Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where can I get loading data for Berger Bullets?
Q: How do I find a Berger Bullets dealer?
Q: Do you make hunting bullet that works well on big game?
Q: What does the recommended twist mean?
Q: Why do you recommend the slowest twist?
Q: What do you mean by faster and slower twist rate?
Q: How do I find out the twist in my barrel?
Q: What is BC?
Q: How do I use BC?
Q: Should I shoot Moly Coated bullets?
Q: If I use Moly Coated bullets how should I clean my barrel?
Q: How do I break in a barrel using Moly Coated bullets?
Q: How do I find a Berger Bullets dealer?
Q: Do you make hunting bullet that works well on big game?
Q: What does the recommended twist mean?
Q: Why do you recommend the slowest twist?
Q: What do you mean by faster and slower twist rate?
Q: How do I find out the twist in my barrel?
Q: What is BC?
Q: How do I use BC?
Q: Should I shoot Moly Coated bullets?
Q: If I use Moly Coated bullets how should I clean my barrel?
Q: How do I break in a barrel using Moly Coated bullets?
Q: Where can I get loading data for Berger Bullets?
A: Our loading manual will be available soon. In the meantime, then you can email your cartridge and bullet data to bergerltd@aol.com or to anyone at Berger Bullets listed on our contacts page. Starting and maximum loads will be emailed back to you.
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Q: How do I find a Berger Bullets dealer?
A: Go to our dealer locator page and choose your state or country in the list provided. You will be taken to a list of dealers in the state or country you selected. Keep in mind that if you do not find a dealer near you, there are several dealers that will ship to your door. These shipping dealers are listed under the Dealer Locator heading on the Top 20 Dealers page. You can also encourage your local dealer to order our bullets for you. Stocking dealers can call 714-447-5425 to become a Berger Bullets Dealer. If you are still unable to find the Berger Bullets you want, call 714-447-5456 and we will ship them to you directly. Ask about our bulk discount program.
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Q: Do you make hunting bullet that works well on big game?
A: Yes. The Berger Hunting VLD is proven in the field as one of the most lethal hunting bullets available. We have a full line of Hunting VLD bullets that you can use on your next hunt. For more information, visit our Hunting bullets page.
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Q: What does the recommended twist mean?
A: We list a twist rate that will produce the best stability in all situations. Factors like temperature, elevation, and muzzle velocity will affect how a bullet will stabilize. The twist rates we recommend will give you the best stability at the slowest twist possible. The recommended twist is based on a range of velocity so it is a guideline not an absolute requirement.
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Q: Why do you recommend the slowest twist?
A: Spinning a bullet faster than necessary can amplify any inconsistency in the bullet. Since we use J4 jackets, you can shoot Berger Bullets in faster twist than what is listed. We list the slowest twist rate needed because we want to squeeze every bit of accuracy out of a rifle.
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Q: What do you mean by faster and slower twist rate?
A: A twist rate is represented in inches. A barrel that is a 10 twist means that the rifling will spin the bullet one revolution in 10 inches. The lower the number of the twist, the faster the twist rate or the faster the bullet will spin. For example, an 8 twist will spin the bullet one revolution in 8 inches where a 10 twist will spin a bullet one revolution in 10 inches. If you were shooting a bullet in both barrels at a velocity of 2800 feet per second the 8 twist barrel (252,000 RPM) will spin a bullet much faster than a 10 twist barrel (201,600 RPM). So a 10 twist is slower than an 8 twist, a 12 twist is slower than a 10 twist, and so on. Generally, fast twist barrels are used for longer bullets while slower twist barrels are used for shorter bullets.
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Q: How do I find out the twist in my barrel?
