A-Max for hunting?

"...target/match style bullet..." Yep. Not recommended for hunting anything, but varmints. A-Max bullets are rumoured not to be as accurate as they should be too.
 
I've read they perform fine on thin skinned animals at longer ranges. Think about the dynamics of expansion- of course they'll go to pieces if impacting at very high velocities. Short ranges (high velocities) are where the bonded or copper builds shine. However at longer ranges, terminal performance of the A-max would be along the lines of 'optimal', whereas bonded or copper bullets begin to suffer from a lack of retained energy necessary for expansion. Pick the tool for the job, ya don't drive a nail with a wrench.

If A-max's aren't working for you, send 'em over, I'll dispose of them properly ;) I've had great success with them.
 
We will see how they do at the range once it warms up a bit!!


rimfiremac said:
I've read they perform fine on thin skinned animals at longer ranges. Think about the dynamics of expansion- of course they'll go to pieces if impacting at high velocities, short ranges (high velocities) are where the bonded or copper builds shine. However at longer ranges, terminal performance of the A-max would be along the lines of 'optimal', whereas bonded or copper bullets suffer a lack of energy for expansion.

If A-max's aren't working for you, send 'em over, I'll dispose of them properly ;) I've had great success with them.
Click to expand...
 
Sunray is incorrect, Hornady list all their Amax bullets from 6mm calibre up as suitable for target, varmint and medium game use. They may not be optimal for heavy game like moose or elk, but they are fine at moderate velocities on thin skinned game like deer.

I shot a mule deer doe this last season with a 168gr Amax out of my Garand. Muzzle velocity was around 2600-2650fps, range was ~100yds. Bullet entered just behind the last near side rib, travelled diagonally forward and exited about midway along the far side ribs, taking one rib with it. It was a liver shot and the doe made it another 40-50yds before dropping. The exit wound was about the diameter of my thumb. There was no sign of explosive expansion, but I didn't try to drive it through a shoulder or anything heavy, either.

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As for accuracy, I can regularly shoot to less than 2MOA with national match iron sights on that Garand at 200yds off of a rest. Best so far has been just a touch over 2" at 200yds. Just like rimfiremac, if anyone is not happy with the performance of their 168gr .308 Amax's, I will happily take them off their hands.

Mark
 
I guess the question is why?

Sure, they might work well on thin skinned game at longer distances. So will just about any other run-of-the-mill bullet. But many of those bullets will likely work better up close should the "opportunity of a lifetime" walk out unexpectedly. Why limit yourself with a target bullet? There are so many more suitable bullets at just about any budget level, that deliver hunting accuracy, and hunting performance at any distance. What is making you ask?
 
It is just that I have read conflicting articles and wanted to hear some first hand real world knowledge, I am not planning on using them for hunting, maybe a coyote for long range practice if the situation is present. I will be testing them for my target loads.

FYI I use Sciroccos for my hunting round.



joe-nwt said:
I guess the question is why?

Sure, they might work well on thin skinned game at longer distances. So will just about any other run-of-the-mill bullet. But many of those bullets will likely work better up close should the "opportunity of a lifetime" walk out unexpectedly. Why limit yourself with a target bullet? There are so many more suitable bullets at just about any budget level, that deliver hunting accuracy, and hunting performance at any distance. What is making you ask?
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I don't know about the Amax, I only use them on coyotes.

The bullets tha really surprised me, are the Hornady SST "Interlock" series.

The SST is supposedly even of lighter construction. I can tell you from experience with them, they work as well on bears as any other bullet I've used. Broke a front shoulder, kept on through the lungs and out a rib and through the hide on the far side. Range was about 50 meters so the velocity was still pretty high.
 
Hornady list all their Amax bullets from 6mm calibre up as suitable for target, varmint and medium game use.
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From the Hornady site.

A-MAX® NOW featuring AMP™ bullet jackets!

Designed by match shooters for match shooters. With an ultra-low drag tip, our A-Max match bullets feature an aerodynamic secant ogive that delivers flat trajectories with excellent uniformity and concentricity. Find out more...

* Rapid, explosive expansion with limited penetration.
* Recommended muzzle velocity range: 2000+ fps.
* These bullets are not recommended for hunting medium and large game.
Click to expand...

Hornady does not recommend the A-Max for medium or larger game.
 
I've certainly had zero problems with 7mm amaxes on animals. Both deer and elk - at ranges from 80 to 550 yards....everything I've ever shot with them died with a single shot and most were dead in their tracks. I'm a ribcage shooter though - I don't shoulder shoot....
 
Used it on WT. Good performance, but got some flack from the "meatcutter". I've never seen anything like it. Half a deer was covered in bloodshot. Took out two ribs in and three out. Not pretty. I'll try to stay away from them from now.
 
My last moose was shot with A-max 168 gr 308... It was the cleanest and fastest kill out of 12 mooses, i will use them again this year... Accurate and very deadly. The shot this year was taken at 275 yards... Drop like a rock... JP.
 
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