A-max for deer

T

t/c223encore

New member
OK, I got a 26 in. 308 bull barrel for deer, and due to this forum I started looking into starting to reload for it. Uncle nick has everything so I don't need to get any equipment /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif I want to use the 155 grain A-max but I seen that it should only be used in match chambers and it's for match shooting. Can it be used for deer or should I look for another 150 grain bullet? sierra gameking for instance. I am totaly new at relading stuff and tuning loads to barrels, so I need help. I'm firm on 150 grain and really liked the sound of the A-max, but I don't want to use the wrong tool for the job. Thanks for the help. Oh, the twist looks to be 1-9. And Uncle Nick said we'll start with reloader 15 powder. I hope i gave all the needed info, as I said, I'm new at reloading rifle ammo.

t/c223encore.
 
Why is it with all the good bullets available for hunting there is always some nut that wants to use match bullets for game. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
the A-Max will drop them like an anchor. We have been using them in 6.5mm, 7mm, and 308cal on deer and they work quite well. The polycarbonate tip helps with some expansion IMHO. I would say we have taken 30+ deer with the a-max,..no problems at all.
 
Jay, I'm not some nut, I'm just a guy that knows nothing about reloading and bullets thats askin a question. Figured my post would reflect that. Whats wrong with wanting the best accuracy and performance from a reload? aint that the point of reloading?

JustC, Thanks, glad to see they can work on deer.

Keep em commin guys, all help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

t/c223encore.
 
T/C i may try the A-Max this year in my 243 Win for deer . I will let you know how they work. Keep your questions coming and you will get some first hand experence on bullet performance on the type of game you are considering to go after. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Why is it that anytime someone swallows his pride and asks an honest question in an effort to learn more about something he has limited knowledge about some jerk off has to slam him for it?

A more appropriate answer may be............

"The A-max bullet is designed as a match only bullet and although it might work for hunting, there are a large number of bullets on the market designed for hunting that will give you excellent results like the........"

A more appropriate answer might actually encourage more questions which in turn might spawn more answers and, wouldn't you know it, we might all stand to learn something.

Sorry to highjack you post T/C, just had to get that off my chest.

As for your bullet choice I would give a hunting bullet with similar design to the A-max a try. Maybe the Nosler Ballistic Tip or Hornady SST.

Good luck.
 
Quote:
Jay, I'm not some nut, I'm just a guy that knows nothing about reloading and bullets thats askin a question. Figured my post would reflect that. Whats wrong with wanting the best accuracy and performance from a reload? aint that the point of reloading?

JustC, Thanks, glad to see they can work on deer.

Keep em commin guys, all help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

t/c223encore.



If you haven't figured it out call Hornady and ask for their recommendation. You're in denial you are some kind of nut.
 
Never mind.
I was going to make a comment about "respect".....
But trying to keep it lighthearted didn't come out right.....
 
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You owe it to the animal to use a bullet designed for taking animals, not one that is designed for match shooting. The A-Max may work but is not the best selection for the job. I agree with Jay, call Hornady!!!! They designed the bullet, see what they have to say about your thoughts and abide by their advice.
 
There must be at least 30 different .308 cal bullets in the 150 gr. weight that are actually designed and made for hunting deer size game. Unless you are trying to pull off some amazing feat of accuracy, the gun is of match grade and you have a few years of handloading why not just use one of those.
 
While the A-Max is probably a more accurate bullet on the bench I agree with everyone who's point is use a bullet that is designed to do the job. I have yet to see a deer fall over because he was so impressed with my "dime sized groups". And besides its not like bullets designed for hunting are SO inaccurate that it should need to be up for discussion.
 
T/C, you don't learn if you don't ask. Unless somebody else is buying your bullets, do what you want to. If I could HELP with an answer I would.

Jay, the "nut" comment was uncalled for.
 
T/C,

Go ahead, use them for hunting, they kill like the Hammer of Thor. The Hornady ballitic table book has a table for the uses of Hornady Bullets- Target shooting, Varmints, Thin skinned game, Large Game. The A-MAXes, from the 6mm 105gr to the 30cal 178gr are great for deer sized game.

Thanks
Isaac
 
168g. A-Max works great for deer, don't be scared. I took an antelope with it at 200, head on. Found a perfect mushrum in the hind quarter.

Michael
 
t/c223encore you nut you.

The a-max is not as stated -solely a match bullet,it is a thin jacket varmint type bullet.
Here's how the a-max would be a good choice--->longrange!
If you shoot a deer at close range = high velocity it will blow up and possibly kill but likely wound a deer.
If you intend to shoot deer at longrange -350+ yards or beyond the a-max will make an excellent bullet.By the time the bullet has slowed to lower velocities the expansion factor of the thin jacketed bullet will be on your side.
It will open hard out there but not be nearly as violent expansion wise ,meaning it will transfer alot of energy and not just pass through the animal.
I have a few years of reloading under my belt if you have any questions pm me and i'll help you out.
Don't get hung up on bullet weights and velocities look at ballistic coeffients.BC means more energy when the bullet arrives!
So if you plan on longrange the a-max is where it's at,if not use a traditional hunting bullet.
Best of luck w/the handloading you're going to love it and wonder why you waited so long.YOU NUT!! Mike
 
Well I called Hornady, love their answering machine BTW, and one of the tech’s said the he would use a .308 155 grain A-Max for a broadside lung shot on deer. But he also stated that the bullets designed for deer would be a better choice.
 
ok I have a A-max story,
a few years back I was using 22-6mm for deer, the bullet was a 75 gr a-max at 3600 fps. It would strike like lighting all critters were dead in thier tracks, on broad side shots in the lungs. About the time i was believing that this cartrage was majic along came a 200 yrd front on shot with an elusive cull buck that was to be shot on sight. Bang! buck hits the dirt hard. overly confidant i put the rifle back in the truck. When I look down range for the animal it is gone, no blood , no trace nothing. Two weeks latter I find the remains 600 + yrds from impact. I now use triple shocks.
 


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