Hornady A-Max 168 gr. 30-06 loads

[p5200]

I have some of these I plan to work up a load for in my Browning 30-06 X Bolt Hunter. Has anyone used these bullets in this particular rifle if so, how did they group at 100yds. and which powders did you use? I have some H4350 and H4831sc I was planing on trying the H4350 first but, would appreciate any and all advice. I know this is not a target gun but, I like to shoot for groups once in a while when it's not deer season. Thanks!

 

[crracer_712]

Sorry, can't really help with your question, but it makes me want to ask a question of my own.

Are the H and IMR interchangable? I have IMR 4350 and IMR 4831.

BTW, I like the IMT 4350 in my Remington 700, behind 150 gr soft points, 56 grains. Seems to be very accurate with this setup.

 

[LoonWulf]

Ive had very good luck with 165s and 180s with H4350, I haven't used H4831. My top loads with H4350 (59grns) are generally slightly over MOA, but if backed down to 58.5 groups shrink to .75 or better. I generally use 59 as its easier to set up whole numbers on my scale then .5s etc. Velocity is pretty good also, not all that far behind a max load of superformance, which also groups pretty well. All this out of a 2 groove 03 barrel LOL.

As for interchangeability, I dont believe a direct substitution is acceptable, backing down and working up should be all right. There is also a 1-3grn max difference between the brands of powder, atleast in the 06, so you WOULD have to be very carfull.

I also dont think thats really necessary most of the time as data is usually available for both types of powder on hodgdons website.

 

[PCCUSNRET]

I don't have a Browning in 30-06, but do have a Remington 700 and Springfield that I use these bullets in. Both H4350 and H4831sc should work just fine in your rifle. I also use Varget with good results. My favorite load for my Rem 700 using this bullet is 58.2 grs of H4350 (max is 59 grs). Your rifle may not do well with this load so it is best working up a load starting around 55.0 grs and working your way up to see if there might be something better before you get to max. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

 

[Mike 27]

I shoot Hornady 168gr BTHP match out of my rem 700 over 48gr's of IMR 4064. I group at around a half inch at 100 yard's off of my lead sled easily. My favorite load for 30-06 hands down.

 

[WVRJ]

I've loaded the A-Max for my 308 and they do great.For whatever reason,I get less bullet runout with the Hornadys than any other bullet.They're accurate and affordable.I don't load for the 06 so I can't help you there.

 

[p5200]

I have the Hornady Ln Load tool used with the modified cases along with a bullet to find the lands for bullet depth to Ojive. I think I may have to recheck again though because when I pushed the A-Max bullet in I felt a light resistance then, pushed a little harder and it quickly went a little deeper and the bullet stuck in barrel after removing tool. I have a 3/16" dowel I use to run down the barrel to tap the bullet loose although it wasn't very tight at all. Should I stop at the first sign of resistance or push slightly harder till it bottoms out more firmly while taking this measurement? All opinions welcomed!

 

[PCCUSNRET]

You can aways load a dummy round based on the initial readings to see if it hits the lands. If it does just set the bullet a little deeper and try again. I keep a fired casing for each of the guns I reload for checking C.O.A.L.'s for the different bullets.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

IMR 4350 burns a little hotter (faster) than H 4350...they are pretty close, but NOT interchangeable.

 

[crracer_712]

OK, thanks for the info!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMR 4350 burns a little hotter (faster) than H 4350...they are pretty close, but NOT interchangeable.

100% Correct!

I also don't have your rifle but I do load a 168gr bullet with H4350 which is my favorite 30-06 powder. The charge weight I use is 58.0gr but I have also gotten good results with 57.0gr in some rifles. I use the same charge weights with all 165/168gr bullets.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

My loads...which mostly use 165/168 grain bullets...58 grains if H4350 is hard to beat.

I also use H4350 with Berger 175 VLD's, but a slightly slower powder might be better with 175/180 grain bullets...I just haven't gotten around to trying it yet.

 

[cougar1717]

My 168gr A-max load for 30-06 is 56.5gr IMR 4350 - not a top velocity load, but accurate.

 

[mtnkid85]

Are any of you guys using these 168 Amaxs on game, if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Are any of you guys using these 168 Amaxs on game, if you dont mind me asking?

I use Nosler Ballistic Tips but I'm sure the A-Maxx's are fine too.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using Tapatalk!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Are any of you guys using these 168 Amaxs on game, if you dont mind me asking?

I have only used Sierra GameKing, Nosler AccuBond and Nosler Partitions on game but like said above, I'm sure A-Max bullets will work just fine.

Unlike years ago when bullets separated and failed on game most, if not all big name commercial bullets will do a good job on a hunt. There are bad bullets out there but now you have to look for them instead of them being the normal...

 

[LoonWulf]

Im using 162grn Amax in my 7mm, so far they work quite well. Ive also used 168grn SMKs in my 06 with good effect.