Loads: Hornady BTHP Match vs A-Max

[Knife Edge]

No speculation, has anyone switched between the two without changing loads? A Hornady representative seems to think there is no issue, identical except the tip and the Match having a higher BC. Currently about .8g under max so not much wiggle room.

[the86d]

What caliber?

I worked up a load for M855 (62 grain), and use the same charge for lesser WT bullets including 40gr V-Max, 55gr FMJ, BTHP, and such, but I have not done extensive accuracy testing, and I am at 26.2 gr Varget, not max. The AR is my blaster...

[Agustav]

I've use load data for Hornady .224 75gr BTHP and A-Max interchangeably before.

I've since switch to BTHP exclusively since A-Max is too long to fit in the AR mag.

Accuracy for A-max is slightly better tho...

[Knife Edge]

I've use load data for Hornady .224 75gr BTHP and A-Max interchangeably before.

I've since switch to BTHP exclusively since A-Max is too long to fit in the AR mag.

Accuracy for A-max is slightly better tho...

A-Max is longer? Would the distance from head to ogive be the same between the two? If the A-Max is longer, which I suspect and why I ask, then the same OAL would likely jack the pressure up....

.308

[Agustav]

A-Max need to to seated a little longer (longer OAL or distance from head to ogive) to keep the pressure in check per Hornady reloading manual.

What are you trying to load for?

[Knife Edge]

.308 for pig hunting. Currently running 40.2 XBR behind the match bullet, was hoping to make an easy batch for a buddy out of state, no dice.

[Agustav]

Haven't tried Hornady BTHP in 308, but I do use same loading data between Hornady A-max and Sierra Mk of the same weight (168 & 175) in 308.

I think you are good to go with the same data and seating depth.

[bubbapug1]

I have never been able to get an amax bullet in any load to shoot as good of a group as a SMK match type bullet, be it a nosler, Hornandy, or a Sierra. I just don't think the Amax's are as well balanced and symetrical about the axis as a regular hpbt.

How many match world records have been set with Amax's?

[Pete1979]

I have never been able to get an amax bullet in any load to shoot as good of a group as a SMK match type bullet, be it a nosler, Hornandy, or a Sierra. I just don't think the Amax's are as well balanced and symetrical about the axis as a regular hpbt.

How many match world records have been set with Amax's?

I thought the same thing until I happened upon the answer one night by accident, I had left the seater die out of adjustment (way shallow). I noticed the mishap at the range but the rounds chambered so I put 5 on paper and ended up with a group just over 1/2 MOA. I went through 50 rounds of the stuff and all holes were overlapping. The pointy nose shape puts the ogive pretty far from the rifling, They just don't like to "jump" in my rifle.
Same thing goes for Hornady BTHP Match, they will shoot just as well if you find the seating depth that your rifle likes. I have never had to adjust charge weights between bullet brands with .308 but I rarely load anything on the hot side.