The right bullet

160gr Barnes TSX and go slay animals.

Disclaimer: I haven't used HH on any game so won't comment about them. Barnes have a high tendency to leave holes on both sides. I like holes, what can I say? The double hole leaks quite nicely when placed through both lungs or even better, above the heart wrecking arteries on its path to the furthest hillside.
 
I have been leaning towards the hammer bullets. But a bit hesitant to because I have no experience with monolithic bullets but feel I would be better off if I hit heavy bone. I haven't used Berger but have used the eld-x. I feel they are very similar. Although I have only used that bullet in lighter weights I have liked the results but hesitant as to what it would do with high speeds and a messed up shot. I don't plan on a bad shot but let's face once in a while they happen. Not sure if I want the super heavy for caliper bullets but it seems in the Berger or eld-x that's what you need for the comfort of it's going to do it's job. Maybe I am just looking to deep at it, lol
I use 168 vld Berger for several years elk down every time my opinion
 
Accubonds and partitions have served me well over the years. Accubonds are more accurate in my rifles than partitions but they sure are deadly. The last few months I ordered Hammers and am currently working on loads. This time of year where I live is miserably hot and humid so my range time is very little. Hammer support is second to none. Great product, great people, and plenty of support/data. Hard to believe you could go wrong with any of three although accuracy at long ranges with partition may be questionable depending on who is squeezing the trigger. Enjoy the process!
 
Your right, Your looking too hard at it, The mono will be way more forgiving than a cup and core bullet in the event of a bad shot
I think it depends on wether you hit bone or gut on a bad shot. I have zero experience with the hammers but the barnes I have shot do well when encountering bone but put one in the guts not so much. Of course the idea is to put the bullet in the right place and then bullet selection becomes much less critical.
 
If you have a 1:8" twist, the 177 Hammer Hunters are elk medicine.
If you have a 1:9" twist, the 155 Hammer Hunter might work.
Not sure why you don't want to use the 195 EOLs, but would use a 168-175 Berger unless you don'thave the twist for them. I know the 180 Hyb and 184 F Open Hyb work very well on elk. So does the 175 Elite Hunter.
 
I think it depends on wether you hit bone or gut on a bad shot. I have zero experience with the hammers but the barnes I have shot do well when encountering bone but put one in the guts not so much. Of course the idea is to put the bullet in the right place and then bullet selection becomes much less critical.
That's one of the major advantages of the Hammers, it makes no difference what you hit, they still preform thae same way
 
Then I think you're more in the light fast category. Something between the 120-140 grain Hammer Hunter line. These give you better mid range trajectories, and consistent terminal performance at high velocity.
+1
 
Number one, use the one that is the most accurate. If more than one shoots well I'd favor a monolithic like Barnes TSX/TTSX or the Hammer. I use Berger HVLDs in a few rifles and they seem to work just fine. Accubonds, A-frames, or Partitions are also good choices but understand the merits and limitations of each. With monolithics I like shots through the shoulder as it anchors them well and they don't tear up the whole animal. With HVLDs or Accubonds I prefer just behind the shoulder. Hit a bone with those and you'll have less to eat.
 
Last edited:
Top