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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Rifles, Bullets, Barrels & Ballistics
168 grain Berger VLD-H performance?
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<blockquote data-quote="mark223" data-source="post: 1750683" data-attributes="member: 16109"><p>I am a retired deputy sheriff and have developed a great deal of respect for Hornady's 168 gr 308 TAP ammunition. The round holds consistent .5 MOA to 400 yds which is as far as I can shoot on our range. My most recent example of terminal performance was about 6 weeks ago in Wyoming on a large antelope. According to my GPS unit the shot was a little over 370 yds. I fired as the animal slowly turned away and it was a now or never moment. I had complete confidence in hitting him but then, this back to front shot was far more tissue/bone resistance than I had ever tried or witnessed before. The bullet entered through the back hip about 2 inches left of center and penetrated to just short of the heart. It did not exit however the damage was amazingly extensive through the body cavity. He dropped where he stood. There was no exit. Other observations where the body mass was about 10 to 16 inches thick, had left exit wounds from 3 to 6 inches in diameter. In years past most agencies use 168 HPBT target bullets from various mfg. I have no doubt that the target type, small hollow pointed bullet, would have gone farther in this antelope and better reached the heart area as well as stayed together. It may have even exited but I don't know that for sure. But the primary wound channel would have been much narrower, thus the secondary wound channel would have been greatly reduced as well. And as many of you know, the shock from the secondary wound channel can be, and probably is, just as effective in a quick and humane DRT engagement. Both bullets can be effective however I think that I will go back to some sort of SP bullet that mushrooms even at lower velocities and retains most of it's weight. The 165 gr SPHB fly about the same as the 168's and I think they will work just as well, maybe better in most cases. The above is my opinion based on what I have experienced or have seen. So please keep in mind that over penetration is seldom an issue in most hunting applications. I would be glad to read your perspective on this topic.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="mark223, post: 1750683, member: 16109"] I am a retired deputy sheriff and have developed a great deal of respect for Hornady's 168 gr 308 TAP ammunition. The round holds consistent .5 MOA to 400 yds which is as far as I can shoot on our range. My most recent example of terminal performance was about 6 weeks ago in Wyoming on a large antelope. According to my GPS unit the shot was a little over 370 yds. I fired as the animal slowly turned away and it was a now or never moment. I had complete confidence in hitting him but then, this back to front shot was far more tissue/bone resistance than I had ever tried or witnessed before. The bullet entered through the back hip about 2 inches left of center and penetrated to just short of the heart. It did not exit however the damage was amazingly extensive through the body cavity. He dropped where he stood. There was no exit. Other observations where the body mass was about 10 to 16 inches thick, had left exit wounds from 3 to 6 inches in diameter. In years past most agencies use 168 HPBT target bullets from various mfg. I have no doubt that the target type, small hollow pointed bullet, would have gone farther in this antelope and better reached the heart area as well as stayed together. It may have even exited but I don't know that for sure. But the primary wound channel would have been much narrower, thus the secondary wound channel would have been greatly reduced as well. And as many of you know, the shock from the secondary wound channel can be, and probably is, just as effective in a quick and humane DRT engagement. Both bullets can be effective however I think that I will go back to some sort of SP bullet that mushrooms even at lower velocities and retains most of it's weight. The 165 gr SPHB fly about the same as the 168's and I think they will work just as well, maybe better in most cases. The above is my opinion based on what I have experienced or have seen. So please keep in mind that over penetration is seldom an issue in most hunting applications. I would be glad to read your perspective on this topic. [/QUOTE]
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168 grain Berger VLD-H performance?
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