A: The best place to start is with the barrel or rifle maker. Sometimes this information is not available. One method of finding the twist rate of your barrel is by using a cleaning rod. Put a dry, loose fitting patch (so it doesn't get stuck in your barrel) on a jag and put your rod into your barrel from either the muzzle end or the chamber end. (Note: When putting a rod into the muzzle end, be careful not to damage the crown/muzzle) Move the rod back and forth to verify that the rod spins freely as the rifling turns the rod. With the rod in the barrel, make a mark on the rod with a Sharpie at the point where the rod enters the muzzle or the action. Near the handle of the rod place a piece of tape on the top of the rod. Push the rod into the barrel. You will see the piece of tape travel one full revolution as the rifling turns the rod. When the tape is back to the top make another mark with your Sharpie on the rod where the rod enters the muzzle or the action. Pull the rod out of the barrel and measure the distance between the two Sharpie marks. If the distance is 12 inches, you have a 1 in 12 twist barrel. If the distance is 8 inches, you have a 1 in 8 twist barrel and so on. For best results, repeat this process two or three times. If you find the measurement is 9.2 inches or 9.8 inches, you can shoot any bullets that are recommended for a 1 in 10 twist. You may or may not be able to shoot bullets that are recommended for a 1 in 9 twist.
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Q: What is BC??
A: BC stands for “Ballistic Coefficient”. In words, BC is a measure of how well a bullet retains velocity; the higher the BC, the more velocity is retained, and vise-versa. Heavy bullets with streamlined profiles will have higher BC’s than shorter bullets with blunter profiles. BC is the fundamental measure of external ballistic efficiency and performance. The higher the BC, the better the bullet retains velocity/energy and resists wind deflection and drop. BC is more important for long range shooting than short range. The BC’s of Berger bullets are based on carefully controlled test firing. The BC’s established by this method are accurate to within +/- 1%, whereas BC’s predicted by computer programs can have as much as +/- 10% error. All BC’s reported for Berger bullets are corrected to the ICAO Atmosphere.
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Q: How do I use BC?
A: The Ballistic Coefficient (BC) is used to do external ballistic analysis. The most common use is to input the BC into a ballistic computer program along with other data about the shooting conditions (muzzle velocity, zero range, atmospheric conditions, etc) in order to calculate a trajectory for the bullet. The trajectory information is used to make sight corrections for drop and wind deflection. BC’s of various bullets are often compared when selecting a bullet for a particular application where external ballistic performance is important. One example is long range target shooting where the shooter wants a high BC in order to minimize wind deflection. A high BC does not indicate a more accurate bullet. However, a high BC does minimize the effects of many shooting variables like uncertainties in range and wind conditions. Thru minimizing the effects of the uncertainties, the higher BC can reduce the net miss distance compared to a bullet with a lower BC.
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Q: Should I shoot Moly Coated bullets?
A: Any shooter who goes through a lot of rounds during a shooting session should use Moly Coated bullets. Moly is a dry lubricant that allows you to shoot more rounds before you have to clean. Since you get less fouling using Moly Coated bullets the accuracy level of your load will last longer within a shooting session. If your load did not shoot without Moly, adding Moly will not make your load shoot. Moly does not eliminate the need to clean your barrel. You just don't have to clean as often. Moly will reduce the pressure of your load, which will result in a slight loss of velocity. In most situations a little more powder can be added to get you right back to the velocity you want to shoot. If you are shooting a compressed load with non-Moly bullets you may not be able to add more powder. It has not been conclusively proven that premium accuracy life of a barrel will be extended using Moly. However, since you don't have to clean as often due to reduced fouling premium accuracy during a particular shooting session does last longer.
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Q: If I use Moly Coated bullets how should I clean my barrel?
A: The following is one way to clean when using Moly Coated bullets. It is not likely the only way you can clean if you are using Moly Coated bullets.
1. Push one patch wet with Kroil Oil through the barrel
2. Repeat step 1.
3. Push one dry patch through the barrel.
4. Repeat step 3.
5. Push one patch wet with Butch's Bore Shine through the barrel.
6. Repeat step 5.
7. Let the barrel soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
8. Push one dry patch through the barrel.
9. Repeat step 8.
10. Using short strokes back and forth push one patch wet with USP or JB Bore Paste through the barrel.
11. Push one patch wet with Kroil through the barrel.
12. Repeat step 11 twice.
13. Push one dry patch through the barrel.
14. Repeat step 13 three times.
15. Use bore scope or visually inspect muzzle for copper fouling.
16. If copper is present repeat steps 10 through 15.
17. If you are storing the rifle push one patch wet with quality gun oil through the barrel.
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Q: How do I break in a barrel using Moly Coated bullets?
A: Moly Coated bullets will not shoot consistently until a barrel is properly broken in with Moly Coated bullets. Walt Berger has found the following procedure to work best in his barrels.
