300 Win Mag Encore test - A-Max and Barnes TTSX

Last weekend, I crafted several different loads to test out of my 300 Winchester Magnum Encore. The goal was to determine the maximum loads my Encore can handle using 155 grain Hornady A-Max and 150 grain Barnes TTSX bullets using my favored IMR 4064 powder. I didn't work up to a maximum load with the A-Max last year due to time constraints; the load I settled on used 62 grains at a velocity of about 2770 fps. I hope to try out the Barnes this year to see how well it performs and whether it damages less meat compared to the A-Max. Additionally, since an A-Max bullet is less than half the cost of a TTSX, I wanted to see the difference in point of impact between the two bullets.

Using Winchester brass, Winchester WLRM primers, IMR 4064, and the following bullets:
Barnes 150 grain TTSX:
62 gr. - ave 2705, s.d. 43
63 gr. - ave 2765, s.d. 33
64 gr. - ave 2800, s.d. 27
65 gr. - ave 2876, s.d. 38
65.5 gr. - ave 2870, s.d. 22 This is the Hodgdon website maximum.

Hornady 155 grain A-Max:
63 gr. - ave 2751, s.d. 50
64 gr. - ave 2820, s.d. 44
65 gr. - ave 2814, s.d. 37 This is the Lee 2nd edition maximum.

With both bullets, the accuracy and the consistency of the velocity improved as the powder charge increased. Additionally, I noticed that the A-Max maximum loads impacted about 2.5 inches above the TTSX maximum loads. I didn't expect that much of a difference, but at least I know where the bullets of one load will land if the scope is sighted in for the other load.

Now I just need to load a few more Barnes handloads, and my 300 will be ready for season.

The 150gr TTSX should work great. Out of my 300 WSM they ran 3300fps and worked great on deer. The 130gr TTSX's couldn't handle the speed they blew the peddles off and there was just a 30cal shank hole straight thru the 2 deer I shot with them. The 130gr TTSX work great out of a 308 at 2950-3000fps so they might be good out of a pistol. I have always looked at the Amax as more of a target bullet and not a hunting bullet myself.

I think the A-Max is a fine deer bullet under the right conditions. My buck from last year is testament to that. If I want to conserve as much meat as I can, though, I definitely won't use it.

If only I could find a coyote to test it on . . .

In the 9th edition Hornady reload manual the 155gr Amax is rated a target match bullet not recommended for hunting. The Amax is made to destruct on impact not to penetrait. With the right shot placement it may work fine it just wouldn't be my first choice.

I tested Amax bullets in 6.5/.284 XP. Shot around 20 deer. Bottom line, on broadside shots in the lungs they do great.
On angled shots that I purposely took-front to back, back to front- they suck. Lost 3 or 4 totally. The recovered ones ran 100-200 yards. They are too fragile and massively expand on bones and thick muscles. The recovered ones on angled shots had 4-6" of jellied muscles with penetration on 1/3 the way through the deer.
Of your two bullets, X is the way to go. Might want to give Accubonds a try. I've settled on that as my go to bullet in all handgun calibers for deer to moose.
AMaxes will work great on coyotes(Lone Wolf) and groundhogs.

Interesting.

I've had the exact opposite result with A-Max Bullets.

They seem to work perfectly regardless the angle. I use them almost exclusively for deer sized game in every caliber they offer that I have cartridges for.

Even at extreme velocities like 7mm RUM and a 6.5-06 A-Square both over 3,000 fps.

You're using the 155gr bullet. If you up your weight, you'll have less dramatic effect on the meat damage.

A-Max Bullets that I have used to good effect.

105gr = .243 Winchester
140gr = .260 Rem / 6.5-284 / 6.5-06
162gr = 7mm-08 / .280 / 7mm RM / 7mm RUM
168gr = .308 Win
178gr = .308 Win / .30-06
208gr = .300 RUM

By all means, use whatever gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. I sure do.

True. I thought about trying either the 180 or 208 grain A-Max, but I really want to try out a Barnes bullet this year.

I have had good experiences with the A-Max as well.

I have had great expereince with Accubond and the X bullets.

Never used the "X" bullets, but I know the AB's are a good bullet and very reliable