Berger Bullets Announces Launch of a New Ammo Company

[davkrat]

I have been unable to get any lead free bullets for a couple calibers for well over a year. Unavailabiltiy is not just a Berger issue and unfortunately I am at a point where I can't practice with my hunting load in those calibers as I only have a box of each left. I don't blame the manufacturers for that I blame panic buying hoarders for it and scum bag resellers quadrupling the prices on items.

Berger bullets were one of the original big players in the widespread acceptance of long range hunting. I don't use their bullets (would if I could) but I don't fault them one bit for trying to be successful in this day and age. I would also imagine that once they get the kinks worked out you may see a little more resources being able to go towards meeting those orders. I took this announcement as an explanation for some of the backlog and hopefully some relief is in sight.

 

[AZShooter]

Back on Jan 15th Berger announced they added more bullet making machines.


"Berger's customers said "Make more bullets!", and the company listened. Over the next few months Berger will more than double its capacity, by adding SIX new bullet-making machines, up from five at the beginning of 2013. You can do the math: 5 + 6 = 11. That means that Berger will have more than twice as many machines turning out bullets for the yellow and orange boxes. Bringing six new machines online represents a major commitment by Berger to increased production. This has been the "number one priority" for the company according to Berger ballistician Bryan Litz.

Bryan explained that Berger has already increased its output in recent months. In 2013 Berger produced 45% more bullets than in 2012. That's a big boost. But, Bryan added, even with that 45% greater output, demand was out-stripping supply. So Berger determined the best long-term solution was to increase production capacity… and that meant acquiring new bullet-making machines. So 2014 will mark the "Rise of the Machines" at Berger, and that's good news for fans of Berger Bullets. Within a few months you should see much greater availability of Berger bullets at gun stores and online vendors."

It is entirely possible that they can do make more bullets AND make custom ammo. Sure hope that one endeavor won't impinge on the other. A few good setup personnel can get any machine ready then the operator takes over. So in theory all they need is to do is hire and train more support people and they are capable of all tasks. A smart company will expand where there are markets. It is better IMO than products languishing on the shelves not being sold.

I am finding many of their bullets that I use more available than Hornady's. Remember the A-max line of bullets? How is that working out for you?

 

[mtnwrunner]

I thought the 215's in the .300wm seemed to be a big hit as well.

I was surprised also at the lack of a 215 and I am surprised that this was done at all.
But I'm all for free market and capitalism so good luck to them. And speaking of free market....................may start looking at other options besides having to wait for bergers.

Randy

 

[cohunter14]

I guess I am just confused as to why they are offering such light bullets, especially in their hunting line. Berger's main audience is long range hunters who want high BC offerings...kind of seems like they aren't really focusing these bullets in that area. I am also guessing that as much success as the 215 hybrid has had in hunting situations, they did not offer it because it is still considered a 'target' bullet, and even Berger doesn't market them as something to use hunting.

 

[Korhil78]

You guys are thinking a little too narrow on this. Lets just take the people on this website for example. There are 50K+ members on this forum. I would make a wager that half of the members or more on this forum have not shot past 700-800 yards. Most long range hunters and shooters will load their own ammo even if Berger sells loaded ammo now.

Most hunters that shoot at short ranges are into the fast light bullets because they don't have to use hold over as much or dial. I would say that this is the largest portion of hunters out there. So it makes perfect sense for Berger to load their ammunition geared towards these people. The business would not fair well if they made the ammo geared towards the smaller crowd.

 

[Michael Eichele]

Are Berger bullets that hard to find down south? We've had more Berger bullets on the shelves up here than any other bullet except for maybe hornady. 140 6.5s? Got them. 168,180 7mm? Lots of those. 168,185,190,200 30 cal? No shortage there either. 338s? No problem. Maybe Alaskans just don't use that many I dunno.

The only amaxs I haven't seen in a long while is the 162 7mm. 155-208 30 cal are easy to get.

 

[300stw]

Are Berger bullets that hard to find down south? We've had more Berger bullets on the shelves up here than any other bullet except for maybe hornady. 140 6.5s? Got them. 168,180 7mm? Lots of those. 168,185,190,200 30 cal? No shortage there either. 338s? No problem. Maybe Alaskans just don't use that many I dunno.

The only amaxs I haven't seen in a long while is the 162 7mm. 155-208 30 cal are easy to get.

if there are some 168 7mm berger classics tell me where i need a bunch,,, havent seen that bullet in a long time,,,,
i emailed nosler about 160 accubonds, next day, answers , we are getting ready to produce them, 2 weeks later midway usa emails me there in, ordered 300, left some for other people, should of ordered 3000 then i wouldnt ever have to worry about it again,,, but thought i would let other people have a chance,,,

 

[trickytune]

I wonder if this is why Brian Litz made that post about the Nosler LR Accubond BC testing? To me it looked like it was saying since you can't / won't be able to buy the Berger bullets you want here is another option to look into.

 

[RMHUNTER]

As if bullets were not hard enough to get at times this will make it harder for the common reloader like me I am sure

 

[Michael Eichele]

i wonder if this is why brian litz made that post about the nosler lr accubond bc testing? To me it looked like it was saying since you can't / won't be able to buy the berger bullets you want here is another option to look into.

lol lol lol!!

 

[Beng]

I like the idea, hope you guys fare well with loaded ammo.

For those agitated about the new line of ammo:
As was already posted, Berger invested in new machines to increase production capacity. Since the crazy hoarding won't last forever, Berger has still to be able to work at full capacity when demand decreases. Their own ammo line is a way to market all bullets they will be capable of producing.

 

[kc0pph]

If they wanted to make more money they should get into the brass industry. It is extremely difficult to find brass for some calibers (trying to acquire a 300 RUM and cant find brass).

As for the loaded round industry i just looked around and i can find a lot of loaded 300 RUM rounds but id rather not the brass - would hate to buy loaded rounds and pull bullets to get brass

 

[Melesia.Cisneros]

I saw this on my facebook feed, and came straight here to see the buzz (after I clicked on the link for the store)

I was disappointed that I didn't see any nominal ballistics for the hunt ready .308 168gr.

Care to shed any light? Was I looking in the wrong place?

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in ABM's products. Keep an eye on ABM's website, ABM is in the process of updating all of the BC, velocity and COAL information for each round.

Visit the website here: 308 Winchester 168gr Berger Match Classic Hunter

 

[Melesia.Cisneros]

i wish i could get berger bullets when i need them also,,,, they dont even return emails anymore,,,

Hello,
Berger is working hard to alleviate the current backorder situation. We have increased our production by 45% within the last year.

ABM is a separate company from Berger Bullets, and has been in the works for some time now. They have been, and are waiting in line for their orders along with everyone else.

I am concerned when you say that we don't return emails anymore. Please let me know what you need assistance with, and I will be more than happy to get you the answers you need. Feel free to email me directly at [email protected].