A loading manual will be available soon but until then you can email your cartridge and bullet data to bergerltd@aol.com. Starting and max loads will be emailed back to you.

The Berger VLD has been proven in the field as one of the most lethal hunting bullets available. We have a full line of Match VLD bullets that you can use on your next hunt. Watch "Hunting with VLD" Video Here

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.

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.

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 will spin a bullet much faster than a 10 twist barrel. So a 10 twist is slower than a 8 twist and 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.

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.

The BC of a bullet is a number that is used in a formula to calculate the trajectory of a bullet. This number is the percentage of efficiency that a bullet has compared to a base model or BC of 1.000. Our BC is figured using dimensional measurements in a zero yaw environment, which means that we measure the bullets and run the dimensions through a program. This program, designed by Bill Davis, figures BC in an Army Standard Metro Sea-Level Atmosphere. This is the atmosphere used by most commercial bullet and ammunition manufactures. Army Standard Metro means that the calculations use an atmosphere at zero elevation, 59 degrees Fahrenheit, 78% humidity and 29.53 inches of mercury barometric pressure. Also, our BC is figured using a range of velocities to determine an average. This program produces the best possible BC for general use in all cartridges.

A shot BC can be misleading since it can be different in barrels with different twist rates using the same bullet. Remember our goal is to provide the best number for everyone to use. Since our BC is figured in a zero yaw environment it will be more consistent from barrel to barrel. It is best to use our BC to get close to your impact point then make the slight adjustments you need for your situation.

The BC needs to be entered into a trajectory program to provide the shooter with a drop chart. Drop chart programs will let you enter a "zero" at a chosen range. So if you enter your "zero" at 100 yards the drop chart will tell you how many inches and/or MOA the bullet will drop at 200, 300, 400 yards and so on. You can make scope adjustments based on the information listed on the drop chart. If your load's velocity is consistent with the velocity you entered into the drop chart program the bullet will print very close to where the scope has been adjusted.

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.

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.

Go to our dealer locator and enter your state or country in the field 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 10 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 Distribution Partner. 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. We have everything in stock if you can't find what you need.