If maximum accuracy is important, and testing for the best seating depth is a big ask, then the Classic Hunter or Elite Hunter are the answer. For in game performance, I’m not sure there is a difference between Classic Hunter, VLD and Elite Hunter.
What’s the difference?
Classic Hunter- They have a short ogive that is not sensitive to seating depth so that Berger can provide a bullet that is roughly the same length as a traditional bullet of the same weight. This helps with traditional magazine length and with traditional twist rates.
VLD Hunting- Tangent ogive for maximum BC at that ogive length. This gives an excellent balance of BC, weight, and length. It always has a higher BC than a Classic Hunter of the same weight. Tangent ogives are sensitive to seating depth and thus accuracy can be mediocre if seating depth is wrong for your rifle.
Elite Hunter- They have a “hybrid ogive” which is a tangent ogive from the bullet tip to where the bullet would contact the lands, then from this point to the bear surface the ogive transitions from tangent to secant. Secant proves are not as sensitive to seating depth, so near maximum accuracy is maintained regardless of where you seat the bullet. The combination of tangent and secant ogives results in a longer ogive and longer bullet for the same weight, so the BC is higher for weight than a VLD, but lower for length than a VLD. The result is that you may be able to stabilize a certain weight VLD with your twist, but not the Elite Hunter. Often there is quite a bit of overlap. Also, your COAL may increase with an Elite Hunter compared to a VLD if you want the same powder capacity. BUT, because Elite Hunters are not as sensitive to seating depth, if you’re willing to seat deeper and give up some powder capacity, then maybe the Elite Hunter will be better for you because you need to be shorter than your COAL that shoots well with a VLD.
A lot of the above is very rifle specific. Generally, if you have lots of room in your magazine, and don’t want to tune seating depth, then the Elite Hunter offers maximum BC and is trouble free. If you don’t mind tuning seating depth, and have magazine length, then the VLD offers lots of great weight options. If you will be restricted by twist rate or COAL, then choose the Classic Hunter.
Again, on game performance is quite similar across all types of Berger hunting bullets.