Anybody try out the new Hornady 208 gr. AMax yet

[Cornholio]

Does your rifle have a tight necked chamber?

[abyssdncr]

My barrel is a standard Model 1 Sales .300/221. According to the calipers, a loaded round mics 0.329 and a fired cases mics around 0.334. So I don't think I have a tight necked throat. I think it's just that most of my other rifles with "factory" chambers are so loose that it seems tight by comparison.

I'm getting some of the 208 gr. loads together now. Hopefully, I should have some results to share on Monday evening.

[AlcoholicusMaximus]

I bought some as well.They can be had for about 10 bucks cheaper than 220 SMK's per 100. B.C.of .648, right up there with the 220 SMK., if shooting subsonic.

[abyssdncr]

Made it out to the range today to test these. Not really that impressed so far... My starting load was 9.0 grains of AA#9. 50 yd groups of five were around 1.0" and the faster I pushed them the worse they shot. Went up by .2 grains to 9.8. 9.6 & 9.8 grain groups opened up to 3-4". 3 shots went supersonic at 9.8.

Any suggestions on other powder to try? I have 150 of these left and some H110, H4227, & Blue Dot...?

[abyssdncr]

Made it out to the range today to test these. Not really that impressed so far... My starting load was 9.0 grains of AA#9. 50 yd groups of five were around 1.0" and the faster I pushed them the worse they shot. Went up by .2 grains to 9.8. 9.6 & 9.8 grain groups opened up to 3-4". 3 shots went supersonic at 9.8.

Any suggestions on other powder to try? I have 150 of these left and some H110, H4227, & Blue Dot...?

[dksd39]

my favorite powder for 220's is LilGun (8.5gr). I was hoping you would have great results so I could save some money. The SMK's are getting pricey.

[interceptor]

I loaded 100 of the 208's with 9.2g H110, and out of my Model 1 upper I was not impressed at all. The story of the afternoon was about a 6" group at 100 yards and maybe 5" at 200. After that I was too disgusted with the thing to take it to 300.

I currently have much better luck with my supersonic loads, 16g H110 with a 155g Sierra Palma Match, abut 1.5" at 100 yards, have not tried it yet beyond that.

[lemmethink]

That is pretty interesting that your groups got tighter at 200 yards. Makes me wonder what would happen at 300 yards with that load. Sometimes loads that perform really well in my .308 win at 500 yards or farther aren't really all that impressive at 100 yards (I have noticed the same thing only reversed with loads that print tight at 100 yards and open up at long range).

Hmmm, just find that really interesting....I might need to play with some at longer ranges.