Virtus Precision bullets

[Mungo]

Is anyone able to explain the difference between the 3 different ranges of bullets (Osprey, Merlin and Eagle)?

I think I get that the Eagle is optimised for aggressive expansion at lower velocities, but has quite poor exterior ballistics, so isn’t something to be used for longer range shots. But I can’t really work out what the differences are between the other two.

More generally, I’d be very grateful for reports on how any of them perform.

 

[Dan Newcombe]

I think that they have, as you note, different expanding qualities. I use the Merlin’s which I think are the middle of the range and they seem a good compromise all round, haven’t had an issue with them head, neck and chest shooting roe and a couple reds. For the bigger deer you might be better with the osprey

Very happy with the Merlin’s - wouldn’t go back to conventional bullets now

 

[bobthenailer]

Lead Free Copper Bullets Testing and Evaluation

www.virtusprecision.co.uk

If you want any more info give the chaps at Vertus a shout, they are trade members on here and when I have had any questions I have had an in-depth and quick response.
Kind regards,
Bob.

 

[Mungo]

I think that they have, as you note, different expanding qualities. I use the Merlin’s which I think are the middle of the range and they seem a good compromise all round, haven’t had an issue with them head, neck and chest shooting roe and a couple reds. For the bigger deer you might be better with the osprey

Very happy with the Merlin’s - wouldn’t go back to conventional bullets now

What calibre are you shooting them in?

 

[Tubby10]

Lead Free Copper Bullets Testing and Evaluation

www.virtusprecision.co.uk

If you want any more info give the chaps at Vertus a shout, they are trade members on here and when I have had any questions I have had an in-depth and quick response.
Kind regards,
Bob.

Couldn't agree more, really helpful bunch.

 

[Will the chippy]

I've emailed them and Vern has been very quick to reply, I spoke to them at the shooting show too. Get In touch with them and they will answer any questions honestly.
The main difference, I believe, is the hole in the end which aids expansion.

 

[Dan Newcombe]

What calibre are you shooting them in?

.260 and I’m using the 110gn at the moment but thinking about trying the 100gn.

 

[Mungo]

.260 and I’m using the 110gn at the moment but thinking about trying the 100gn.

What speed are you shooting them at?

 

[Dan Newcombe]

What speed are you shooting them at?

At the moment, not just sure because I haven’t got round to chronographing them.

 

[Acm]

I tried these in my 6.5x55, the 110grn.
Easy to produce an accurate load. Carcass damage was a bit over the top for me and I didn’t carry on with them as 90% of what I shoot is weighed in.
Dropped deer where they stand though.

 

[Acm]

I would love to see them add a 40-50grain .224 offering as I think they’ve got the making of a fantastic vermin bullet there.

 

[Mungo]

I tried these in my 6.5x55, the 110grn.
Easy to produce an accurate load. Carcass damage was a bit over the top for me and I didn’t carry on with them as 90% of what I shoot is weighed in.
Dropped deer where they stand though.

Which range? Merlin?

 

[Will the chippy]

I would love to see them add a 40-50grain .224 offering as I think they’ve got the making of a fantastic vermin bullet there.

When I spoke to them they were looking into it. But the design for a std 1.14 twist 222 or 22250 would be a bit blunt to get the weight up to make sure it stabilises in a slow twist. A few months and you might see something as long as they can see a market for it. They've got to make a quid.

 

[User00040]

More important question, how much per 50?

Was able to buy some USA made bullets (Hornady CX) for 70p per bullet recently.

 

[Acm]

More important question, how much per 50?

Was able to buy some USA made bullets (Hornady CX) for 70p per bullet recently.

This is what I’m also using now, In The 6.5 and the 06

 

[PhilRS03]

More important question, how much per 50?

Was able to buy some USA made bullets (Hornady CX) for 70p per bullet recently.

Everything that’s wrong with the British shooting population in one sentence…….

How on earth is that the most important question. Mind blowing.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Everything that’s wrong with the British shooting population in one sentence…….

How on earth is that the most important question. Mind blowing.

Well, it's not though is it.
Cost has a massive factor in EVERYTHING.

Maybe you shoot a couple of deer a year, some people shoot lots and other enjoy ringing steel.
Cost is a huge factor, especially when they've over £1 for a bullet alone. In comparison, the last box of 'lead' I bought in 6.5 was 34p a bullet. I don't mind wasting 34p plinking, over a quid though and it's a different story.

 

[PhilRS03]

Well, it's not though is it.
Cost has a massive factor in EVERYTHING.

Maybe you shoot a couple of deer a year, some people shoot lots and other enjoy ringing steel.
Cost is a huge factor, especially when they've over £1 for a bullet alone. In comparison, the last box of 'lead' I bought in 6.5 was 34p a bullet. I don't mind wasting 34p plinking, over a quid though and it's a different story.

If you shoot 100 deer a year, there’s a difference of about 30 quid a year……… or 6 pints in my local. I think of stuff in terms of value for money rather than overall cost

 

[hendrix's rifle]

If you shoot 100 deer a year, there’s a difference of about 30 quid a year……… or 6 pints in my local. I think of stuff in terms of value for money rather than overall cost

100 deer a year, a couple of thousand ringing steel, load development and the likes...

It adds up, I shoot what I use in the field, I don't do separate loads for different things along with a number of others who are like minded in that sense. I'd probably stop shooting targets/steel/vermin if copper was outright banned purely due to costs. There's little better than being sat somewhere with the 223 engaging rooks and crows at distance. I certainly wouldn't do that with the expense of lead free - £1 a bullet for that in comparison to the recent 300 blitzkings for £60...

 

[PhilRS03]

100 deer a year, a couple of thousand ringing steel, load development and the likes...

It adds up, I shoot what I use in the field, I don't do separate loads for different things along with a number of others who are like minded in that sense. I'd probably stop shooting targets/steel/vermin if copper was outright banned purely due to costs. There's little better than being sat somewhere with the 223 engaging rooks and crows at distance. I certainly wouldn't do that with the expense of lead free - £1 a bullet for that in comparison to the recent 300 blitzkings for £60...

I’m with you there, 100%. I do the same thing although unfortunately with a 6.5-284! I just use a kestrel and do a zero offset between loads. Saying that, in .264 the prices for anything worth shooting seem to be pretty minimal (in my opinion anyway) * edit- prices between decent bullets is minimal, not the actual price..