Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag Review

Let’s Dive into Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag

The Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag bullets are designed for hunters who demand exceptional accuracy and terminal performance. Berger is a well-respected name in the precision shooting world, known for meticulous manufacturing and consistent results. These bullets promise deep penetration and rapid expansion, making them a solid choice for various game animals.

I was looking for a bullet that offered both a high ballistic coefficient for flatter trajectories at longer ranges and consistent terminal performance on game. Many bullets prioritize one over the other, but the Berger VLD design aims to balance both. My goal was to find a bullet that could reliably take down whitetail deer at distances beyond 300 yards in the open plains of Wyoming.

Upon opening the box, the bullets were neatly arranged and visually uniform, reflecting the attention to detail I expect from Berger. The boat tail design and sleek profile were immediately apparent, hinting at their potential for long-range accuracy. The bullets felt substantial, and there were no visible imperfections in the copper jacket or lead core.

I considered Nosler AccuBond Long Range and Hornady ELD-X bullets, but ultimately chose the Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag due to Berger’s reputation for consistent quality and its specific VLD design. I wanted a bullet that would expand reliably at lower velocities, and the VLD design seemed promising. The Accubonds are bonded, which I find sometimes reduces expansion, and the ELD-X can be inconsistent at times.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to finally test these bullets and see if they lived up to the hype and reputation for accuracy. The sleek design, coupled with the brand’s precision shooting pedigree, gave me confidence.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, preparing for an upcoming whitetail hunt. The range offered distances out to 600 yards, allowing me to evaluate the bullet’s ballistic performance. I chronographed my reloads to verify velocity and ensure consistent performance.

The weather was dry and mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. These conditions were ideal for load development and long-range practice. I needed to ensure that any future hunting in potentially inclement weather would not affect the performance of my rifle and bullet combination.

These bullets were relatively easy to load. I have years of reloading experience, and I had no issues with seating depth or crimping. After some load development, I was able to achieve sub-MOA accuracy.

The only slight surprise was the sensitivity of the bullet to seating depth; I had to experiment with different seating depths to find the sweet spot for optimal accuracy. The bullet is very long and pointed.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of testing and load development, I felt confident in the Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag bullets. I took them on a week-long whitetail hunt in Wyoming. The Berger bullets proved to be incredibly reliable, maintaining their accuracy and integrity.

The bullets held up very well despite being subjected to varying temperatures and handling in the field. I detected no signs of deformation or damage. I used a custom-built rifle chambered in .308 Winchester with a 24-inch barrel.

These bullets outperformed my previous experiences with Sierra GameKing bullets in terms of long-range accuracy and terminal performance. The Berger bullets delivered more consistent expansion and deeper penetration, which resulted in quick, clean kills on deer. The bullet also had better trajectory due to its superior ballistic coefficient.

Breaking Down the Features of Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag

Specifications

• Caliber: .30 Caliber (.308) – This is a very common caliber, offering a wide range of rifle choices. The bullet is common for hunting medium to large game.
• Bullet Weight: 185 grain – This is a heavier bullet weight for .30 caliber, which results in higher ballistic coefficient and better energy retention downrange. It is a good choice for larger game.
• Bullet Type: Meplat Nose Boat Tail (MNBT) – The boat tail design contributes to a higher ballistic coefficient, which helps with flatter trajectories and resistance to wind drift. The Meplat Nose has been designed with hunting in mind, with focus on expansion.
• Diameter: 0.308 mm – This is the standard diameter for .30 caliber bullets and is designed for rifles chambered in .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and other similar cartridges. The diameter is standard for the mentioned cartridge.
• G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.558 – A higher G1 BC indicates a more aerodynamic bullet, which translates to less drag and better performance at longer ranges. The value is very good and results in flat trajectory.
• G7 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.286 – The G7 BC is another measure of aerodynamic efficiency, often considered more accurate for long-range shooting than G1. The value is great and it allows for accurate long range shots.
• Sectional Density: 0.279 – This is the ratio of a bullet’s weight to its diameter squared, indicating its ability to penetrate. The value is fairly high indicating good penetration capabilities.
• Jacket Material: J4 Hunting Jacket – The J4 jacket is designed for controlled expansion upon impact, ensuring effective energy transfer to the target. The material is high quality for consistent bullet expansion.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullets – A box of 100 bullets allows for ample load development and practice. It also allows for more than one hunt without needing to restock.
• Fabric/Material: Copper – Copper jackets provide excellent accuracy and controlled expansion, which is a standard for high-quality hunting bullets. Copper is standard jacket material in bullets.

Performance & Functionality

The Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag bullets excel in accuracy, providing tight groups at extended ranges. The bullet is very reliable with consistent expansion and penetration on game animals, and its terminal performance is impressive. It meets and exceeds expectations.

The Berger bullet’s primary strength lies in its ability to deliver both flat trajectories and consistent terminal performance. One weakness is that it can be slightly more sensitive to seating depth than other bullets. Finding the optimal load requires more experimentation.

Design & Ergonomics

The bullet’s design is sleek and aerodynamic, which translates to high ballistic coefficients and stable flight. The build quality is excellent. The copper jacket is uniform, and the boat tail is precisely formed.

The bullet’s Secant (VLD) Ogive Style requires specific attention. The hunter should follow the recommendation regarding twist rate to stabilize the bullet.

Durability & Maintenance

The bullets themselves are durable and resistant to deformation during handling and loading. However, care should be taken to prevent damage to the bullet tips, as this can affect accuracy. The bullet is easy to maintain, with the exception to bullet tip deformation.

Accessories and Customization Options

These are bullets intended for handloading, so the primary accessories are reloading dies, powder, primers, and cartridge cases. No specific accessories come with the product, as these are components for handloading and work with standard reloading equipment. The bullet can be loaded in a variety of .30 caliber cartridges, including .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum.

Pros and Cons of Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag

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Who Should Buy Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag?

The Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag bullets are perfect for experienced hunters and long-range shooters who prioritize accuracy and terminal performance. The bullets are a solid choice for handloaders who are willing to experiment with seating depth to find the optimal load. It is for the hunter who is hunting medium to large game.

Hunters who primarily hunt at close ranges or those who are new to reloading might find these bullets less suitable. The bullet may be less suitable due to their seating depth sensitivity. Those who demand extreme toughness and minimal expansion might want to consider bonded bullets instead.

A quality reloading setup, including a precise scale, accurate powder measure, and concentricity gauge, is a must-have to get the most out of these bullets. Consider investing in a bullet seating die with micrometer adjustment to fine-tune seating depth.

Conclusion on Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag

The Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag bullets are an excellent choice for serious hunters who demand the highest levels of accuracy and terminal performance. These bullets are a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize precision. The high ballistic coefficient and consistent terminal performance make them a valuable tool for ethical and effective hunting.

The price of $72.79 for 100 bullets is justified, given the superior accuracy, high ballistic coefficient, and reliable terminal performance. The quality construction of these bullets is worth the price tag. I would personally recommend these bullets to any experienced hunter or long-range shooter seeking to maximize their rifle’s potential.

Try the Berger Hunting .30 Caliber 185 Grain Hunting Very Low Drag bullets and experience the difference that precision engineering and quality manufacturing can make in your hunting success! Upgrade your ammunition and elevate your performance today!