Hornady 208 Amax

[John Kielly]

I've mentioned occasionally that an obscure discipline I shoot is on my belly at 1000, 1100 & 1200 yards using a standard .308 Winchester case. Have a look her for what it's about: http://www.matchrifle.org/

Anyway, I'm having trouble getting the 208 Amax to shoot. I can get by with the 210SMKs & the Berger 210 running them at around 2740 fps in a 32" barrel, but around that velocity, the AMAX is a dud, even loaded to 11 fps spread like I'm achieving. I've heard you thousand yarders talking about accuracy windows for various projectiles & I'm wondering where you're connecting with the Amax. My guess is that you're running faster than I'll be able to get but can you offer any suggestions?

Y'see the Hornady is looking quite attractive here in Australia, as it's damned cheap compared to the proven performers, though I have to allow for the nicks & chips rejects & the others that batch out.

 

[Tony Shankle]

I tested the SMK's, Bergers and even the 185 Lapua against the 208 Amax in my 300 Win Mag and the Amax was the most consistent of the bunch. The Bergers would outshoot the Amax here and there but mostly for 4 shots and not 5 (which by the way broke my heart because I really wanted to use the Bergers). These test were all at 1000 yards and yes I tried a bunch of different powders, loads, OAL's, Primers and everything else I know to do. In the end is was the 208 Amax and my data card shows 2859 fps at 72 degrees and 611 feet elevation.

I ran them up, I slowed them down but that is where they shot for my barrel. I did so many test to try to prove my reasults wrong that I used about 2/3 of my barrel life!

On a different (but maybe somehow connected) subject, the Amax's also sorted better than the SMK's and Bergers by quite a bit. Even between different lots. But, as good as the Amax's were, I have never checked/sorted a factory bullet that was better than the Lapua on the bench.

And once again, that was for ONE BARREL. I certainly wouldn't suggest these results will happen for everyone.