6.5 x 284 and Hammers

[shphtr]

I have a 6.5 x 284 Cooper Backcountry and have ordered some Hammer 124 gr and 137 gr. bullets and am looking for anyone's experience with these, particularly starting loads. Anticipated use will be for sheep hunting.IMR 4831, Retumbo, H1000, RL 23 and RL 26? Any suggestions or guidance appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[dougduey]

Use Retumbo for the 137 gr and H4831 for the 124 gr bullets.
You'll end up around 57-58 gr or higher with the 137's
I can't remember what my final load was with the 124 gr, but I'll get back to you on that. You'll love these bullets

Doug

 

[Allen Kitts]

dougduey do you remember what your velocities were with the Retumbo and the 137 grain bullets?

 

[Allen Kitts]

Use Retumbo for the 137 gr and H4831 for the 124 gr bullets.
You'll end up around 57-58 gr or higher with the 137's
I can't remember what my final load was with the 124 gr, but I'll get back to you on that. You'll love these bullets

Doug

I also would like to know if your barrel has a 1 in 8, 1-8-1/2 or 1in 9 twist?

 

[dougduey]

I don't actually run the 137 bullets since I have a 1:8 twist. I got that info from another source when I was originally thinking I could shoot the 137's. Ask Steve at Hammer Bullets, for he should have the info you're looking for.
I'm getting over 3200 fps with the 124's

 

[MTGunner]

I stopped into the Hammer bullet shop to speak to Steve a bit back. He was full out busy filling orders for his Bullets. He did take time to talk to me and actually made some 6.5, 121 Hammer bullets to work up a load for my 260AI. I have been loading 120 BT. I worked up three loads with H4350, 46.0 gr., 46.5 gr. and 47.0 gr. The 47.0 gr. load produced .50 groups at 100 yds. from the bench. My 260AI is a 1-9 twist and these 121 gr. group very good at 100 yds. Have not tried beyond 100 yds. as they are a bit spendy to just shoot groups.....but, have some loaded and will try them on antelope and deer this coming season. MTG

 

[Wedgy]

I have a 6.5 x 284 Cooper Backcountry and have ordered some Hammer 124 gr and 137 gr. bullets and am looking for anyone's experience with these, particularly starting loads. Anticipated use will be for sheep hunting.IMR 4831, Retumbo, H1000, RL 23 and RL 26? Any suggestions or guidance appreciated. Thank you in advance.

You need a 7 twist to run the 137 grain bullet, best to check it manually as a lot of barrels are mislabeled.