We recognize that changes made to a single bullet or an entire line creates challenges for those who purchase and shoot our bullets. It is important for you to know that we understand how difficult this can be and we will limit any changes only to those that we strongly believe will benefit your efforts.
In a deliberate move to more effectively connect with shooters, we have split our entire line of bullets into three separate application based lines. These three lines are designated as Varmint, Target and Hunting.
The most common concern we hear is that shooters want to make sure they get the same bullets they enjoyed before the line split. To receive the sheet detailing the new part numbers along with the corresponding old part number, contact us at support@capstonepg.com. This sheet will give you the new part number that applies to the bullets you have been using.
Another common concern we are hearing is from those who use our bullets for more than one application. The answer is simple. Think about the thing at which you are shooting. You never have to worry about how a bullet performs on impact with a target. You can’t wound a target. For this reason, you can shoot all three lines into targets. All Berger bullets are Match Grade, so bullets from each line will shoot well in your rifle.
When shooting varmints and game, bullet performance after impact is very important. The jackets used to make the bullets in our Hunting line have been tested both in media and in the field. Their terminal performance after impact makes them one of, if not the most lethal hunting bullets on the market (this is provable fact not marketing hype). If you are hunting ,then shoot bullets that are part of the Hunting line.
The bullets that are part of the Varmint line are made on the same J4 jackets that have always made these bullets. Some of the bullets that make up the Varmint line have a larger opening in the meplat to produce more rapid expansion. The other bullets that are part of the Varmint line but have standard size meplat opening are bullets used almost exclusively by varmint hunters and are not popular for target shooting. If you are hunting varmints, then shoot bullets that are part of the Varmint line.
I hear reports about how game hunters use 22 cal rimfire ammo to hunt small deer. I also hear reports about varmint hunters using 30 cal 168 gr bullets to shoot prairie dogs at long range. Sure, you can use our bullets any way you want to, but understand that the line designations are our recommendations for best performance. If you like shooting varmints with our 6mm 68 gr Target bullets then by all means continue. We understand that our line designations will apply to most rifle shooters, but not to every rifle shooter.
After 1-1-09, all product leaving our shop will be changed to these new part numbers, descriptions and UPC codes. Back orders listing the old information will be adjusted to the new designations. Orders received with old information will also be adjusted to utilize the new information. In situations where one bullet size and design has been split into two different lines, you will be contacted to determine the line from which you intend to purchase.
For example, the very popular 6.5mm 140 gr VLD is available from both the Target line and the Hunting line. The bullet sold in the Target line has a thicker jacket design to eliminate or significantly reduce bullet failures (blow ups). Bullet failures typically result from a core melting during high shot counts in a short period of time (match conditions).
The same 6.5mm 140 gr VLD sold in our Hunting line is made with the standard thickness jackets that are proving to be extremely effective for initial penetration and lethal internal expansion on game. Hunters’ low shot counts over longer periods of time produce a very small chance of bullet failure.
If you have any questions about which bullet you should use for an application, you can refer to the line designation (Varmint for varmint hunting, Target for target shooting, and Hunting for game hunting) or you can call 660-460-2802 for additional technical assistance.
This 3 line change will have far reaching effects. In time, you will see each line evolving to better serve the goals of the rifle shooter who uses bullets from each given line. Many things are advancing in the rifle shooting world and we will make sure that bullet are available that are best suited for the type of shooting you enjoy.
Kind Regards,
Eric Stecker
Varmint Bullets
Our Varmint bullet line includes those bullets that are most commonly used by precision-oriented varmint hunters. These bullets are proven in the field to provide exceptional accuracy and a level of expansion that best suits a given varmint or predator application. The J4 Precision Jacket is thinner at the nose. These jackets are cut to size by a process known as pinch trimming. This pinch trim produces a bullet tip that is very thin and will expand quickly (impact velocity and animal size will effect expansion results). Our Varmint bullets are made with the same materials and process as all of our bullets. This produces a level of consistency that directly impacts a varmint hunter’s ability to get more hits in the field.
Target Bullets
Our Target bullet line is made up of the many legendary bullets that have been winning matches and setting records for decades. Berger Bullets was started because Walt Berger wanted better results while competiting in target shooting matches. Making Match Grade bullets for target competition shooters is our core competency. All of our success as the producer of consistent bullets for Varmint, Target and Hunting stems from the efforts we have made to produce the best bullets available for the extreme, precision focused, target competition shooter. There is a tremendous amount of pride knowing that we make a product that competition shooters all over the world trust when they go to the firing line. There is no better test of a bullets quality than to be used in a match where everyone is shooting to win. As competition shooters ourselves, we understand all the tough challenges and considerable effort it take to be an active target competition shooter. It is our thorough understanding of this effort that heavily influences all the bullets we make.
Hunting Bullets
The Hunting bullet line is proving to be the most lethal big game hunting bullets available. All of our Hunting bullets are made in the VLD design. The VLD design incorporates a sharp nose that allows the bullet to penetrate 2” to 3” before it starts to expand. After the bullet starts to expand, it will shed 40% to 85% of its weight as shrapnel into the surrounding tissue (internal organs). The combination between the shrapnel and the hydrostatic shock produces a massive wound cavity within the vital area (internal organs) that will be 13” to 15” long. This massive wound cavity results in the animal dropping fast since most go into shock after such a tremendous blow. Those animals that don’t go down immediately will soon succumb to blood pressure loss and/or organ failure, producing a quick ethical kill. Our bullets don’t poke through like an arrow (high weight retention, deep penetration bullets) but instead dump their energy where it is most effective, inside the animal. Using the Berger VLD will result in an animal that goes down fast so you can enjoy the results of your hunt without having to track the wounded animal after the shot. You owe it to yourself to see how accurate and deadly the Berger Hunting VLD will be on your next hunt. To order a free 30 minute video that provides more detail on the bullets, cartridge and velocity used to take several animals at a variety of ranges, call 660-460-2802.