Introduction:

Berger Bullets, a member of the Capstone Precision Group, announced the release of their new .22 caliber projectile.  Weighing in at 85.5 grains it is the second heaviest bullet Berger offers for that caliber. It’s lighter weight allows it to be pushed a little faster than the 90 gr offering as well as allowing it to achieve better stabilization in slower twist rates.  Additionally, the hybrid ogive should help to make it less jump sensitive than the older VLD (Very Low Drag) design.  

Here is what Berger has to say about it:

Berger’s new 22 caliber 85.5 Grain Long Range Hybrid Target™ Bullets feature an improved center of gravity and ballistic coefficient. Utilizing advanced and proprietary manufacturing processes, Berger’s innovative Meplat Reduction Technology™ (MRT™) System applies controlled pressure along the projectile nose, producing a homogeneous and repeatable bullet profile for the industry’s most consistent Ballistic Coefficients (“BC”). While a high BC is desirable to competitive shooters, shot-to-shot BC consistency is critical when engaging targets to 1,000 yards and beyond. Easy to load and shoot with a jump-tolerant hybrid ogive design, the Long Range Hybrid Target™ Bullets are tailored to cartridges such as the .224 Valkyrie, 22-250 Remington, and the 22 Creedmoor among others, and remains supersonic to over 1,000 yards – including .223/5.56 chambered Service Rifles and Target Rifles with 1:7” twist barrels!

The new 85.5’s, like all other Berger projectiles, are built with the industry’s most precise Berger/J-4 bullet jackets. Will other bullet manufacturers lay claim to +/- .0003” jacket TIR (total indicated runout), or simply repeat baseless claims of “industry leading uniformity and concentricity”? Our jackets are of unprecedented quality, sought after by custom bullet makers that handcraft projectiles, one-by-one.

“Berger’s new Long Range Hybrid has several advantages over today’s large caliber standard,” said Bryan Litz, Berger’s Chief Ballistician. “Its ultra-sleek profile provides the most consistent ballistic coefficient in the industry, less wind drift for increased precision, and significantly reduced recoil to minimize shooter fatigue. The .22 caliber has finally earned respect within long range shooting disciplines.

My thoughts on this:

I have been a big supporter of the .224 Valkyrie since its release in 2017. ( Here is a link to a write-up of mine prior to SHOT Show 2018 http://www.precisionriflemedia.com/articles/2017/11/29/224-valkyrie-here-to-stay-or-flash-in-the-pan ).  Unfortunately, it has suffered some growing pains in the past couple of years.  Some of those had to do with claims that the standard 1:7 twist wasn’t sufficient for the 90gr. Sierra Match King projectiles which were being loaded in Federal’s Gold Medal Match ammo.  Whether that is true or not, it is a fact that a lighter projectile will certainly require less twist to achieve the same level of stability.  

Next, I appreciate Berger’s stance on BC.  While higher is better, consistency is king.  B.C variations will cause verticle stringing at range. This is a viewpoint that is shared by 11 time NRA high-power champion David Tubb.  He believes this so much, in fact, he has created a tool to uniform the drag on projectiles while sacrificing some BC.  If you want to learn more about this use “David Tubb Nose Ring Cutter” as your search terms. 

Finally, with the trend of shooters opting for lighter lower recoiling cartridges, it only makes sense for bullet manufacturers to cater in that direction.  The thing I appreciate about this particular projectile is they did not try to push the limit too far. It is not too long for conventional actions or too heavy to stabilize in conventional twists. It is just the application of a couple of new ideas with practical execution.   I know that at $42 per box M.S.R.P many shooters will say “Pass” based on price alone, but I for one am eager to see what these will do in my Valkyrie bolt gun.

For more information follow the link over to Berger Bullets.  https://bergerbullets.com/new-berger-22-caliber-85-5-grain-long-range-hybrid-target-bullets/

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