A-Max vs BTHP Match?

T

Taco-XL

New member
Anybody ever compared these 2 bullets? Looking at them in the 168g for my AR-308. A-max is a few buck more but not enough to matter if its better. My hornady manual lists the bthp match as having a better BC, so am I safe to assume it should be more accurate? Im having good results with the 168g Sierra matchking, but wanted to compare another bullet to see if something can give it a run for its money.
 
My hornady manual lists the bthp match as having a better BC, so am I safe to assume it should be more accurate?
Click to expand...

No , I'm not going into the whole it depends on this , that and the other thing . Buy a box of each and see which your rifle likes more .

Others may want to know what's the purpose , barrel length and twist rate of your rifle ?
 
Barrel is 20" heavy stainless match, 1-10 twist. Purpose is, obviously, most accuracy for least amount of $$:D I know every gun is diff, but i was looking for a general consensus. If they are so similar idk why hornady would bother making both:confused:
 
BC numbers alone don't make a bullet more accurate - it has to do with air resistance and ability to overcome it, drop and wind drift; more important at longer (300+) range. But it does not automatically make a more accurate bullet.

FWIW I have had good luck so far with the 75 BTHP Match in .223
 
Hornady 168 HPBT Match bullets produce one hole groups out of my '03A4. Suspect an A-Max would too. Suspect the A-Max is just marketing. Difference in BC is negligible anyway.
 
Hornady AMAX and HPBT have different lengths for same weight

Hornady AMAX and HPBT have different lengths for same weight.
The AMAX is tipped, and longer.
The HPBT not tipped, and shorter.
In 223 this means the HPBT stabilizes in a 1:9" twist barrel, while the AMAX is not stabilized (all else being equal).
1.105" = 1.035 Unstable
0.981" = 1.464 Good

Stability
The Miller stability value. It should be between 1.3 and 2.0 to ensure stability (the military uses 1.5).
http://jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmstab-5.1.cgi
 
Last edited:
BC and accuracy have very little to do with each other.

Consistency of BC between bullets has a LOT to do with accuracy at long distance. This is why some competitors "tip" their match bullets which actually reduces BC, but ensures it is more consistent between bullets.

If you want to shoot good bullets for cheap, buy the Nosler CC 168s in a 250 bullet box. Your rifle may actually shoot a different brand of match bullet tighter, but it probably won't shoot them cheaper. And sometimes shooting more is better than shooting less, and the difference between 0.75 MOA and 0.90 MOA is purely academic.

Jimro
 
While I don't have an AR in 308, I do have a bolt gun in that caliber. Mine seems to like the HPBT better than the A-Max, but YMMV depending on how deep your barrel is throated. In my experience, the A-Max likes to be close to the lands while the HPBT is more forgiving.

A +1 on the Nosler competition bullets, btw.
 
While I don't have an AR in 308, I do have a bolt gun in that caliber. Mine seems to like the HPBT better than the A-Max, but YMMV depending on how deep your barrel is throated. In my experience, the A-Max likes to be close to the lands while the HPBT is more forgiving.

A +1 on the Nosler competition bullets, btw.
Click to expand...

My experience in the M1A is exactly the same. The HPBT is a lot easier to get it to shoot well.
 
What Jimro said. Ever rifle is different, there is no such thing as rule of thumb for bolt vs. autoloader.

A bullet flying down the barrel has no idea whether it's part of a bolt gun or a semi.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top