Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles SST vs A-Max

I am trying to decide on a bullet to target shoot with as well as whitetail deer hunt with.
Don't really want to have to work up loads for two different bullets so in looking at the Hor. 6.5 123 gr bullets they both have a .51 BC.
How is the accuracy of the SST vs the Amax?
Any on deer reports of either?

Thanks
John

I got good accuracy from both, the Amax was better. I suggest you look hard at the Lapua Scenar 123 - better BC, accuracy equal to or better than the Amax.

David

I tried the 129 gr SST in a 260 Rem I had a while ago. I never could get the SST's to shoot as well as the A-Max (120 and 123gr versions). I couldn't find the A-max anywhere when I shot up what A-maxes I had so I switched to the 123 Scenar and haven't looked back. I sold the 260 and am currently loading the Scenars in a 256 Newton and I'm planning on giving them a shot (might be a pun there) in my new creedmoor.

I have 2, 260 AI's. One on a 700 and the other on a Borden. Both sporter weight rifles with Rock and Brux barrels.

Both shoot the 123 SST and AMAX within .5" of each other and usually between .5" and .75" at 100.

The SST's worked very well on the 5-6 antelope and deer I have shot with them. Only shot 1 or 2 deer and 1 coyote with the AMAX and they also worked well.

Furthest I have had a deer travel with either was 7 of my steps on a 3 year old mule deer buck shot in the last rib on the on side and exiting right behind the shoulder on the off side. Everything was scrambled between entrance and exit.


Both these guns shoot either bullet equally well.

Borden with 123 SST.

Thanks for the info, I think I will start with the Amax because I have them on hand. Next time I am where I can get some, I will pick up a box of SST to see if they will shoot the same load that I get worked up on the Amax.

I shot the 140 SST out of my 6.5-284 at around 3K. Great accuracy, but terminal performance, at least in my experience, was too erratic for my taste. Sometimes a blow up, sometimes pencling thru. I quit using them because of that.

Am curious about other's experience with them.

I'm shooting the 80 gr. A-Max in my fast twist .22-250. Super accuracy, no dead critters yet.

DF

Good advice.

Pat (Scenarshooter) sure believes in them. They have a real thin jacket, but must have a harder lead alloy than some of the others, as they seem to perform pretty consistently on game.

My Shilen/98 FN, 6.5x55 prefers 139 gr. and 155 gr. Scenars. I'm working up load for my 7mm-08 and 6.5 Creedmoor, using a variety of bullets, will report.

DF

Of the two bullets you listed, the 123 Amax would be my choice, but as someone said, take a long hard look at the 123 Lapua.....

Amax is my choice-- I've used the 140s in a 6.5x284 with great results on Coues and eastern whitetails.

I've used various versions of SST in 7RM, 20ga and 50cal muzzy-- never been impressed with the expansion on thin skinned game.

ok, y'all talked me into some Scenars.
I found a great deal on some 120's as opposed to 123's, so I jumped in. I may be wrong but could not see how 3 gr. would make a bid difference in bullet weight.

The BC what makes the 123gr better than the 120gr, shot both the 123gr are superior

I know the BC is better but I could not pass up the deal on the 120's

The 123s shot better for me than he 120s, not by much, there both excellent bullets. Kiss the lands with them and they will work.

Thanks, did you find one powder that worked better than others?

What cartridge are you using? 6.5 Grendel?

I'd keep the 123 Amax off of shoulders if your shooting them at 200+ pound deer.... they can get a little zookey at 3000fps. I did kill one big bodied blacktail buck with one at about 40 yards.... it exited and the deer turfed poste haste... but that was a solid rib cage shot. They do mean ugly stuff to coyotes and other vermin though.... I've got some action shots that are pretty impressive....

Sorry, I guess that might help, I am loading for a 260 Rem.