I'm shooting a 20" Rem 700 w/ 1:10 twist. Built to mainly be a target/ paper/ steel gun, but I also plan on using for deer and elk. I have been collecting components as they come up. I know this gun likes the 168gr stuff, and sounds like 175 will be better. I have only shot A-max out of it and have not gotten my hands on SMK yet. However Berger vld's are accessible and my buddy gives them a good review. They also seem to have a very comparable BC to the hornady a max. What are your guys opinion on this projectile (in either 168 or 175) as a do all load (targets of various materials out to 1200? And hunting with in 400 yards).
- Thread starter mzvarner
- Start date
Only because you say that you'll be hunting too, I'd recommend taking a look at this one;
30 Cal 185 Grain Match Grade Classic Hunter
The other thing to consider is developing two loads; one target load, and one hunting load. Assuming you'll be target shooting a lot more than hunting, a quick re-zero on the scope for your hunting load is all that's necessary a couple times a year
30 Cal 185 Grain Match Grade Classic Hunter
The other thing to consider is developing two loads; one target load, and one hunting load. Assuming you'll be target shooting a lot more than hunting, a quick re-zero on the scope for your hunting load is all that's necessary a couple times a year
Last edited:
WOW! A 180 gr? Really? I have never shot anything that heavy so I am not really sure how well my rifle will do with it. I guess if 175 is good whats 5 more grains?
Your Remington will love them. The 1/10" twist makes it possible. In fact, some guys even shoot 200 grainers with that twist rate
This. Excellent game bullet.
I guess great minds think a like. I was just working on de-priming brass and thought that. If I develop a good load and buy a 100 rnd box of bullets then I will be set for a VERY long time. So the question now becomes what bullets? For hunting I plan to hunt elk at the largest.
For a target bullet I already know my gun loves the A-max so I will buy a ton of those at first chance.
Another vote for the 178 Amax. I have used them in the field with complete satisfaction!
Ok well I just came across some in stock and ordered 200 of the 178 Amax.
great! now i am super excited to get these. I have shot the 168's and do well with them. Never shot 178. How do you guys find they like to be seated?
Don't over look the 208gr amax,my savage with a 20in 1-10 twist barrel does damn good out to 600 yards on steel
I am assuming 308 winchester right?
The 168 and 178 amax are top performers on paper and on game. they will show broad wounds and penetration at a wide range of impact speeds.
The VLDs are better flyers but they are jump sensitive and more expensive. The Berger 168 hybrid is a huge improvement on this end and also in ballistic performance in flight.
For game they are fine too but some show pin hole wounding at long ranges and that is why one has magnums. Better to anneal them and avoid anything medium to heavy when going after game at long distances.
IMO many people should have a replica of the M118LR/MK316/175 Sierra gold match. 175SMK and nosler competition 175gr are the right bullets for this purpose. COAL 2.810.
The other Amax that is a great value and nice performer is the 155gr amax. This one works really well with several popular powders like R15 and H4895.
The 180 grain bonded will do a number on heavy game at moderate ranges. But I will be careful with heavy bullets on a short barrel. Specially
when you have such great options in the 155 and 168gr section to shoot much flatter.
Lots of good options that is for sure.
The 168 and 178 amax are top performers on paper and on game. they will show broad wounds and penetration at a wide range of impact speeds.
The VLDs are better flyers but they are jump sensitive and more expensive. The Berger 168 hybrid is a huge improvement on this end and also in ballistic performance in flight.
For game they are fine too but some show pin hole wounding at long ranges and that is why one has magnums. Better to anneal them and avoid anything medium to heavy when going after game at long distances.
IMO many people should have a replica of the M118LR/MK316/175 Sierra gold match. 175SMK and nosler competition 175gr are the right bullets for this purpose. COAL 2.810.
The other Amax that is a great value and nice performer is the 155gr amax. This one works really well with several popular powders like R15 and H4895.
The 180 grain bonded will do a number on heavy game at moderate ranges. But I will be careful with heavy bullets on a short barrel. Specially
when you have such great options in the 155 and 168gr section to shoot much flatter.
Lots of good options that is for sure.
Last edited:
The Berger VLD hunting bullets work good, too! If you have 178gr A-max's ordered, you got it covered. Lightman
165 Interbond.
"Do it all" 308 bullet
Its not about the bullet. Unless you are shooting at long distance, in which case it is about the bullet.
And if it's a .308 it's not about the load. Unless it doesn't shoot at all, in which case it's still not about the load.
Its not about the bullet. Unless you are shooting at long distance, in which case it is about the bullet.
And if it's a .308 it's not about the load. Unless it doesn't shoot at all, in which case it's still not about the load.
Last edited:
I love the180 SBT Gamekings. It's an older match bullet design/profile.
Shoots really well when I am consistent behind it. My original question stems from a lack of knowledge in reloading supplies as opposed to an inability to get the rifle to group. A local store has a ton of stuff in stock so I wanted some advice on what to look for. Every one says Amax or SMK, but I figured those will be the first to disappear if they are that popular so what are some comparable options?
That is actually a good point. I guess I was just trying to find a bullet that I can shoot with all the time so I could learn how it behaves and what its capable of. But I guess shooting 3-5 rounds pre season is not that big of a deal either.
178 AMAX
Been loading for 308s for a long time and have tried just about everything out there.
The 178 AMAX is very accurate, deadly and cheap.
Runs great out of my 20" 308
Been loading for 308s for a long time and have tried just about everything out there.
The 178 AMAX is very accurate, deadly and cheap.
Runs great out of my 20" 308
