280 SHERMAN/162 A-MAX vs BEAR

[elkaholic]

Originally Posted by laserflat

I hate to reopen a dead thread, but was just wondering. How would yall say the 162 A-Max compares to the 168gr Berger Hybrid as far as BC and terminal performance? Also, has anyone ever used the 6.5mm 140gr A-Max on game? How did it fair? What about the 6mm 105gr A-Max?

Thanks

The Berger has a little higher b.c. and takes a little more velocity to open than the A-Max. A-Max is probably a little more predictable. The A-max, as described above, is a good game bullet at longer ranges especially on deer sized game, but is quite explosive under 300 yards. No experience with the 105's.........Rich

[barnesuser28]

I am going to try sectioning a 162 grain A-Max this weekend, and take a few jacket measurements. This will be my primary bullet in my 284 Win once its done.

[elkaholic]

Some real world data on the 140 A-Max. My buddy borrowed my 6.5 Sherman this year and he and his dad shot two white tails, both bedded at over 300 yards. Deer #1 was shot at the base of the skull and the bullet exited out of his mouth. Not pretty! Deer #2 was shot below the ear hole and the bullet exited below the opposite ear hole. It left a 50 cent sized hole. Obviously, neither deer moved.........Rich

[elkaholic]

Originally Posted by barnesuser28

I am going to try sectioning a 162 grain A-Max this weekend, and take a few jacket measurements. This will be my primary bullet in my 284 Win once its done.

Approx. .014" at the mouth and .020"+ at the base.............Rich

[barnesuser28]

Originally Posted by elkaholic

Approx. .014" at the mouth and .020"+ at the base.............Rich

You saved my dads finger tips from the band saw.. i am going to make him cut it anyway. One question, were they trying to shoot the deer in the head?

[WildRose]

Originally Posted by barnesuser28

I am going to try sectioning a 162 grain A-Max this weekend, and take a few jacket measurements. This will be my primary bullet in my 284 Win once its done.

There are a lot better choices than the Amax. Amongst them are the Sirocco, Hornady Interbond and Interlock, and the Nosler Accubond.

Jacket thickness is but one factor, the metallurgy of the jacket is another very important factor.

One thing I've learned piling up hundreds of bodies over the years is that over expansion can create just as many if not more problems than under expansion not the least of which is a tremendous amount of wasted meat.

[barnesuser28]

Originally Posted by WildRose

There are a lot better choices than the Amax. Amongst them are the Sirocco, Hornady Interbond and Interlock, and the Nosler Accubond.

Jacket thickness is but one factor, the metallurgy of the jacket is another very important factor.

One thing I've learned piling up hundreds of bodies over the years is that over expansion can create just as many if not more problems than under expansion not the least of which is a tremendous amount of wasted meat.

A couple reasons why i chose they A-Max.

1. I will be starting them out at a modest speed of around 2800 fps so i dont think over expansion will be a huge problem at somewhat close range.

2. I am going to try to stay away from the shoulder so again over expansion shouldnt be too bad.

3. Since they are not starting out very fast to get me out to 1000 yards on game i need the high BC and their ability to expand at very low velocties. (around 1400 fps in goats according to some fellow in New Zealand)

4. They will be used only on 200 LBS and smaller deer and antelope, along with coyotes, badgers, prarie dogs, rocks, etc.... Anything bigger than a 200 lbs mule deer i will use the 168 grain Barnes LRX. And will limit the LRX to 600 yards on elk, we have a 338 Lapua for the longer range elk work.