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Which one, 168gr SMK or A-maxes

summitsitter

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 29, 2008
320
1
42
Crowville, Louisiana
I am fixing to order 200 bullets for my .308. I can't decide between the 168 gr. SMK or or the 168gr. A-maxs. Should I order 100 of both or what. What is yall experience with either. Can you use the A-Maxs on deer. I will be using Varget powder
 
Re: Which one, 168gr SMK or A-maxes

If you want 168 to hunt and target shoot with its hard to beat the berger 168 vld match hunting bullet on price and quality still working on loads but seem to be a good one.
 
Re: Which one, 168gr SMK or A-maxes

Go with the AMAX. It can be used on deer as a friend of mine uses them and he says they work great. They are also very accurate and have a higher BC than the Sierras. Varget is an excellent choice in powders too.
 
Re: Which one, 168gr SMK or A-maxes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want 168 to hunt and target shoot with its hard to beat the berger 168 vld match hunting bullet on price and quality still working on loads but seem to be a good one. </div></div>

Only problem I see with the Bergers is that I can't seat in land on my Factory 700 vls. From what I've read the Bergers don't shine unless seated in the lands. Is this true with the A-Max too.
 
Re: Which one, 168gr SMK or A-maxes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: summitsitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Is this true with the A-Max too.</div></div>

No.
 
Re: Which one, 168gr SMK or A-maxes

My latest project rifle definitely prefers the SMK over the AMax for some reason. When both are seated .010" off the lands with everything else being equal, the Amax is 80fps slower. To get the speed back up I have to increase the powder by.5grs and it still does'nt shoot as well. Have never had that problem before with my other 308's using the 2 just saying. You might try them both and see which one shoots better in your rifle.

For hunting I'll take the Amax over the SMK.
 
Re: Which one, 168gr SMK or A-maxes

Bergers don't always need to be jammed into the lands. Sometimes they shoot great out(way out).There is an article on Bergers site talking about jumping vlds and how to determine where to seat them. The 168Mk is known to go subsonic around 1000 and do some crazy stuff.Ive been told they were designed for 600 yard competition. My best long range groups have been with the 178 A-max, and varget.
 
Re: Which one, 168gr SMK or A-maxes

To each there own...I was really hoping that my new rifle would like the 178 AMAX round....but it is a SMK type of girl it seems. The AMAX's are holding right below 1 MOA right now as I am going through my load development...the SMK's...below 1/2 MOA right now. But I have yet to give up hope on the 178's. Good luck on your decision.

B.
 
Re: Which one, 168gr SMK or A-maxes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: greentimber</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I switched to the AMAX and am very pleased with them, on the range and on deer. </div></div>

Are the A-Max's breaking up in pieces upon impact? or is the bullet head mushrooming and staying together?