308 win A-MAX load

[TC338]

I'm thinking of trying the hornady A-MAX in my 308 using varget powder. My rifle really likes the nosler ballistic tips, but I've heard really good things about the A-MAX as long range hunting bullet. I'm debating between the 178g and the 208g. Anybody have any load data on these two combinations? My rifle has a 22" barrel with a 1-10 twist.

 

[Deleted member 46119]

208 is on hodgdon's web site

Hodgdon CFE 223
.308"
2.820"

40.6
2,274
46,600 PSI

43.7
2,474
57,500 PSI
Hodgdon
Varget
.308"
2.820"

38.1
2,260
49,400 PSI

41.5C
2,420
59,500 PSI

 

[rcoody]

I use the 168 gr berger hunting VLD and 168gr berger hybrid hunting over 44gr of varget for 2700 fps.

jumping the VLD's .127 half inch groups

Hybrid load mag length groups average about 3/4"

This is a lightweight hunting rifle with a 22" #3 contour barrel weighing under 7 lb.

tried the Amax and my gun really likes them. Same 44 grains varget and they shoot as good as the VLD's but they are not a hunting bullet.

 

[TC338]

Thanks for the info. Anyone have any experience hunting with the A-MAX?

 

[venatic]

I have killed a couple of elk with the 178gr AMax shooting a 308. Also a few deer and hogs.... No issues.

 

[TC338]

rcoody,
what are the terminal ballistics like with the bergers? I hunted with a guy using bergers in a 25-06 and they were mediocre at best. Had several bullets explode on impact and not penetrate to the vitals.

 

[ajridgedell]

I've killed a couple deer with 178 amax in my 308 fnar. Fist size hole in the opposite side on both deer. Kills just as good as any other "hunting" bullet.

 

[MadMarty911]

With the AMAX please be conscious of range/speed your quarry is. Really close and youve basically got a nice big VMAX - no real penetration. Come that 200 yard line or so Ive found them so work like a better penetrating round on deer. Elk I wouldnt touch til about 300 yards for the right bullet velocity.
Thats my 0.02$

Having said that mt Tikka Tac 20" loved :

43g Varget, Lapua Brass, CCI primer, 168g AMAX - loaded to 2.260 at the ojive (lands were at 2.265)


another good choice is my FGMM duplicate load at 2.8COAL, 168g AMAX, 41.7g IMR4064 - works in every .308

 

[Str8shooterTX]

168gr A-max with 45.2 gr varget. 2810FPS with 0.24" at 100 yards. Actually it's the Zombie max bullet but same thing. Got em in a 500 count box at 21 cents/ea.
COL was 2.85" I forget the CBTO.

 

[TC338]

Thanks for all the info. I think I'm going to stick with my ballistic tips, or maybe the accubond in this rifle.

 

[Str8shooterTX]

Thanks for all the info. I think I'm going to stick with my ballistic tips, or maybe the accubond in this rifle.

LOL ok.

 

[wackinandstackin243]

I actually noticed the ballistic tip has a slightly better BC than the A max in a 168 gr.

I am currently in the process of trying 168 A max over some Reloader 15. I could have swore I heard the Federal Gold Medal was reloader 15, but now I have been hearing IMR 4064.

 

[firefighter1990]

Double check your ballistics of the NBT by proofing it at the range, i think nosler is very biased with their bc's. That being said, its a great bullet. My 308 shoots any 168 gr well over 44.4 gr varget. It does very well with amax and vld hybrids. Also take a look at sierra's new tmk as its got the title for highest bc in that weight class. Again, proof the drop data at the range before drawing blood.

I have hit deer and elk at 670-720 yards with the amax and have found copper and lead fragments throughout the wound channel. So the light construction make for excellent hydrostatic shock at extented ranges! On the flip side: ive hit coyotes and chucks at 100yds that looked like they got hit by a 220 swift! Lots of splash and not much depth