Berger Target Bullet: Benchrest and Long-Range Competition Lineup
Published: 2024 | Last updated: June 2026
Introduction
“Berger Target” is a product family designation rather than a single bullet design, and clarifying this is the most important framing note for anyone evaluating this article alongside Berger’s actual product catalog. The Berger Target lineup encompasses multiple distinct ogive designs:
The VLD Target uses a pure secant (VLD) ogive and a thicker J4 jacket for competition use. This site’s dedicated Berger VLD Target article covers it in full.
The Hybrid Target uses a hybrid tangent-secant ogive with broader seating depth tolerance, documented in this site’s dedicated Berger Hybrid Target article.
The LRHT (Long Range Hybrid Target) adds factory meplat trimming to the Hybrid Target design for reduced BC variation at extreme range, covered in this site’s dedicated Berger LRHT article.
Flat-base target bullets are a further sub-category within the Berger Target family, used for short-range benchrest where the base drag contribution is less relevant than at long range.
The original article mixes these distinct designs into a single article and table without distinguishing them, which complicates comparing specifications across designs. This article treats the “Berger Target” table as documenting specific weight and diameter offerings from across the lineup rather than as specifications for a single bullet design.
The practical consequence of this distinction is significant for handloaders. If you purchase what is described as a “Berger Target 140-grain 6.5mm” without specifying the sub-design, you may receive a VLD Target (pure secant ogive, more seating-depth sensitive, starting 0.010-0.015 inches off the lands), a Hybrid Target (hybrid ogive, broader accuracy band, 0.020-0.120 inches), or an LRHT (same hybrid ogive as Hybrid Target but with factory meplat trimming). Each requires a different load development approach, and the BC figures in this article’s table may correspond to any of these sub-designs for a given weight. Identifying the specific sub-design you have purchased, and then consulting that sub-design’s dedicated article on this site, is essential before beginning load development. Like every match bullet covered on this site – the Sierra MatchKing, Berger Hybrid Target, Hornady A-Tip Match – all Berger Target variants are non-expanding competition bullets and should never be used for hunting.
Two data quality flags are present in the original article. First, the jacket thickness specification: this article states “0.0002 inch variation,” while this site’s dedicated LRHT article cited the same product as “0.0003 inch variation.” One of these figures is likely a misquote from Berger’s own documentation; both numbers represent extremely tight tolerances but handloaders should verify the current specification at bergerbullets.com. Second, the two .224-inch entries (73-grain and 77-grain) both show identical G1/G7 BCs of 0.395/0.200, which is unusual – a 4-grain weight difference at the same caliber would normally produce different BCs. This may reflect that both are from the same nominal design with the BC figure applying to either weight, or it may be a data transcription error.
A further data quality note: the 6.5mm 153.5-grain entry in this table shows G1 0.646/G7 0.326, while this site’s dedicated LRHT article documents G1 0.694/G7 0.356 for the same weight. This is a meaningful discrepancy – not a rounding difference – and most likely reflects that this table entry comes from the Hybrid Target variant while the LRHT article covers the LRHT variant of the same weight. This reinforces the central point: “Berger Target” is a family, and the same nominal weight can refer to different bullets with meaningfully different BC figures depending on the sub-design. Similarly, the .243-inch 109-grain entry here shows 0.540/0.275, while the LRHT article documents 0.568/0.292 for the same weight – the same probable Hybrid vs LRHT explanation applies.
The .338-inch 300-grain entry at BC 0.820 G1 / 0.410 G7 is the same figure flagged as a potential outlier in this site’s LRHT article, where it represented a large jump from the 220-grain .308-inch entry. Here it appears as a .338-inch entry, which is a different product in a different diameter – a 300-grain .338-inch at BC 0.820 is more plausible than for .308-inch given the .338’s larger diameter and correspondingly higher sectional density at comparable weights. Nevertheless, independent verification at bergerbullets.com is recommended before using this figure for trajectory calculations.
