Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 123 grain A-max in a .264wm

like them?

Haven't tried them but if you are going to let us know how they perform.

Don't use them on PA deer, guys on here say they don't work.

i heard the same, but many reviews that i have read state that they are excellent on deer. that is why i asked it here.

I have used the 120 Amax on antelope in Wy. At 3300-3400fps, I would not recommend them on deer or antelope. They expand violently. I would use them from a 260,260AI, and other smaller 6.5s. They are extremely accurate from my rifles. I cant see there being a lot of difference between the 120Amax and the 123.

Bill

Thanks Bill, thats my issue, they shoot very well from my rifle, so i was curious about them on deer.

The 123gr A-max will kill dear deader than dead. I used the 30cal 178gr A-max out of my 300 Wby ever since they came out. Killed many deer and wild hogs with them, they were all DRT. Used the 243 105gr A-Max out of my 243 to kill a lot of deer, but since switched to the 105gr HPBT due to high BC's. Deer aren't hard to kill so they will do the job. Had a old friend that thinned the deer herd at the Allenwood Federal Prison using a 22 Hornet. Now granted the deer were standing in the fields eating and he was shooting out of a truck window but he said he never had one walk away

Has anyone tried the 123 gr. Scenar. I know they're a bit more expensive, but have a good reputation for accuracy and terminal performance on critters.

DF

I have not, but i may snag some when i see them

When I get the 6.5RUMLN back from the 'smith again, I will give the 123 Scenars a try.....on jackrabbits! I'm planning to take my son-in-law to Eastern Oregon and show him the fun of using big eyes. Since he can get by with less magnification than me, he will use 10X50 and I will use 15X58 binoculars.

The Sierra 85gr HP does wonders on ground hogs at 3830fps from the 264WM with 73gr of H4831.

For general hunting, I'm about in the mono-metal camp for the 26 Nos.

I just got my hands on the elusive 129 ABLR, so will finally get a chance to check'em out.

I'm also working with the 120 TAC-TX, which I've learned is the same as the 120 TTSX, new name due to addtional military testing.

I've got some 127 LRX's to try. Double Tap ammo has their ammo at 3,600 fps with this bullet. Not sure how they're doing that within SAAMI pressure limits.

Am working with WC-872 powder. It's reportedly slightly slower then 869, although I can't tell much difference. I have an 8# jug, so may as well check it out.

When the weather cooperates, I'll report.

DF

The new Barnes 120 gr. TAC-X worked great today in my 26 Nos. I shot 400 yd. groups, a hair over 2".

I finally got some Nosler 129 ABLR's, but the 120 TAC-X out shot them. The 127 LRX was runner up at around 3".

You .264 guys may want to try the TAC-X.

DF

Thanks DF, a buddy of mine also suggested them, but he is all about Barnes, so i didnt think to much of it. Paul

I wasn't much of a Barnes fan until recently. Barnes are the most accurate bullets in my 26, especially when pushed hard. I did shoot some super groups with 140 NAB's, but at 3,150 fps. Why waste 93 gr. H2O case capacity at 3,150 fps.

When cranked up pretty fast, mono-metals do great.

DF

I see your point, good info, thanks!

Nathan Foster in New Zealand has done, and is doing, research on terminal performance of various hunting bullets on different game animals. Here's a link.

http://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.264+Winchester+Magnum.html

His comments on the A-Max are interesting. He says it acts a lot like the Berger VLD, maybe breaking into larger fragments.

With the 26 Nos. I was working up loads for the Berger Hunting 140 gr., as I like that bullet in my 6.5-284. In that gun, I'm pushing it around 3K and it does great. With the 26 Nos. I was going to be pushing it at 3,300+ fps. I saw Berger's 26 Nos load data and they had their 140 gr. Hunting VLD maxed at 3,150 fps. I was amazed and called Berger. I learned that they don't like their 6.5mm 140 gr. Hunting VLD traveling over 3,200 fps. and told me to try their heavier jacketed Target VLD. I pulled all VLD's and started over.

The 139 Scenar was used by another 26 shooter with good results. The Scenar seems a bit tougher than the Berger. This guy and I both decided to go Mono-metal at about the same time.

As is taught in Toxicology 101, "The poison is in the dose". In terminal balistics, the "poison" is in the speed. So, a bullet that works great at 3K may not the be best choice for 3,200 or 3,300 fps.

The A-Max is well thought of by many, very accurate, reaonably priced. Just watch your speed and pick the right bullet for the appropriate application/velocity.

IMO,

DF

Excellent stuff DF, i really appreciate the input.

Hope it helps.

Bullets have their strong points/weak points. Many things in life are a compromise, one way or the other.

The bullet is but one part of the shooting system/application and choosing optimal combos makes being a Loony interesting.

DF

Never used them but then again I only use my 264 for hunting big game. So far 120 E-tip at 3400+ is doing well