For a new barrel:
1. Shoot one Moly Coated bullet then clean using the Moly Coated cleaning procedure listed above.
2. Repeat step 1 five times.
3. Shoot three Moly Coated bullets then clean using the Moly Coated cleaning procedure listed above.
4. Repeat step 3 five times.
For a broken in barrel:
1. Thoroughly clean the barrel.
2. Shoot ten Moly Coated bullets then clean using the Moly Coated cleaning procedure listed above.
Your barrel is now ready to shoot Moly Coated bullets.
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A: Our loading manual will be available soon. In the meantime, then you can email your cartridge and bullet data to bergerltd@aol.com or to anyone at Berger Bullets listed on our contacts page. Starting and maximum loads will be emailed back to you.
back to top
Q: How do I find a Berger Bullets dealer?
A: Go to our dealer locator page and choose your state or country in the list provided. You will be taken to a list of dealers in the state or country you selected. Keep in mind that if you do not find a dealer near you, there are several dealers that will ship to your door. These shipping dealers are listed under the Dealer Locator heading on the Top 20 Dealers page. You can also encourage your local dealer to order our bullets for you. Stocking dealers can call 714-447-5425 to become a Berger Bullets Dealer. If you are still unable to find the Berger Bullets you want, call 714-447-5456 and we will ship them to you directly. Ask about our bulk discount program.
back to top
Q: Do you make hunting bullet that works well on big game?
A: Yes. The Berger Hunting VLD is proven in the field as one of the most lethal hunting bullets available. We have a full line of Hunting VLD bullets that you can use on your next hunt. For more information, visit our Hunting bullets page.
back to top
Q: What does the recommended twist mean?
A: We list a twist rate that will produce the best stability in all situations. Factors like temperature, elevation, and muzzle velocity will affect how a bullet will stabilize. The twist rates we recommend will give you the best stability at the slowest twist possible. The recommended twist is based on a range of velocity so it is a guideline not an absolute requirement.
back to top
Q: Why do you recommend the slowest twist?
A: Spinning a bullet faster than necessary can amplify any inconsistency in the bullet. Since we use J4 jackets, you can shoot Berger Bullets in faster twist than what is listed. We list the slowest twist rate needed because we want to squeeze every bit of accuracy out of a rifle.
back to top
Q: What do you mean by faster and slower twist rate?
A: A twist rate is represented in inches. A barrel that is a 10 twist means that the rifling will spin the bullet one revolution in 10 inches. The lower the number of the twist, the faster the twist rate or the faster the bullet will spin. For example, an 8 twist will spin the bullet one revolution in 8 inches where a 10 twist will spin a bullet one revolution in 10 inches. If you were shooting a bullet in both barrels at a velocity of 2800 feet per second the 8 twist barrel (252,000 RPM) will spin a bullet much faster than a 10 twist barrel (201,600 RPM). So a 10 twist is slower than an 8 twist, a 12 twist is slower than a 10 twist, and so on. Generally, fast twist barrels are used for longer bullets while slower twist barrels are used for shorter bullets.
back to top
Q: How do I find out the twist in my barrel?
A: The best place to start is with the barrel or rifle maker. Sometimes this information is not available. One method of finding the twist rate of your barrel is by using a cleaning rod. Put a dry, loose fitting patch (so it doesn't get stuck in your barrel) on a jag and put your rod into your barrel from either the muzzle end or the chamber end. (Note: When putting a rod into the muzzle end, be careful not to damage the crown/muzzle) Move the rod back and forth to verify that the rod spins freely as the rifling turns the rod. With the rod in the barrel, make a mark on the rod with a Sharpie at the point where the rod enters the muzzle or the action. Near the handle of the rod place a piece of tape on the top of the rod. Push the rod into the barrel. You will see the piece of tape travel one full revolution as the rifling turns the rod. When the tape is back to the top make another mark with your Sharpie on the rod where the rod enters the muzzle or the action. Pull the rod out of the barrel and measure the distance between the two Sharpie marks. If the distance is 12 inches, you have a 1 in 12 twist barrel. If the distance is 8 inches, you have a 1 in 8 twist barrel and so on. For best results, repeat this process two or three times. If you find the measurement is 9.2 inches or 9.8 inches, you can shoot any bullets that are recommended for a 1 in 10 twist. You may or may not be able to shoot bullets that are recommended for a 1 in 9 twist.
back to top
Q: What is BC??
