A-MAX or BERGER

[bamadawg2009]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[ZSteinle]

I am going to use the new hornady bthps's. I have the same problem with bergers, great bullets but pricey. The polymer tip I think is what initiates instant expansion on the amax, thinking the bthp's will give the delayed expansion.

 

[elkaholic]

I am going to use the new hornady bthps's. I have the same problem with bergers, great bullets but pricey. The polymer tip I think is what initiates instant expansion on the amax, thinking the bthp's will give the delayed expansion.

I think you are on to something. It is the tip that starts the expansion sooner. The smaller the meplat, and the more pointed the nose, the slower the expansion (all else equal). That's why IMO, Bergers will perform a little better close up and the A-max at longer range. A wider tipped bullet will also have an expansion advantage over a narrower tip. Also, if you are using thin skinned target bullets, heavier is better. In the case of deer, the problem isn't as great as if you were elk hunting. This is why my long range bullets use a .200" width tip.......Rich

 

[Derek M.]

has anyone every hunted with the nosler competition or speer competition bullets? Do they suck or what? I never hear anything about them. I'm going to check out the Hornady's right now.

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

For 100-600 yard whitetails why not an sst instead of target bullets. They perform well on game, inexpensive and to 600 yards you will not know the difference with the slight bc difference.

 

[bigbuck]

I have shot deer with 208 Amax at close range like bo range ! It is dead deer . I shoot a 300 rum with broughton barrel . folks say that the amax does too much damage and no pass thru yadda yadda yadda , they are right when the amax is pushed at high velocity they will blow up but when the smoke settles there is your deer I have also shot deer with the berger 210 at 30 yards actually last year and it ran about 30 yards and piled up . The berger is alittle more sensitive to load for. I think either one of these bullets will get the job done with authority !

good luck ........

 

[bamadawg2009]

Well I ordered some 190gr berger VLDS Tuesday from Powder Valley because Midway said the 208 A-MaX would be on BO until August. So I paid $51 and some change for the Bergers, wouldnt you know it Midway got the A-Max in Wednesday nedles to say I was a little PD-OFF after seeing this. I figured Ill give the Brgers a try and the get some A-max if Im not happy with the Bergers. Now if I could just make up my mind wich powder I want to use, H4350, H4831SC, RL-22 or RL-17 CHOICES CHOICES.

 

[ZSteinle]

i shot 208 amaxs in my 300wsm with 61gr. of H4350 at 2820fps
208 at a coyote