For trajectory context on the cartridges most commonly paired with bullets in this lineup, see the 6.5 Creedmoor ballistics guide, 300 Winchester Magnum ballistics guide, and 338 Lapua Magnum ballistics guide.
The competitor BC figures for the MatchKing (0.320-0.750) require the same correction documented throughout this series: this site’s dedicated MatchKing coverage documents 0.400-0.700. The “Hornady Match” comparison at 0.350-0.770 is similarly inconsistent with what this site has documented for the Hornady match bullet family.
Disclaimer: Reloading is an inherently dangerous activity. Always consult current published load data from reputable sources (Berger, Hodgdon, Sierra) before loading any cartridge. Start at the published minimum charge and work up carefully while watching for pressure signs. Never exceed maximum published loads. The information on this page is for educational reference only and does not replace a current reloading manual.
Technical Characteristics
J4 Precision Jacket: Berger’s J4 jacket manufacture provides the dimensional consistency central to the Target lineup’s performance claims. The stated thickness variation (0.0002 inch in this article, 0.0003 inch in the LRHT article – verify current specification) is extremely tight in either case, supporting jacket concentricity and balance consistency that translates to BC uniformity from round to round.
Precision-swaged lead core (±0.1 grain weight variation): This specification matches what this site documented for the LRHT, the tightest weight variation in this entire match bullet series. It supports the bullet-to-bullet performance consistency required for competitive score shooting.
Multiple ogive designs within the Target family: The original article mentions “VLD, Hybrid, and LRHT variants” within the Target lineup – confirming that the “Berger Target” name covers bullets with meaningfully different aerodynamic and seating-depth characteristics. Handloaders choosing between VLD and Hybrid Target designs should consult this site’s dedicated articles on each, where the seating depth, jump tolerance, and BC implications of each ogive type are covered in detail.
Doppler-verified drag models and meplat trimming options: The original article’s references to “Doppler-verified drag models” and factory meplat trimming (0.0005 inch uniformity) apply specifically to LRHT variants. This distinction matters: not all Berger Target bullets include factory meplat trimming, and the performance advantage of the LRHT’s meplat control versus the standard VLD or Hybrid Target is most relevant at extreme range.
Match-only application: All variants are non-expanding match bullets. None should be used for hunting, regardless of caliber or weight. The J4 jacket in a Target variant is specifically not designed for expansion and would produce inconsistent, potentially non-lethal terminal performance on game. For Berger’s hunting lineup, see the dedicated articles on the Berger VLD Hunting, Berger Elite Hunter, and Berger Classic Hunter. The same match-only principle applies to every other bullet in this site’s match series – the Sierra MatchKing, the Hornady A-Tip Match, and others covered here.
Ballistics and Performance
G1 BCs from 0.229 to 0.820 (with the 0.820 figure flagged for verification) and G7 BCs from 0.115 to 0.410 span the full Target lineup from the lightest .204-inch entry through the heaviest .338-inch. This broad range reflects the lineup’s span across multiple distinct designs and calibers rather than a single bullet’s performance range.
The 55-grain .204-inch at G1 0.229 / G7 0.115 covers 204 Ruger for benchrest and varmint-weight competition. The .204-inch caliber’s relatively uncommon match use makes this entry a more specialized offering than the 6mm and 6.5mm weights, and at G1 BC 0.229 this is a modest figure that reflects the small caliber and light weight. The .204-inch is the smallest diameter in the entire Berger Target lineup and the only entry that extends the family below .224-inch.
The 73-grain and 77-grain .224-inch entries both show G1 0.395 / G7 0.200 with SDs of 0.208 and 0.219, covering 223 Remington and 22 Creedmoor for PRS gas-gun and benchrest competition. The identical BC figures for different weights are flagged as unusual and worth independent verification. At BC 0.395, these are competitive .224-inch weights for PRS gas-gun use, slightly below the LRHT’s 0.524 for the 85.5-grain entry but appropriate for the lighter 73-77 grain weight class.
