For long range shooting? 1000 yards i been thinking about using 175 grain SMK. Going to use these in my R25. Just got it. .308 with 1/10 twist.

Still need optics.

Started on the 175 SMK then switched to the 178 A-Max atop 44.0 - 45.0 gr. of Varget.

The A-max is far more consistent bullet to bullet and has a slightly better BC.

2700 fps, 3.0 Mils to 500 yards, 9.5 to 10.5 Mils to 1000 yards depending on temp and DA.

If your rifle likes them the 178 A-Max is the way to go. If you are willing to shoot it single shot then Berger 190s should be considered for 1000yds.

175 SMK
185 Berger Juggernaut if the barrel will stabilize them.
190 SMK's are another option.
Amaxes have never given me the consistency of the 175 SMK at 1,000.
Same for the 208's vs. Bergers.
With the auto loader, function and the mag length vs. throat may be the limiting factor on bullet selection and accuracy, plus they are just harder to shoot well.
A tangent ogive such as the SMK or Berger hybrids may be easier to dial in than a secant ogive like the Amax or Berger VLD, but try them all.

Here is 1,000 yards with 175 SMK's out of a bolt rifle. One sighter on the berm and the next 9.

I ran 155 palmas but I doubt you'll be able to get them up to the 2900 fps mark. The 185 juggernaut is like finding a unicorn right now so I'd pick some 175gr mk or Nosler Custom comps for a try.

+1 on what jeff said. The A-max is a good bullet, but they are more difficult to get dialed in in a semi auto, but awesome for a bolt gun. I would run a tangent ogive bullet, like the SMK or Nosler comp. If it is strictly for long range, the 190 SMK would be a great option. It will need more elevation, but the wind drift will be less, which is the most important part.

Berger makes a 175 grain LR BT that might be an option. It has a higher BC than the SMK, and is tangent ogive.

Do you reload?

Chad, what's your experience hunting with the Amax,(if you do that is)? I've been out hunting with them and after three hits on hogs without them dropping, I've changed to a different round. I'm using a 9.5" 300 Blackout, suppressed. Since using another round, everything is dropping as they should.
I'm using the Amax now just to keep the barrel warm.

I've used the Amax (7mm) on plenty of game with good results but it's not moving at slow speeds. It also acts similar to BT so I stay off heavy bone.

Thanks for the tips. Left out I am going to blast a few hogs with it. I am sure any of the above rounds will work on a hog as well. Ill try a few out and see what happens. I shoot at range in liberty hill. 0-1000 so i had to get larger cal rifle need to get full use out of a nice range.

I love the A-max as a hunting round. I think it's the best dual purpose bullet out there (next to the Berger bullets). Dual purpose, meaning for hunting and for match shooting. The reviews on the A-max are hit and miss on terminal performance. Some say they don't expand, some say they over expand without getting any exit wound. I think it all depends on shot placement, bullet weight and caliber, and bullet speed. I hunted some with my 308 Win using my 155 A-max bulk ammo. It's running about 2850 fps, IIRC, in a 26" bolt gun barrel. I never took any deer with it, but I did take some pigs. The performance on the pigs was fine, all DRT. I go for a high shoulder or ear hole shots. I never go for a shoulder on the first round. After the first round and I'm in a mess of them, I'll go for the shoulder shot, since it's a larger kill area. I took a few yotes and pigs with the 155 A-max. I personally like a little heavier round for the 308, like a 165 SGK or 178 A-max. I switched to my 165 Sierra Game king bulk load for hunting, and I really like that round. My GAP-10 eats everything I feed it very well. Most 1/2 to 3/4 moa accuracy. I'm zero'd now for the 165 SGK round. (But I often change bullets up depending on my mind set or how much of a certain ammo I have in stock!)

If you are going for the 1K distance, then I'd go heavier than lighter. The heavier bullet will give you a higher BC, which is what you want. I'd go 178 A-max or 190 SMK. If you want to play with the Bergers, then the 175 LR BT would be good. It's a tangent ogive bullet, and I have about 500 of them. They shoot very well. I always like heavier bullets than lighter bullets for a given caliber, especially for a 308 Win going out long. (Some prefer the 155 in a 308 Win moving it really fast. This works well in a bolt gun, but in a gas gun, you won't get the higher speeds to off set the benefit of the heavier bullets with a higher BC. The 155's work well if you can get them 2900 fps plus.)

Are you using the 208 A-max subs? If so, this is the problem. the 208 A-max is running about 1050 fps in a 16" barrel. Out of a 9.5" barrel, you are probably running 950 fps. You are running at the same speed as a 230 grain 45 ACP in a rifle platform, without an expanding bullet. I tell my customers all the time, I'm not a fan of the subs as a hunting bullet. You must get a CNS shot placement for it to be effective. Yes, the subs are quiet, but they lack the energy and expansion of the supersonic ammo. This is why I only run supers in my blk out (125 grain is best, IMO).

I think of the blk out like golf- You drive for show, and putt for dough. Drive for show is the subs, but the supers are the dough.

Yes, 208gr Amax distances of 50 yards or less with a just behind, and just below the ear shot. With 110 and 125 supersonics, and now using Lehigh Defense 174gr controlled fracture, I have no problem dropping pigs. I know the pigs were hit with the 208's because I followed blood trails or saw them flinch and then heard the squeal before they took off.

When I had my DPMS( same rifle as yours) I fed it 175 SMKs, as Chad said the 178 Amax wouldn't shoot as well due to there design, load them at mag length, 2.8coal.

My savage loves the Rem Core lokt 150 gr

Waiting on case dillon case gauge to show. All I lack, Got some 175 SMK and I had some IMR 4064 in the safe. N550 looks like best choice according to my Lyman 49th edition. But powder is still a pain to find. I hate hazmat fee's!!!

I run the 178 AMAX in my bolt 308 for both long range and hunting.
It does the job quite well..

Just tested 45 gr Varget 175 SMK in my Rem 700 Tuesday, got out to 400 yards before the storms rolled in. My 400 group was 3.5" which is really good for me. 300 was 2.5", 200 was under 1", and 100 was one large hole. So, that is what worked for me, in that rifle, on that day. Not that means anything about how it will do for you of course...but there you have all that I know. That is my favorite 308 load...today.

My gap 10 eats 175 smk and 43.3 varget very well.

I like the 175 SMK. 40 gn IMR 4064... First 130 rounds down pipe. First time shooting. Was about 18 high and 18 right.