A: BC stands for “Ballistic Coefficient”. In words, BC is a measure of how well a bullet retains velocity; the higher the BC, the more velocity is retained, and vise-versa. Heavy bullets with streamlined profiles will have higher BC’s than shorter bullets with blunter profiles. BC is the fundamental measure of external ballistic efficiency and performance. The higher the BC, the better the bullet retains velocity/energy and resists wind deflection and drop. BC is more important for long range shooting than short range. The BC’s of Berger bullets are based on carefully controlled test firing. The BC’s established by this method are accurate to within +/- 1%, whereas BC’s predicted by computer programs can have as much as +/- 10% error. All BC’s reported for Berger bullets are corrected to the ICAO Atmosphere.
back to top
Q: How do I use BC?
A: The Ballistic Coefficient (BC) is used to do external ballistic analysis. The most common use is to input the BC into a ballistic computer program along with other data about the shooting conditions (muzzle velocity, zero range, atmospheric conditions, etc) in order to calculate a trajectory for the bullet. The trajectory information is used to make sight corrections for drop and wind deflection. BC’s of various bullets are often compared when selecting a bullet for a particular application where external ballistic performance is important. One example is long range target shooting where the shooter wants a high BC in order to minimize wind deflection. A high BC does not indicate a more accurate bullet. However, a high BC does minimize the effects of many shooting variables like uncertainties in range and wind conditions. Thru minimizing the effects of the uncertainties, the higher BC can reduce the net miss distance compared to a bullet with a lower BC.
back to top
Q: Should I shoot Moly Coated bullets?
A: Any shooter who goes through a lot of rounds during a shooting session should use Moly Coated bullets. Moly is a dry lubricant that allows you to shoot more rounds before you have to clean. Since you get less fouling using Moly Coated bullets the accuracy level of your load will last longer within a shooting session. If your load did not shoot without Moly, adding Moly will not make your load shoot. Moly does not eliminate the need to clean your barrel. You just don't have to clean as often. Moly will reduce the pressure of your load, which will result in a slight loss of velocity. In most situations a little more powder can be added to get you right back to the velocity you want to shoot. If you are shooting a compressed load with non-Moly bullets you may not be able to add more powder. It has not been conclusively proven that premium accuracy life of a barrel will be extended using Moly. However, since you don't have to clean as often due to reduced fouling premium accuracy during a particular shooting session does last longer.
back to top
Q: If I use Moly Coated bullets how should I clean my barrel?
A: The following is one way to clean when using Moly Coated bullets. It is not likely the only way you can clean if you are using Moly Coated bullets.
1. Push one patch wet with Kroil Oil through the barrel
2. Repeat step 1.
3. Push one dry patch through the barrel.
4. Repeat step 3.
5. Push one patch wet with Butch's Bore Shine through the barrel.
6. Repeat step 5.
7. Let the barrel soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
8. Push one dry patch through the barrel.
9. Repeat step 8.
10. Using short strokes back and forth push one patch wet with USP or JB Bore Paste through the barrel.
11. Push one patch wet with Kroil through the barrel.
12. Repeat step 11 twice.
13. Push one dry patch through the barrel.
14. Repeat step 13 three times.
15. Use bore scope or visually inspect muzzle for copper fouling.
16. If copper is present repeat steps 10 through 15.
17. If you are storing the rifle push one patch wet with quality gun oil through the barrel.
back to top
Q: How do I break in a barrel using Moly Coated bullets?
A: Moly Coated bullets will not shoot consistently until a barrel is properly broken in with Moly Coated bullets. Walt Berger has found the following procedure to work best in his barrels.
For a new barrel:
1. Shoot one Moly Coated bullet then clean using the Moly Coated cleaning procedure listed above.
2. Repeat step 1 five times.
3. Shoot three Moly Coated bullets then clean using the Moly Coated cleaning procedure listed above.
4. Repeat step 3 five times.
For a broken in barrel:
1. Thoroughly clean the barrel.
2. Shoot ten Moly Coated bullets then clean using the Moly Coated cleaning procedure listed above.
Your barrel is now ready to shoot Moly Coated bullets.
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