The 73-grain and 77-grain .224-inch entries both show G1 0.395 / G7 0.200, with SDs of 0.208 and 0.219. The identical BC figures despite different weights are unusual and should be verified. These weights cover 223 Remington and 22 Creedmoor for PRS gas-gun and benchrest competition.
The 105-grain and 109-grain .243-inch at G1 0.530/G7 0.270 and G1 0.540/G7 0.275 cover 6mm Creedmoor for PRS production division. The 109-grain is a likely LRHT entry given this site’s LRHT article documents 0.568/0.292 for the same weight – the discrepancy between 0.540 here and 0.568 there may reflect data from different specific product variants in this family.
The 130-grain and 153.5-grain .264-inch at G1 0.560/G7 0.280 and G1 0.646/G7 0.326 cover 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC for F-Class and PRS. The 153.5-grain figure here (G1 0.646/G7 0.326) differs from the LRHT article’s figure (G1 0.694/G7 0.356) for the same weight, likely reflecting different sub-variants (Hybrid Target versus LRHT) in this table.
The 175-grain .284-inch at G1 0.575 / G7 0.290 covers 7mm Remington Magnum for 1,000-yard competition.
The 185-grain .308-inch at G1 0.547 / G7 0.275 and the 300-grain .338-inch at G1 0.820 / G7 0.410 (flagged for verification) cover 300 Winchester Magnum and 338 Lapua Magnum for F-Class Open and ELR competition.
Expert Ballistics Table – Berger Target Variants
Data from Berger specifications. BCs are G1/G7. Note: this table spans multiple distinct Berger Target sub-designs (VLD, Hybrid, LRHT, flat base) – see individual product articles for design-specific details. The .338 300-grain BC 0.820 and identical .224 73/77-grain BCs both warrant independent verification at bergerbullets.com.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | BC (G1/G7) | Sectional Density | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .204 | 55 | 0.229/0.115 | 0.189 | Benchrest in 204 Ruger |
| .224 | 73 | 0.395/0.200 | 0.208 | PRS gas-gun in 223 Remington |
| .224 | 77 | 0.395/0.200 | 0.219 | PRS gas-gun in 22 Creedmoor |
| .243 | 105 | 0.530/0.270 | 0.254 | PRS in 6mm Creedmoor |
| .243 | 109 | 0.540/0.275 | 0.264 | PRS in 6mm Creedmoor |
| .264 | 130 | 0.560/0.280 | 0.266 | F-Class in 6.5 Creedmoor |
| .264 | 153.5 | 0.646/0.326 | 0.314 | PRS/F-Class in 6.5 PRC |
| .284 | 175 | 0.575/0.290 | 0.310 | F-Class in 7mm Remington Magnum |
| .308 | 185 | 0.547/0.275 | 0.279 | F-Class in 300 Winchester Magnum |
| .338 | 300 | 0.820/0.410 | 0.375 | F-Class Open/ELR in 338 Lapua Magnum |
Comparison Bullets
As established throughout this site’s match bullet series, the MatchKing comparison figures in the original article (0.320-0.750) do not match this site’s primary-source documentation (0.400-0.700). The “Hornady Match” figures at 0.350-0.770 are similarly inconsistent with what this site has documented for that product family.
The Berger Hybrid Target and Berger LRHT are the most relevant comparisons for the Berger Target family overall, as they are the specific products within this umbrella that this site has covered in dedicated articles. The key design distinctions – VLD versus hybrid ogive seating sensitivity, LRHT meplat trimming – are covered in those articles.
The Sierra MatchKing and Sierra Tipped MatchKing are the primary external competitors across the weight range this lineup covers. The Lapua Scenar is a further conventional BTHP match bullet that competes in the same category at comparable price tiers. The Nosler Custom Competition and Hornady A-Tip Match complete the primary external match bullet comparison field.
