Ray McGaughey
Member
Following this one. My brother is a fan of Berger Hunting bullets. Observing animals he's shot, I'm not. They tear up too much meat. He says he's heard the target bullets don't do as much meat damage.
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Berger Hybrid Target Bullets
- Thread starter Elkwhite
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There isn't a more accurate 7mm factory made bullet than a Berger 180hybrid.
Bergers are fragmenting bullets by design—they dump massive energy on impact, unlike the traditional bullet that most are accustomed to.
One of the attributes that I like about the Berger bullets is that they do not have to have a pass-through to be effective, thus reducing the injuring/killing of what is behind the target. Since I transitioned to Bergers in early 2000, I stopped worrying about pass-throughs and weight retention.
Shot placement remains the key. If the game has room to run, I go for the boiler room shot. If not, I go for the high-shoulder shot. In either case, none have traveled far, and meat damage is minimal. Berger bullets are not for everybody.
Rick Richard
Well-Known Member
As mentioned "shot placement" is the key. Translation…don't hit a heavy bone like in the shoulder (knuckle) of an elk. All that energy is an explosion on impact with little to no penetration. My experience anyway.
WeiserBucks
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I've posted this before. 180 Hybrid broke both shoulders of a bull at about 300 yards and found just under the skin on the far side. They simply work great.
Fudds will cry BS and tell you that Bergers just bounce off the T1 armor plate that elk wear.
I've been using them for at least ten years in my 7LRM and they work great! Hunt with confidence.
Elk, Deer, Antelope, Gemsbok, Warthogs, Impala, Bush Buck all have fallen to the 180's with no issues.
Elk, Deer, Antelope, Gemsbok, Warthogs, Impala, Bush Buck all have fallen to the 180's with no issues.
Rick is definitely correct in this statement. They are not really made to go through a large bone. I always shoot for the heart lung area and as stated have had great success. Hitting a large buck or elks shoulder might create a serious issue with recovery.
WeiserBucks
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I aim directly for the shoulders and usually get a full pass through. Dozens of elk, deer, bears and caribou have proven the bulletproof shoulder theory false.
Ive got a great 7PRC load with 190LRHT to use this season.
For deer I expect great things. Surely I'll get some impressive pass-throughs in the rib cage fairly often. We will see. I intend to use shoulder shots also.
Mature boar hogs will tell the tale. If there is a limit, that density and anatomy will find it.
For deer I expect great things. Surely I'll get some impressive pass-throughs in the rib cage fairly often. We will see. I intend to use shoulder shots also.
Mature boar hogs will tell the tale. If there is a limit, that density and anatomy will find it.
The otm bullets don't expand quite as much as the hunting types. They do expand some. Some more than others. Whatever type used, the key is to keep your speed up. Yes they will put down most all they hit. But is there a cost? Animal suffering or trecking miles?? I've had to track down several deer over the years when I use to use target or surplus fmj bullets. I always found them to drill a hole straight through. Personally, in the past 25 years or so, only use hunting bullets for hunting. Bullet construction has really evolved in purpose built hunting bullets. I rely on the expansion designed-in to ensure drt. But thats just me. Obviously, a well placed shot and consideration of bullet performance/limitations are required in every case. As others have stated, companies reccomend only hunting bullets probably due to advertising/liability. Your milage may vary.
I think when people say shoulder they typically mean the blade. That is a whole different animal than the knuckle that Rick is referring to. The spot where the leg bone meets the shoulder. It is a small spot but it sits directly opposite the " pocket" that most chest shooters aim for. I have driven broad-heads through deer shoulders but hit that knuckle and it's game over.
WeiserBucks
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How bout this bull? Shot at 10 feet through both front shoulders and bullet exited. Elk aren't bulletproof at any range, put down the hunting magazines and see for yourself.
Some OTM hunting videos.
(I like this guy, and he has plenty of excellent videos. He manned up for his shot placement).
(I like this guy, and he has plenty of excellent videos. He manned up for his shot placement).
James Eagleman of @Barbour Creek , did an excellent video of his actual WT hunt illustrating the heart vs. high shoulder shot placement, but I cannot find it. Maybe he will chime in, or others might know or have the YT video.
