Introducing the Absolute Hammer

[GLTaylor]

Absolute Hammer Load Data
Rev 3, 10-1-20

Well, guys and gals, you're staying busy.
You are now up to about 8 pages of loading data!
That's great! The learning curve is getting shorter and shorter for these new bullets.

It seems some are still struggling with the concept of needing much faster powders than they are used to using. Be patient and do not hesitate to ask questions or opinions before you leap out there if you're unsure. Especially if you are not accustomed to loading for wildcat cartridges! There is a tremendous wealth of knowledge here among the members. Take advantage of it.

As a general observation in looking at all the data, it appears that the 6.5mm 123 Absolute Hammers are maxing out in velocities in the 3500s range. Some are waiting to see what effect (if any) crimping may have and I am sure somebody will bring in a monster cartridge that will change this.

Till then, keep the data coming - and be careful out there! Here is the current revision (#3).

George
Follow-up note : load data is now on the Reloading Forum, under Absolute Hammer Load Data

 

[jimisbell]

So, what you are saying is that my Lapua 338 Magnum, 26" barrel with 1:9 twist, likely wont see an advantage?

 

[Bob Wright]

I tried the 123 AH with some faster powders in my 26" 6.5 CM T/C Encore. I loaded six rounds at .3 grain intervals ending at Quickload "near max" load for my specs. Results as follows:

IMR 3031: 3,031 fps @ 39.2 grains with no pressure signs. Blown primer @ 39.5 grains (3,052 fps). QL showed pressure of 61,700 for 39.5.
RL10X: 3,056 fps @ 35.0 grains with no pressure signs.
Varget: 3,022 fps @ 41.5 grains with no pressure signs.
CFE223: 3,178 fps @ 44.9 grains with no pressure signs. Blown primer @ 45.2 grains (3,208 fps). QL pressure for 45.5 grains was 58,883.
RL15: 3,174 fps @ 41.9 gr with no pressure signs. Blown primer @ 42.2 grain (3,205 fps). QL pressure - 60,365.

CFE223 and RL15 produced 200 fps speed bump with no pressure over the 130 Berger and 131 HH. I used QL to estimate max as published load data is not widely available for some of these powders with this bullet weight range. I recognize that I was pushing and in one case (RL 15) exceeded published book data, but none were indicated by QL to exceed SAAMI pressure for this round. My goal was to find pressure and I found it. I just did not expect to find it this way. Reading pressure can be problematic with the Encore, but I typically get minor primer cratering or flattening when I'm getting near max, but that was not the case today, I will shooting groups with CFE223 (44.9) and RL15 (41.9) tomorrow.

What primer?

 

[LVJ76]

What primer?

I read on Hammers website that magnum primers are recommended. Don't know what everyone is using but this is what they recommend.

Stay safe

 

[Bob Wright]

I read on Hammers website that magnum primers are recommended. Don't know what everyone is using but this is what they recommend.

Stay safe

Was really wondering what primer to determine cup thickness. Seems like blowing primers was occurring repeatedly. Possibly finding a thicker cup material may help or at least understood. Piercing them with a simple step up in powder weight seems significant to me.

 

[dok7mm]

CCI 250 mag primers seem to work well, if you check the load data pages, if you can find any.

 

[JMW67]

My load for the 6.5 creedmoor in the 700cp was with the 109 AH

 

[GLTaylor]

My load for the 6.5 creedmoor in the 700cp was with the 109 AH

Thanks. My goof.

 

[pickens72]

Has anyone shot any 22 caliber Absolute Hammers, yet?
If so, in what chambering and what velocity did you see?

I have a Remington 788 in redundant .308 that would be neat-o in 22-243 or something along those lines

Im running them
3950 in a 22 saum!

 

[GLTaylor]

So, what you are saying is that my Lapua 338 Magnum, 26" barrel with 1:9 twist, likely wont see an advantage?

According to Steve's very limited testing (of one rifle), when capacity exceeds 100 grs of powder, the 200+ fps increase diminishes to some extent - or so it seems. I don't know.

 

[GLTaylor]

Im running them
3950 in a 22 saum!

Share load data, barrel, twist, primer, brass, etc., please

 

[GLTaylor]

My load for the 6.5 creedmoor in the 700cp was with the 109 AH

It has been corrected. Thanks.

 

[just_jon]

What primer?

Federal 210M

 

[pickens72]

Share load data, barrel, twist, primer, brass, etc., please

64gr rl25, 6.5t rockcreek,6.5 gap Hornady brass stepped down, 26in,cci mag primer!