old project - different direction

[1100winger]

Been fiddling with this rifle a few years now - (chilean mauser 7x57AI). Worked up a nice deer load with 140 & 154 bullets and then got to thinking about the 180 VLD Bergers. First results are promising as I approach a theoretical max load, the short powder column is really quite efficient. But my question is this, eventually this will be used on deer, maybe even elk (shot placement!), so for the berger bullet gang here - any issues at less than magnum velocities? Expansion etc? I will chrono once I am happy with performance at 100 but right now I would estimate a final 2400-2600 fps muzzle velocity.

[Dean2]

I like the 7x57. For shooting game, particularly larger stuff, I find the 130-140 grain Hornady Interbond to be a very good performer. Penetrates well and gives good expansion. The lighter bullet is flatter shooting by quite a bit. After a lot of trial and error I would not go over 162 grains in the 7x57, even AIed. Hornady's 162 grain bullets have very high BCs, shoot well and kill very effectively at non-mag velocities.

The Bergers have thicker jackets on their hunting bullets and are generally designed for magnum level velocities. Designed to penetrate 5" then start to shed weight rapidly and fragment. I think you might find the expansion very limited out of the 7x57 at longer distances, but I never shot anything with a Berger in that Calibre. All the Bergers I used on game were in magnum cartridges, Also, you will need a 1:9 twist, or faster, for the 180 and most 7x57 are 1:10 or even 1:12.

[Salavee]

A muzzle velocity of 2500 fps or a bit better is attainable with that action and adequate barrel length so there is no real reason a 180 VLD won't do the job if your terminal velocities are 2000 fps or better and impact in the right spot. I'm assuming you have the magazine length to best accommodate the VLD's and allow for a denser powder charge but I would be inclined to use a stouter bullet .. SGK, Accubond etc. to insure better penetration .. just in case.
Looking forward to your results.

[Pioneer2]

I am of the opinion the only difference is the box colors and they blow up on the surface wounding game mostly if a rib or shoulder is struck.Had them explode on elk at 500 + 600 yards internally like a shotgun peppered with copper from the surface.Son lost a WT hit broadside in the shoulder at 200 yards. A Partition would have did both lungs and broke the off shoulder exiting.Not a fan of the bullet or the long range yahoos on Wild TV.Harold

[1100winger]

Twist is ok - 1:9 (still the 1912 barrel) and my hunting style for this rifle is ground based blind, max 200 yards. I have other tools for longer range work. I know the bergers are designed to shed weight quickly - I'm just thinking that at 2500 they may not and give me a through and through.

[Salavee]

I doubt you will experience a pass-thru with a VLD , even at 2000 fps.
They do what they do rather consistently .. fragment.
I still think there are bullets that are better suited but the VLD's have killed a lot of critters. No harm in trying.

[1100winger]

Originally Posted by Salavee

I doubt you will experience a pass-thru with a VLD , even at 2000 fps.
They do what they do rather consistently .. fragment.
I still think there are bullets that are better suited but the VLD's have killed a lot of critters. No harm in trying.

Initially this project is one of accuracy, I like the idea of long heavy bullets at moderate speeds; but I do try each final load on at least one deer. If the deer stops quickly I am happy. I generally use the Hornady 154 spire point - they work just fine.

[1100winger]

Settled on a stout load of H1000 @ 3.2" COAL, adequate accuracy (.7 @ 100 yards), unfortunately the chrono packed it in but I guestimate 2450-2500 fps. Will let you know how the deer like the combination.

[fish_e_o]

Originally Posted by 1100winger

Will let you know how the deer like the combination.

i'm 100% sure they will absolutely hate it