Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Long Range Hunting 208gr AMAX vs 200gr Accubond... from 30-06 ???

I have ran 208 amax out of a 24" barrel using Ramshot Hunter. I was getting 2700 FPS Avg, and was on the hot side. Shot really well, but brass would not last long (maybe 4 loads or so).

With what I would consider to be full power loads, but not over-max,(loads that will allow the brass to be good for at least a half-dozen or more firings without blowing out the primer pockets).

Here are comparative residual velocities from a 308 at 1000 yds.

215 Berger Hybrid - 1500 fps
208 Amax- 1400 fps
185 Berger Hybrid - 1350 fps
200 AB - 1300 fps
180 AB - 1200 fps
155 Scenar - 1250 fps

The 308 doesn't start these bullets very fast, but collectively are a good example of letting BC work for you, and more than respectable performance from the little 308, while loading over-max to gain 50fps at the muzzle is an example of missing the point.

Each bullet has it's fan base, and while there are more, all of these bullets are load friendly. If a bullet is too finicky, it's not much use at LR. Berger has other bullet choices, but the Hybrids are easier to get to shoot well.

Though somewhat different, all of those bullets will provide at least acceptable if not excellent overall and LR terminal performance... I think they are all good choices and I'd feel comfortable using any of them.

The 215 Berger comes closest to being a "magic bullet" in 30 cal, but I'd say if you want more velocity down range start out with a larger case.

Here's what I found looking at Ballistics Charts for the bullets your talking about. The Hornady A-Max is a clear winner for maintaining energy at 1000 yds. One thing I think is interesting though, is everyones thinking has come a full revolution from what it was a single decade ago. At that time, everyone looked to the lighter bullets and speed, not the heavier bullets for their long range flight ability. The thing is, there's often a happy medium depending on how far you plan on shooting. Here's a small table I put together to illustrate.

Accubond 165 Grain with a M.V. 3000 maintains 1000 pounds of energy to 775 yards with a retained velocity of 1333 @ 1000yds.

Drop in inches at 600=75.5 700=114.5 800=165.1 900=229.5 1000=310.4

Accubond 180 Grain with a M.V. 2800 maintains 1000 pounds of energy to 750 yards with a retained velocity of 1295 @ 1000yds.

Drop in inches at 600=86.4 700=130.3 800=187 900=258.6 1000=347.9

Accubond 200 Grain with a M.V. 2700 maintains 1000 pounds of energy to 800 yards with a retained velocity of 1385 @ 1000yds.

Drop in inches at 600=88.8 700=132.6 800=188.3 900=257.6 1000=342.6

A-Max 208 Grain with a M.V. of 2700 maintains 1000 pounds of energy to 1000 yards with a retained velocity of 1479 @ 1000yds.

Drop in inches at 600=85.9 700=127.1 800=179.3 900=243.7 1000=322

I guess what I'm trying to say is that out to 1,000 you don't always have to jump straight to the big bullet, although I was surprised at how well the Amax did all the way through. It's got slightly more drop than the 165 Accubond, but it really only begins to catch it at 850 yards or so. Before that, the 165 really performs. I didn't add any wind data, but this is where the big bullets do shine. The 165 out performs the 180, but the 200 grainers definitely outshine the smaller bullets in the wind, and they carry slightly more energy. I always like to think of having at least 1,000 pounds of energy left at impact for elk, and so the 208 Amax has an extra couple hundred yards on the other bullets, mostly from its supper B/C.

Hope this helps! Good luck with your search!

Also, I'd be more concerned about wind drift than drop and retained energy.