Thread: CBTO new projectile

Ok @Kelton I loaded & shot some 105gr "hunting" VLDs from my 6mm GT. Granted the 6GT is a modern case specifically designed to be precise. However 1) I have to use the rifles I have and 2) I'm not sure why you'd select a cartridge that isn't known for precision if you want precision.

The hunting VLD was what I could get in stock.

I followed the Berger process https://bergerbullets.com/vld-making-shoot/

Found the lands at 1.980" CBTO

loaded 6rd each at 0.010", 0.050", 0.090", and 0.130" jump, with a random 34gr of 2208.

I also loaded 4 bonus rounds of the 0.050" jump load, as shooting these on the same target as the 2x 3rd groups would be more or less the same as my normal load selection approach.

Shot groups this morning, letting barrel cool (although it makes no difference). I shot 2x 3rd groups of each increment on different targets, with the exception of the 0.050" jump. For this load I shot both 3rd groups on the same target then added the bonus 4rd for a 10rd group.

Here is the results:

All targets


0.050 group 1 & 2



And the table of results


I don't see any obvious difference here. Taking my process of "load 10rd at 0.030-0.050 off, shoot, etc" gives me a predicted ø95 of 27.04mm(+ or - lets say 10%, so 24-30mm) centred about 0.2mrad right. Every single shot from the other seating depths falls comfortably within that circle. By my estimation it's a 0.8 - 1.0 MOA system. Exceptionally good for 8.5LB.


I have fired 28 of my 100x 105gr VLDs, I will take any suggestions and shoot any (reasonable) amount of any suggested load to verify. But what I'm seeing is that with this rifle, cartridge, bullet, powder, shooter combination - there doesn't look to be any meaningfully resolvable difference in precision at different seating depths, following the Berger method.