Comparison Table – Premium Long-Range Match Bullet Families
| Bullet | BC Range (G1) | Design Variants | Key Differentiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berger Target (family) | 0.229-0.820 | VLD, Hybrid, LRHT, flat base | Multiple ogive designs |
| Berger Hybrid Target | 0.524-0.841 | Hybrid ogive only | Broad seating depth tolerance |
| Berger LRHT | 0.524-0.820 | Hybrid + meplat trim | Factory meplat uniformity |
| Sierra MatchKing | 0.400-0.700 | Conventional BTHP | Production history, data depth |
| Hornady A-Tip Match | 0.564-0.878 | Aluminum tip | Tip-standardized meplat |
Applications and Practical Aspects
Short-range benchrest (.204-.224-inch, 55-77 grains): 204 Ruger, 223 Remington, and 22 Creedmoor for 600-yard benchrest and PRS stages. The 6mm PPC is a classic benchrest cartridge where Berger flat-base target bullets have historically been used, though the specific flat-base .243-inch entries for this cartridge would need to be verified against Berger’s current product listing. Hodgdon Varget, Hodgdon Benchmark, and Hodgdon CFE 223 are standard .224-inch choices.
6mm PRS and gas-gun (105-109 grains, .243-inch): 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm GT, and 6mm Dasher for PRS production and open division. The 6mm caliber family has become one of the dominant choices in PRS over the past several years due to the combination of low recoil and high BC at competitive weights, and the Berger Target 105-109 grain offerings are among the most widely loaded choices in this caliber for competitive shooters. Hodgdon H4350 and Alliant Reloder 16 are standard choices, with Alliant Reloder 23 for the 6mm Dasher’s slightly larger case capacity.
6.5mm F-Class and PRS (130-153.5 grains, .264-inch): 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC for mainstream competition. The 153.5-grain weight in particular represents the heaviest standard 6.5mm competition offering in this table, occupying a similar market position to the Hornady ELD-M 147-grain and 153-grain entries in the same caliber. The non-round 153.5-grain figure reflects the same engineering-target-driven weight specification noted in this site’s LRHT article – this is not a round number because it was designed to a specific BC/length target rather than a round grain weight. Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 23, and Alliant Reloder 26 are standard choices. The 6.5×47 Lapua is an additional precision cartridge used with these weights.
7mm F-Class (175 grains, .284-inch): 7mm Remington Magnum and 7mm PRC for extended-range F-Class. The 175-grain at BC 0.575 trails the LRHT 190-grain at 0.751, which likely explains why competitors who prioritize maximum 7mm BC tend toward heavier LRHT weights while the 175-grain is more appropriate for standard F-Class distances. Alliant Reloder 22 and Hodgdon H4831SC are standard choices.
F-Class Open and ELR (185 grains .308, 300 grains .338): 300 Winchester Magnum and 338 Lapua Magnum for extreme-range competition. The 300-grain .338-inch entry at G1 0.820 / G7 0.410 is the highest-BC entry in this table and, as discussed above, is more plausible at .338-inch than the similar figure flagged for .308-inch in the LRHT article. A 300-grain .338-inch Hybrid Target has a sectional density of 0.375 and genuine aerodynamic credentials at ELR distances where the added mass and sectional density compound the BC advantage over lighter bullets. Alliant Reloder 33, Hodgdon H1000, and Hodgdon Retumbo are documented powder choices for these large-case applications.
Reloading
Primers: CCI BR-4 and Federal GM205M for .204-.224-inch; CCI BR-2 and Federal GM210M for 6mm and larger calibers. Federal 215 magnum primers for 7mm magnum and larger.
Cases: Premium brass from Lapua, Peterson, or Norma. Case prep essentials including primer pocket uniforming and consistent annealing are standard for competitive use. A digital powder scale and powder trickler are the foundational equipment for the sub-5 fps ES/SD figures documented across the Target lineup.
