6.5-284 reloading Dilemma Regarding H4350 Max Loads

I posted this thread to engage in civil discourse in an attempt to procure some basic numbers to be utilized in creating some ladder tests. Please don't turn this into a flaming match. I've spent a good deal of time analyzing Hammer load data comparing numbers to both Lyman's reloading data as well as Nosler load data. In short, I won't rely on Hammer's load data; at best some of it is dangerous and misguided. I'm currently using Hammer bullets in four different rifles. I can attest to both their accuracy and killing potential. I just procured a new chronograph. I'll do my best to post some numbers in the upcoming months for a half dozen of their bullets. I've included a few pics of one shot kills using hammer bullets.

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The first thing to know about hammer load data is that none of it is tested with any pressure measurements. It's just a compilation from the forum. I have found a very significant portion of it to be total bull-s***. Many of the loads listed are wildly over pressure.

The claims surrounding the Absolute Hammer line are also largely bull-s***. It is true that you get more velocity but it's more in the neighborhood of 50-75 fps from my experience. Not really worth the loss in bc…..

It is however useful as a starting point.

Lyman's data will be much more accurate. Barnes is a little aggressive but probably the best regarding mono bullets (no surprise). It's also free online.
Steve will tell you to start with loads from the Barnes book and work from there
 
How many Hammer and types of bullets have you run over the Chrony Sir . I have run many Hammers and no offense intended to you Sir ,but I am afraid that you Sir are full of BULL S**t , Sir. JMHO
Have a nice day!
Let's see:

In my 280 AI:

119 Absolute Hammer
140 AH

In my 280 Sherman:

169 Hammer
172 AH
177 HH

In my 308:

151 AH
124 HH

In my 300 WSM:

162 AH

In my 6.5 SS:

123 AH

In my 6.5 Creed:

123 AH

In my 6.5x280AI:

123 AH
129 AH

In my 257 Weatherby:

90 AH

I plan on trying the 199 Hammer Hunter in my 300 PRC but I haven't gotten to it yet.

This is an estimate but I have fired nearly 1,000 Hammer bullets in multiple different calibers at this point. Most of it testing and load work up. Five animals taken.

I obviously like Hamner bullets and use them routinely. The load data, from the hammer time forum, is plenty full of absolute bull. Guys are routinely listing loads that are way, way over pressure. You just cannot trust it.

Regarding the absolute hammer stuff. That performance is wildly exaggerated.

Examples:
3,400 fps from a 140 AH in a 22inch 280 AI…..I literally had two different barrels chambered with varying free bores trying to get there. I used H100v, mag primers, Petersen brass, Nosler brass, different seating depth, other powders……etc, etc, etc.

Can you hit that speed? Yep, you sure can. Is it a safe, reliable load? Absolutely not.

What is realistic is more in line of 3,200-3,250. Factory Nosler 140 ballistic tips ran 3,200 in that barrel. Factory ammo.

I could hit it with a 280 Sherman in a 24inch barrel.

300 WSM with a 162 AH at "nearly 3,400 fps"……not realistic. I got to 3,312 using Staball 6.5. That would give me sticky bolt lift every third or fourth round or so. I backed it down two grains and landed at 3,200.

The guys can get a little carried away in the reloading forum. Again, they realistically run 50-75 fps faster.
 
Where did you find the RL23. Its like pixie dust here in Montana.......
Ordered online. Didn't even have a gun to shoot it in at the time, but knew it would get used and will work well in quite a few calibers so I got 8lbs. I have gathered most all of my powders online in the last few years. I'm in a small town and never find anything locally.
 
Let's see:

In my 280 AI:

119 Absolute Hammer
140 AH

In my 280 Sherman:

169 Hammer
172 AH
177 HH

In my 308:

151 AH
124 HH

In my 300 WSM:

162 AH

In my 6.5 SS:

123 AH

In my 6.5 Creed:

123 AH

In my 6.5x280AI:

123 AH
129 AH

In my 257 Weatherby:

90 AH

I plan on trying the 199 Hammer Hunter in my 300 PRC but I haven't gotten to it yet.

This is an estimate but I have fired nearly 1,000 Hammer bullets in multiple different calibers at this point. Most of it testing and load work up. Five animals taken.

I obviously like Hamner bullets and use them routinely. The load data, from the hammer time forum, is plenty full of absolute bull. Guys are routinely listing loads that are way, way over pressure. You just cannot trust it.

Regarding the absolute hammer stuff. That performance is wildly exaggerated.

Examples:
3,400 fps from a 140 AH in a 22inch 280 AI…..I literally had two different barrels chambered with varying free bores trying to get there. I used H100v, mag primers, Petersen brass, Nosler brass, different seating depth, other powders……etc, etc, etc.

Can you hit that speed? Yep, you sure can. Is it a safe, reliable load? Absolutely not.

What is realistic is more in line of 3,200-3,250. Factory Nosler 140 ballistic tips ran 3,200 in that barrel. Factory ammo.

I could hit it with a 280 Sherman in a 24inch barrel.

300 WSM with a 162 AH at "nearly 3,400 fps"……not realistic. I got to 3,312 using Staball 6.5. That would give me sticky bolt lift every third or fourth round or so. I backed it down two grains and landed at 3,200.

The guys can get a little carried away in the reloading forum. Again, they realistically run 50-75 fps faster.
Saw a post last night where the person claimed he was loading 6-7 grains above Hogdon's recommended maximum load, and claimed he was getting 400fps above Hogdon's data. Someone's going to get hurt or worse attempting to replicate this fairy tale data.
 
Attempting to establish some basic numbers for a ladder test for my 6.5-284 Norma using H4350 and Hammer 125HHT's. Using load data from the lyman book puts the max at approximately 47.6, using 125 gr. bullet. I reviewed data posted here with people using 140 grain bullets and 47-48 grains of H4350 powder. Hammer load data states a max load of 40.6 using a 131 grain bullet and another post lists a max load of 53.4 using the 125gr HHT. The 40.6 load using a 131 grain bullet seems far to low to be a Max. load, while the 53.4 load using a 125 grain bullet sounds to be beyond max. What's your position?
I've noticed the same issue when using H4350 for 30.06. I tread carefully as I get into the ambiguous realm. Fortunately my favorite load for my rifle is below that region.
 
Saw a post last night where the person claimed he was loading 6-7 grains above Hogdon's recommended maximum load, and claimed he was getting 400fps above Hogdon's data. Someone's going to get hurt or worse attempting to replicate this fairy tale data.
I completely agree.

Especially because pressure seems to come on pretty abruptly with a monolithic bullet. Its a little easier to read with a lead core bullet.
 
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