yet to own an erector that tossed cookies,nor a reticle that subtends in favorable accords,in regards to a boolit make/model.

You are doing "great". No wonder you keep getting throwed out on your ass,trying to peddle Snake Oil.

Laffin'.

I guess it is only fair you school me on spelling while I school you on ballistics.

I never was much good in English class and never won a spelling bee but on occasion I seem to have a knack for making a bullet go to just the right spot. We all have our strengths and you are well advised to keep playing to yours. You seem to get out of your lane somewhat on the shooting side.





I feel flatter at how closely you have been following my posts. I didn't miss the plywood shack references either.

Thanks buddy for caring.

Love and Kisses
John