The Hornady A-MAX bullet has reportedly been discontinued and evidently replaced by the ELD line that features bullets with plastic tips that are heat resistant and whose ballistic coefficients don’t change in flight due to melting.

I couldn’t find a statement by Hornady that A-MAX bullets shouldn’t be used for hunting; on the contrary there are many Internet reports of their use. The link below is not for the squeamish (i.e., NSFW—?) but shows some examples. That article does point out, though, that A-MAX bullets are somewhat frangible and that indicates to me that they and anything of similar construction should be limited to smaller species of “large” game and shots should be limited to those that would not require deep penetration to reach the animal’s vitals. And unsurprisingly, the heavier versions of the A-MAX line usually penetrated deeper.

https://www.ballisticstudies.c...-+Hornady+A-Max.html

Of some possible significance is that A-MAX and now ELD Match bullets are used in Hornady’s Tactical Application Police (TAP) line of cartridges. In my experience cartridges in the TAP line are virtually as precise as Hornady’s Match lineup. Two A-MAX bullets, 155 and 168 grain, were used in the 308 Winchester chambering, and during the one gelatin test I observed some years ago the 155 grain A-MAX bullet penetrated less than the 168. At least one prominent law enforcement sniping authority strongly endorsed the 155 gn. TAP load, and it was what I specified for my agency’s SWAT snipers. Human beings are of course considered to be “thin skinned” and a bullet that penetrates less can be important for LE applications. At one time Hornady even offered a 110 grain TAP “Urban” load that featured what appears to be an A-MAX bullet and which was touted for its limited penetration. According to Hornady’s data, from an 18" barrel the 110 grain bullet penetrated less than 10 inches in ballistic test gelatin, the 155 gn. bullet 14", and the 168 gn. 17".

So, can the A-MAX and now the ELD-Match bullets be used for hunting? Obviously yes, but that doesn’t mean they’re ideal and that there are not better choices, especially for certain situations.

I have a Weatherby MkV lightweight in 308 Win and it does 5 shots @3/4 MOA (100 yards) with Winchester 150gr SP that can be purchased at Walmart. I've done a little better with handloads but that is more than enough for hunting purposes. There is also something to be said for decent groups for ammo you can pick up anywhere while out hunting (well before the current nonsense).

Hey guys thanks for all the info. I think I’ll buy a couple of different kinds and let him decide what he likes.

I will add another ammo selection- Speer Gold Dot in either 150gr or 169gr. I prefer the 150gr.

I shoot quite a bit of 308 and actually prefer the 150g or lighter bullets in that cartridge. Something like the barnes ttsx 150g or something with an accubond or partition like federal red box.

You won't know what shoots best in your gun till you try out a few different loads. My Tikka shoot the 150 grain Federal Premium ballistic tips under an 1" at 100 yards. It's been my whitetail load for a number of years now.

I have had good luck with Norma Whitetail and Oryx.
Both are reasonably priced.
The lighter Whitetail round is a great price for the performance.
https://normashooting.com/prod...liber/rifle/308-win/

Another option to consider: Speer Gold Dot 150gr. If the internet is correct, same or very similar bullet to the Fed Fusion. Shoots very good out of my 308s.

I like 165 grain for most hunting, with the 308.