If you had to choose

[crackerbacks]

This is a THEROTICAL question. If you had to choose between a Sierra 175gr Match King and a Hornady Match HPBT (not AMAX) for big game hunting what would choose assuming that they shot at the same velocity. I am curious about expansion, penetration and weight retention.

 

[SnkBit]

Re: If you had to choose

Both of those bullets are match bullets. There will be little to no expansion, most likely total penetration with near total weight retention. Your asking about game bullet qualities in a match bullet. I'm not opposed to using match bullets for hunting as some people around here are ,but, don't expect game bullet properties from a match bullet.

 

[crackerbacks]

Re: If you had to choose

Like I said this was only in theory, I use Barnes 168gr for deer. I have just hear that the AMAX that is actually a match bullet had decent expansion and I was wondering if anyone had read/seen similiar results with the hornady HPBT match.

 

[jrob300]

Re: If you had to choose

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: crackerbacks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Like I said this was only in theory, I use Barnes 168gr for deer. I have just hear that the AMAX that is actually a match bullet had decent expansion and I was wondering if anyone had read/seen similiar results with the hornady HPBT match. </div></div>

The Amax is a very interesting match bullet. Kind of in its own class. They will drill holes in mild steel plate, but expand in flesh (due to a rather large Polycarbonate tip being driven back into what amounts to a huge hollow point). I wouldn't expect any conventional BTHP bullet to perform similarly.

John

 

[gpz750]

Re: If you had to choose

I've talked to several guys that say the amax is a great hunting bullet. All claimed that the amax didn't exit any of the game they shot. Mostly deer and pigs.

 

[42769vette]

Re: If you had to choose

the amax has worked great and exited on the coyotes and speed goat i have shot with it

 

[vman]

Re: If you had to choose

The amax will kill shit. So will the 175 SMK... dont forget the 175 smk drops people in their tracks and is used against human targets.

Shot placement is key. Understand your bullet and understand your game to the minor detail.

If the skin is thick and should trying to push thru bone (shoulders) dont chose something that explodes on impact.

 

[Raider Power]

Re: If you had to choose

The AMAX will expand, often violently at most hunting ranges due to the thin jacket walls and the polymer tip. The sleek HPBTs are going to act differently because they have very small openings at the meplat. Hollow points designed for hunting (bergers excluded) have larger openings that aid in expansion but at the cost of ballistic efficiency.

If I were forced to use one of the two bullets you mentioned I don't know that you would see much difference. I would not take a shot on animal at close range for sure as the chances of the bullet fragmenting on impact are higher. This just creates a nasty flesh wound that is survivable in the short term I also wouldn't want to shoot animal that has heavy bone structures. There's are reason hunting bullets are built as strongly as they are; you need that penetrating ability to break bones and penetrate dense muscles groups to get to the vitals.

All of that said, at longer ranges the bullets you mentioned are going to be less likely to fragment on impact because the velocity is reduced. And the impact force won't be as strong.