Seating depth: 0.010-0.080 inches off the lands per the original article, with LRHT variants typically finding nodes at 0.030-0.050 inches. Consult the specific sub-product article for that design’s seating depth guidance: VLD variants (0.010-0.015 to start), Hybrid variants (0.020-0.120 window), LRHT (0.030-0.050 typical optimal). Applying the wrong seating depth guidance to the wrong ogive design is a common and entirely preventable load development error. The consequences are real: a VLD Target handloader who uses the Hybrid Target’s broad 0.020-0.120 inch window as a search space will almost certainly find the VLD’s accuracy node within that range, but will miss the precision that systematic 0.010-inch increment testing starting from 0.010-0.015 inches off the lands provides. In a scored match where group size at 1,000 yards is the measure, this difference can translate to tangible score points.
Neck tension: 0.001-0.002 inch per the original article, matching the tightest figure in this series.
Powder Selection by Application:
| Application | Caliber | Bullet Weight | Recommended Powders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benchrest | 223 Rem | 73-77 gr | Hodgdon Varget, Hodgdon CFE 223, Alliant Reloder 15 |
| 6mm PRS | 6mm Creedmoor | 105-109 gr | Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 16 |
| 6.5mm F-Class/PRS | 6.5 Creedmoor | 130-153.5 gr | Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 23, Alliant Reloder 26 |
| 7mm F-Class | 7mm Rem Mag | 175 gr | Alliant Reloder 22, Hodgdon H4831SC, IMR 7828 SSC, Alliant Reloder 25 |
| F-Class Open | 300 Win Mag | 185 gr | Hodgdon H4831SC, Alliant Reloder 33, Hodgdon H1000 |
Reloading Parameters Summary:
| Parameter | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Neck tension | 0.001-0.002 inch (bushing dies required) |
| Seating depth | Varies by sub-design – see dedicated product article |
| Crimp | Not used |
| Annealing | Every 3-4 firings |
| ES target | Under 8 fps; under 5 fps for LRHT competition use |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is “Berger Target” a single bullet or multiple different bullets?
A: Multiple different bullets sold under a shared family name. The Berger Target lineup includes VLD Target (pure secant ogive), Hybrid Target (hybrid tangent-secant ogive), LRHT (hybrid ogive plus factory meplat trimming), and flat-base variants for short-range benchrest. These are meaningfully different products with different seating depth characteristics and performance profiles. When ordering or developing loads, identify the specific sub-design, not just “Berger Target.”
Q: The article cites the MatchKing at BC 0.320-0.750. Is this accurate?
A: No. This site’s dedicated MatchKing coverage documents 0.400-0.700. This is the same correction applied across multiple articles in this series.
Q: The table shows 73-grain and 77-grain .224-inch entries with identical BCs. Is this correct?
A: The identical BC figures (0.395/0.200 G1/G7) for both weights are unusual and warrant independent verification at bergerbullets.com. A 4-grain weight difference at the same caliber would typically produce slightly different BCs. This may reflect that both bullets are from the same production design with a BC that applies approximately equally at both weights, or it may be a data transcription error where the same figure was applied to both rows.
Q: How does the Berger Target relate to the Hybrid Target and LRHT covered in their own articles on this site?
A: The Hybrid Target and LRHT are specific sub-products within the broader Berger Target family. The Hybrid Target’s BC range (0.524-0.841) and the LRHT’s range (0.524-0.820, with the 245-grain flagged) are higher than the figures in this article’s table for comparable weights, likely because this table draws from multiple sub-designs including simpler VLD and flat-base variants with lower BCs. For load development purposes, always identify which specific sub-design you are using and reference that article’s seating depth and powder guidance.
Q: Is the .338-inch 300-grain BC of 0.820 accurate?
A: This is the same figure flagged in this site’s LRHT article where it appeared for a .308-inch 245-grain entry. In that context it was flagged as a potential outlier (a large jump from the 220-grain at 0.717). Here it appears for a .338-inch 300-grain, which is more plausible for that caliber and weight – a 300-grain .338-inch has substantially higher sectional density than a 245-grain .308-inch, supporting a higher BC. Independent verification at bergerbullets.com remains the appropriate step before using this figure in trajectory calculations.
