Thread: Berger VLD Hunter and Hunter classic

Either VLD Hunting (as opposed to VLD Target), Classic Hunter, or Elite Hunter. Those are the three designs sold by Berger for hunting, so presumably all with the thinner (original-thickness) jackets.

Reliability of expansion may be on a model number by number basis. I've had both ends of the sprectrum, none in 30cal sorry, ranging so far from 100% reliable expansion from 25cal 115gr VLD Hunting at a range of impact speeds, through to a couple of 7mm 180gr VLD pinholing when between the ribs at 2800ft/sec - not slow for a terminal velocity.

Whether the somewhat more stubby profile of the Classic Hunter better promotes expansion at lower velocities than the VLD design seems to be a popular topic for online debate. Berger naturally enough say they are equally as effective. I would scour the various forums on the particular calibre, weight, and designs you are interested in, see if you can make any sense of the endless anecdotal reports! There is much less info on the performance of the Elite Hunters, being a more recent release.