Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters 280ai and 168 berger VLD

Would like to try some 168 Berger VLD's out of a custom 280ai with 25" kreiger with 1 in 10 twist barrel. Anyone have any pet loads they would like to share and suggestions on how far off the lands to start. I have no experience with Bergers but have some guys here in Montana that are swearing by them.

I would start with 175-grain data, since Berger VLD's have pretty long bearing surfaces and soft cores, both of which tend to raise pressures slightly. I have had excellent luck with H4831 in the .280, especially with heavier bullets, but other powders also work quite well. Generally (bot not always) VLD's shoot best when seated very close to the lands.

Question: Will a 1-10 twist stabilize the 168 Berger? If it does try IMR7828 or R22 if H4831 does not produce for you.