Hornady a-max in M1A

[tx200]

Hey guys. I'm new to the world of M1a/m14s. I have a springfield M1A loaded. I've been told that Hornday 168gr. A-Max, Factory Load, is to power full for the gun to handle over time. I'm not sure why, but this is what I've been told. Does any one know about this issue, or is this just something to not worry about. I shot a few boxes of this facroty load anyway, despite what I've been told, and it shot great with no trouble for the gun that I could see.

 

[Fenix.NZ]

i was under the impression it was the 180gr bullets that caused the problem over time.

i shoot 168's in my norc all the time

 

[Grizz Axxemann]

the 168s should be fine. Match grade X51 uses a 168gr Sierra Match King.

 

[tx200]

Is it 168gr hornady a-max factory load or hand loaded? What problems would the 180gr present over time?

 

[matty86suk]

i load 168amax all the time for my m14, it is my best load...

 

[Wild_Thing]

Sounds like maybe a bit of confusion over the Hornady factory match/target loads vs. their Light Magnum hunting loads which are explicitly not recommended in any auto-loading rifles.

 

[tx200]

It really is the most accurate (168gr) bullet I've shot in my m1a. I don't handload,yet, so that's why I'm curious about the factory loaded 168gr pressures and if it's to much for the rifle.

 

[tx200]

I was reffering to the hornady 168gr a-max factory match load, not the light mag load. Sorry I was clear.

 

[Wild_Thing]

I was reffering to the hornady 168gr a-max factory match load, not the light mag load. Sorry I was clear.

Well I was just postulating a possible theory as to the source of the rumor that you mentioned. FWIW, I have heard no such thing, though I don't shoot much factory Hornady in my M14s.

 

[rommelrommel]

180's and heavier have been known to bend op rods over time.

 

[chemo]

part of a PM discussion with Hungry:

There, now you will obtain match accuracy as long as you load up with match bullets like the Hornady Amax or Sierra Match Kings 150 or 155 gr Palma.

I have used 168grs before, now I load for 155gr Palmas in my m14 (as well as my bolt)

 

[Wally]

155s? AFAIK the M14 HATES those light bullets.... I try to stay in the 165 to 174 area.

 

[Petrock]

My rifle seems to enjoy the 150 - 155 range.

 

[toya]

155s? AFAIK the M14 HATES those light bullets.... I try to stay in the 165 to 174 area.

So far, my shorty shoots the 155gr A-max best.

 

[mt84]

Mine shoots best with the 150gr from Win PowerPoint or Federal PowerShok or 155gr Sierra.

 

[RifleDude]

My favorite load in my M14 is the 155 AMAX, in an IVI case, pushed by 44.5gr of Varget. Shoots like a dream The rifle was designed for the 7.62 X 51 NATO round which uses a 147gr FMJBT bullet.

 

[Keller]

My M1A loves the 155 grain A-Max too.