A-MAX or BERGER

bamadawg2009 · #1 06-05-2012, 03:20 AM

So my 300WSM will be ready this week and I got to thinking about trying some 178gr Amax, but Im reading a lot of people saying they blow up on close shots. My original plan had been to go with 185gr. VLDs but at almost $20 more a box I cant decide.

Most of my shots will be 100-600yds, on whitetails that a fully mature buck will weight 200-215 lbs max.

So my question is do I need to stick to my guns and get the Bergers or will the Amax do just as well for my uses.

ShooterMedic · #2 06-05-2012, 03:52 AM

I had the same problem, So I decided to shoot the A-max for target and the 180 accubonds for hunting. They are very similar and for me shot the same out to 700 yds after that the accubonds started hitting higher.

I am currently shooting 210 gr Amax for everything.

ICANHITHIMMAN · #3 06-05-2012, 07:03 AM

Which ever bullet you pick I would sugest considering a larger one. Also think hard about the cost factor there is nothing saying you cant shoot both. I started with the 185g VLD and quickly found out I was not loosing anything if I steped up to the 210g.

bamadawg2009 · #4 06-05-2012, 04:47 PM

Thanks guys I might just step up to the 208 A-Max or 190 VLD slow the bullet down a little and try them, cost can never make up for a lost or wounded animal.
I had a Nosler BT blow up on the front leg of a buck one day. This was the only problem I ever had with BTs, but still never found the animal and I know the hit was high enough if I had got penetration it would have been a heart shot but bullet blew up on the front leg. However I was running 180GR BT out of my 30-338 at almost 3100 FPS and it was only a 50 yd shot, just dont ever want to replay this scene again if I can help it.

ICANHITHIMMAN · #5 06-05-2012, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamadawg2009

Thanks guys I might just step up to the 208 A-Max or 190 VLD slow the bullet down a little and try them, cost can never make up for a lost or wounded animal.
I had a Nosler BT blow up on the front leg of a buck one day. This was the only problem I ever had with BTs, but still never found the animal and I know the hit was high enough if I had got penetration it would have been a heart shot but bullet blew up on the front leg. However I was running 180GR BT out of my 30-338 at almost 3100 FPS and it was only a 50 yd shot, just dont ever want to replay this scene again if I can help it.

Sounds like your using to much gun and little bullets

bamadawg2009 · #6 06-05-2012, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ICANHITHIMMAN

Sounds like your using to much gun and little bullets

30-338WIN not lapua but this is the load that Walt Sherman uses in all his rifles in this caliber. Like I said I have never had a problem with nosler before this one time or after that, it was just a rushed gimme shot and I didnt take my time so I blame myself more than the bullet. I should have just taken my time and shot him in the neck but he was chasing a hot doe and when I grunted to stop him he looked dead at me and I rushed the shot.
Ive killed at least a dozen deer with this load and all have been neck and shoulder shots without one problem except this one time, when this gun goes off if I do my part a deer never takes another step.

ultraedge · #7 06-09-2012, 10:00 AM

I have shot 178 A-max from a 30" 300 ultra for years, at distances from 5 yds to 550 yds with good results. Other good whitetail bullets are 208 A-max, 180ballistic silvertip, and 190 sierra match king. These do a lot of damage,but nearly all shots are instantaneous kills. I also shot deer with 185 vld bullets ,but with less damage. Also 180 Accubond did less damage and the deer ran further.