I just saw that Berger has a new 175 gr Elite Hunter for the 7mm -- http://www.bergerbullets.com/new-berger-elite-hunter-offerings-now-available/



My load for 280AI with 168 VLDs over 58.8 gr of H4831sc is running right at 2900 fps out of a 1:9 25" pipe suppressed and shoots in the .2's if I do my part. Besides the higher BC and slight difference in grains, what advantage would I see running this 175gr -- ie, is it worth redoing load development for?

That's a pretty stout load for a 168 VLD in a 280 AI that's shooting very well already, so that's hard to beat. The question is, would an animal know the difference between a 168 VLD and a 175 EOL? Probably not. In real world terms, probably no difference. But I like tinkering with stuff, so I generally try a new bullet out and see what results I get. I like shooting, doing load work ups, and going to the range to play with loads. Berger has a bunch of new EOL's coming out. As well as Hornady does with the their line of ELD bullets.

Doubt you will notice any difference other than the bc. More grains = less velocity so I would count that as a negative. Currently shooting .2's... I wouldn't even look at it funny.

Does the EOL behave different than the VLD on impact? Do they go in and explode like the VLDs? I've been very impressed with the vlds so far -- hit like a sledgehammer! I haven't had one disappoint me yet -- axis buck at 375 yds DRT. Hog at 330 DRT. Doe at 250 DRT and last weekend we took two doe simultaneously at 400 yds both DRT.

Yes. I have heard the same results on the EOL and the VLD. Maybe even more carnage with the EOL, but we are pushing them fast out of 7 mags and 28 Nosler's. I have 2 customers that have taken game at long range with the 28 Nosler and 195 EOL. One at a lasered 1062 yards on a deer and a javalina at 780+ yards. Both DRT shots.

I guess I'll stick with what's working for the 280 and try out the heavies if/when I get Tony to screw together a Big 7 for me. JGs talk of the 7-300 has got me intrigued.

STOP MESSING WITH THAT 280 A.I. !!!!




OK, I'm done.

Ok ok.

That's what I am having Tony build me now to push the 195's.