I zeroed my rem 700 .308 w/20" barrel using a load of 178 Amax over 43.5 grns varget from my ocw trials. It averaged about .7 inch groups at 100 yds w/ 10 shot groups. Then I ran some 150 nosler ballistic tips (loaded just under max for hunting) and the POI shifted about 4" higher, but still grouped under 1.5 which is fine for me for hunting. What worries me is that my Amax load will be too "soft" for longer range (700 yds or so). I dont have chrony access or a longer range close by, so I was wondering this is in the realm of a reasonable expectation or if I should try to develop a hotter amax load. Thanks!
Range Report Reasonable POI shift between loads?
- Thread starter sautter_98
- Start date
There are two more nodes higher than your current 178 Amax load, the one at approx 44.5 or so is about perfect for 700Y. The max load is faster, but your primer pockets may not last that long. The 150's will hotrod at closer ranges but the BC of the 178 will take it further with less wind shift. My point is you can use the 178 load for both target and hunting, I use it for Antelope and there are plenty of member harvest pics in the hunting thread to validate that fact. My load is 44.4 of Varget under a 178 in Lapua brass and it is clocking approx 1594 fps and 1000 ft lbs at 700Y, this is at 4900ft altitude.
I'm shooting a 175grain bullet out of a 20" tube but I'll also confirm that I have a node that allows me to hold very tight groups at 44.3 grains. I'm getting 2577 fps wit this load. I'll also echo roggom's sentiment that the 178 Amax is a good hunting choice. If you are really all that interested in getting away from the Hornady toward Nosler I'd look toward the 180 grain Accubond. You'll have better luck with this bullet at longer range if you're running a 1-10" vs being closer to the 1-12" range.
~Brett
~Brett
I'm not sure I'd use hte 178's for hunting simply because Hornady doesn't recommend it, although I'm sure many do successfully. But why not use something like the 180 interbond? It's much more likely that you'll get a similar POI with those than the 150's.
My 178 OCW work only went up to 44.0 grns. I think I'll try up to 44.5 based on the above, as I didnt show any pressure signs at least to 44.0. I'll look into trying some heavier hunting bullets too; I was just running the 150s because at the time it was all that was available. Always seemed to be plenty of those around when all else was scarce around here. Thanks!
Trust me. It'll do the job. I have taken down several "deer" sized animals with anywhere from a 140 amax in 6.5 creedmor to a 168 amax in .308 to 208 in .300 win mag. All took them down no problem. IMHO they kill animals just as good as targets