Q: Should I consult this article or the dedicated Hybrid Target or LRHT articles for load development?
A: The dedicated articles for each specific sub-design are more useful for load development. This article provides an overview of the Berger Target family as a whole. If you are loading a specific Hybrid Target or LRHT bullet, the dedicated article for that sub-design covers seating depth guidance, powder recommendations, and design-specific characteristics in more detail.
Conclusion
The Berger Target family represents a comprehensive match bullet lineup spanning from short-range .204-inch benchrest through .338-inch extreme long-range competition. The “Berger Target” designation covers multiple distinct ogive designs that require different load development approaches, and the most important practical guidance from this article is to identify the specific sub-design before developing loads – the VLD, Hybrid, and LRHT variants have meaningfully different seating depth tolerance characteristics that directly affect load development.
This site’s coverage of the Berger match bullet lineup concludes with this article. Together, the Berger Hybrid Target, Berger VLD Target, and Berger LRHT articles document the specific sub-designs that make up this family, with this article providing the umbrella context that the original “Berger Target” single article lacked. The data quality note about BC discrepancies between this table and the LRHT article’s table for the same weights (153.5-grain 6.5mm at 0.646 here versus 0.694 in the LRHT article; 109-grain 6mm at 0.540 here versus 0.568 in the LRHT article) is itself useful information: it demonstrates that “Berger Target” at a given weight is not a single defined performance specification, and handloaders need to identify the specific sub-design to get accurate BC figures for trajectory work.
Choose a Berger Target VLD variant if: you want the pure secant ogive’s high-BC profile and are prepared to invest in precise seating depth development; see the Berger VLD Target article.
Choose a Berger Target Hybrid variant if: you want the hybrid ogive’s broad seating depth tolerance in a competition bullet; see the Berger Hybrid Target article.
Choose a Berger LRHT if: you compete at extreme range and want factory meplat uniformity for reduced BC variation; see the Berger LRHT article.
Choose something else if: you want a non-Berger alternative with comparable performance. The Sierra MatchKing leads all competitors in accumulated competitive track record. The Hornady A-Tip Match and Nosler Custom Competition cover the primary alternatives. If you need a hunting bullet, use Berger’s dedicated hunting lineup – no match bullet from this series is appropriate for hunting.
Disclaimer: Reloading involves inherent risks. Always use current load data from Berger for the specific sub-design you are loading. Do not apply Hybrid Target seating depth guidance to VLD Target bullets, or vice versa – these designs have substantially different seating sensitivity characteristics. These bullets are designed exclusively for competition – not hunting. Wear eye protection at all times. The author and myreloading.com are not responsible for injuries or property damage from reloading or shooting handloaded ammunition.
Have you loaded and shot Berger Target bullets? Leave a comment specifying which sub-design (VLD, Hybrid, LRHT, flat base), weight, cartridge, seating depth, and accuracy results.
Editorial note: Originally published 2024, revised June 2026. The primary update clarifies that “Berger Target” is a product family designation covering multiple distinct bullet designs (VLD, Hybrid, LRHT, flat base), not a single bullet, and that the original article’s table mixes these designs without identifying which specific sub-design each entry represents. Flagged the jacket thickness specification discrepancy (0.0002 inch here versus 0.0003 inch in the LRHT article). Flagged the identical BC figures for the 73-grain and 77-grain .224-inch entries as unusual and requiring verification. Contextualized the .338-inch 300-grain BC 0.820 figure as more plausible in this diameter/weight class than the similar figure for .308-inch 245-grain that was flagged in the LRHT article, while still recommending independent verification. Corrected the MatchKing BC comparison (0.320-0.750 versus this site’s documented 0.400-0.700). Applied full internal linking throughout.
